Human and Wildlife Co-existence in Mbomipa, Iringa, Tanzania: Is it a Long-lasting and Equitable Equilibrium?

Matumizi Bora ya Malihai Idodi na Pawaga (Mbomipa) is among the community-based wildlife management approaches (WMA) within the Ruaha-Rungwa Ecosystem. The major purpose is to promote wildlife conservation among communities living adjacent to the ecosystem. This study was conducted around MBOMIPA in four villages of Tungamalenga, Mapogoro (in Idodi Division), Itunundu and Kinyika (in Pawaga Division) to assess the effectiveness of the approach in biodiversity conservation and its contribution to local communities’ livelihoods. Data were collected through questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The results showed that there was a significant difference (Chi-square; p<0.05) in responses towards community awareness on biodiversity activities and their contribution to biodiversity conservation; whereby the majority of the respondents were aware of biodiversity conservation.. The study found that majority of the respondents participated in conservation activities through reporting illegal activities, rescuing animals, scaring animals, tree planting and anti-poaching control. Furthermore, the study found that local communities benefited from the MBOMIPA WMA, although their primary source of income was linked to agricultural activities. Revenue and employment opportunities obtained from investors were among the benefits local community gained. The study concludes that it is important to involve communities in the management of wildlife within their localities. Finally, the study is a contribution towards understanding the functioning of the wildlife management areas in the face of the increasing human population associated with expansion of agricultural and pastoralism activities in the neighbourhoods.