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The aim of this thesis was to enhance the understanding of the role of Non-Timber Forest
Products (NTFPs) in climate change adaptation through studying households adjacent and
distant to Iyondo Forest Reserve (IFR) in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Apparently,
Kilombero District is prone to diverse climatic stresses; and the role of NTFPs in the way
that households adapt and achieve livelihood security in the face of climate stressors is
neither well known nor documented. The study aimed at addressing this need through use
of sustainable livelihood framework.
Data were collected using socio-economic
appraisal, forest inventory and review of secondary information. Both qualitative and
quantitative analyses were undertaken. The multinomial logistic regression analysis was
used to analyze the socio-economic factors influencing adoption of developed adaptation
strategies. Findings showed that both households adjacent and distant perceived
prevalence of changing climate in terms of dry spells, floods, heavy rains and extreme
heat. Three NTFPs namely: firewood, medicinal plants and thatch grasses were identified
to be of priority. The number of stems and seedlings per hectare of firewood and
medicinal trees species in IFR was relatively high implying availability and active natural
recruitment. The economic value of the priority NTFPs, at a discounting rate of 10% was
TZS 31 971 508 412.24. The households had developed local adaptation strategies that
include: use of NTFPs, as well as farm and non-farm strategies, such as crop
diversification, changing cropping calendar, adopting modern farming techniques,
livestock rearing and fishing. Inferential statistics showed that household size, residential
period, land ownership and household income were the socio-economic variables that
influenced adoption of existing local adaptation strategies positively and significantly at
5% probability level. The study concluded that NTFPs were not only used for subsistence
but also for different types of livelihood capitals. They are closely linked to people’s portfolio of wider strategies that were often used for trade and gaining financial capital.
Findings suggested that policies aimed at supporting rural adaptive capacity need to
address the rules and social factors that impede access and support the way NTFPs
contribute to various types of livelihood capitals |
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