Description:
Wildfires are known to originate from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Man has been associated
with fire overtime in the history. Humans through various activities are known to be major source of
wildfire in the Selous Game Reserve. This study aimed at determining the role of socio-economic
activities in the occurrence of wildfire in the reserve. Semi structured interview and Likert scaling was
used in data collection. Poaching, charcoaling, agriculture, pastoralism, fishing and residential
protection were among of the socio-economic activities influencing the occurrence of wildfire in the
reserve. Charcoal production (Mean=4.455±0.0082) scored highest while pastoralism
(Mean=2.338±0.15) scored least of all. However the attitude of local communities between Ngarambe
and Tapika villages varied significantly due to difference in socio economic activities between these two
villages. It is recommended that education provision, extension services and law enforcement to these
local communities will enhance proper use of fire and decrease the destructive unnecessary wildfires.