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This study assessed impacts of Community Conservation Banks on conservation and livelihood in three villages of Serengati district adjacent to Serengeti National Park. The villages were Bonchugu, Rwamchanga and Robanda. The study involved 60 COCOBA members who were selected through systematic random sampling procedures. Besides, the study involved 4 officials who were purposively selected. Data were mainly collected through questionnaires, interview, physical observation and focus group discussion. The data were also analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science and qualitative data analysis techniques. Results of the study showed that COCOBA members realized a number of livelihood benefits as well as conservation improvement. The specific reported livelihood benefits included an increased family cash income about Tshs. 277,000 to Tshs. 752,000 building better houses (21.6%), and payment for children’s education (16.7%). Besides, in terms of conservation initiatives, the respondent members reported to participate in planting trees (31.6%), protection of water catchment areas (26.7%), conservation and management of local forests (26.7%) as well as disengagement from poaching (15%). The reported main challenges faced the COCOBA members were unsustainable market for their products (21.7%), delay in loan returning (25%) and low savings (20%). In order to advance achievement of the dual goals of conservation and promotion of people’s livelihood in the SENAPA’s neighborhood communities, donors and other local and/or international stakeholders are encouraged to assist COCOBA in terms of raising the loan fund, as well as ensuring closer and more sustainable monitoring on the groups especially newly established ones. |
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