Dissertation (MSc Natural Resources Management)
Sustainability of many natural resources including mangroves is threatened by the ongoing high extent of over utilization. A study was carried out in 2012 among four villages; Mtongani, Mbuyuni, Kaole and Magomeni to assess impacts of fishers‟ community on the conservation of mangrove forestry resources. Specifically it aimed: (1) to identify institutions and institutional arrangements managing mangroves, (2) to assess extent of mangroves degradation, (3) to analyze important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on sustainability of mangroves; and (4) to assess the applied mitigation measures for management of mangroves. Socio-economic survey, participatory resource assessment, focus group discussion, key informant interviews were employed among 180 respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0, SAS version 4.0 and Excel 2007. Important institutions on management of the mangroves were Central Government and Local Government authorities of Kinondoni and Bagamoyo district councils. The mangrove ecosystem was characterised by high extent of degradation ranging from 0.20 to 0.31 of ha in Kunduchi and Bagamoyo, respectively. Potential strength on mangroves management was existence of strong policies; weakness was inadequate community participation; opportunity was presence of NGOs dealing with conservation (WWF, WCST); and threat was lack of alternative energy sources that resulted in heavy utilization of mangroves for fuel wood. It could be concluded that more involvement among fishers' community on mangroves management is imperative. The study recommends capacity building programmes for all important stakeholders on enhanced management of mangroves.