Dissertation (MSc. Natural Resource Management)This study was conducted in Mbeya rural District specifically in Idiga, Songwe Viwandani and Songwe villages, near to Songwe hills. The objectives of the study was to assess the status of Songwe hills natural resources degradation, impacts of natural resources degradation and livelihoods, and strategies for a sustainable management of Songwe hills. A study employed descriptive cross sectional research design and a sample size of 110 respondents was involved. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to determine the sample size. Based on a systematic household survey, field observation, group discussions and interviews with the key informants' met the exploration of the objectives. Data were analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative methods by using computer software Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 16) and Microsoft excel where by data were presented by using figures and tables in percent and frequency. The study have shown that natural resources adjacent to Songwe hills were being highly degraded mainly by deforestation, cultivation near water sources, charcoal production and overgrazing. It has been similarly established that, food insecurity, reduced water quantity and quality as well as resource conflicts and reduced income, have affected people's livelihoods. To mitigate the problem the study proposes environmental education, afforestation, establishment of natural resources committees, implementation of laws and by-laws as well as the use of energy serving stoves. It was further suggested that, there must be a community involvement as a priority mechanism to safeguard their natural resources. It is recommended that, the government and other stakeholders should reinforce strategies for sustainable use of natural resources to come out with an appropriate solution to abandon the problem. The recommended strategies include enforcement of environmental management by-laws and emphasis on conservation education.