Full text can be accessed at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-4959.2008.00290.x/fullThe study investigates the relationship at the micro-level between population, environment and development in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam. It argues that deep-rooted poverty can lead to overdependence on a single resource and rapid population growth can lead to the invasion of marginal lands and environmental degradation and poverty (Madulu et al. 1993), and recognises the importance of community-based environmental conservation. The specific objectives of the paper are to examine the impact of economic activities on natural resource management; and to assess the impact of environmental conservation organisations on natural resource management.