In pre-colonial Africa, Indigenous Knowledge (IK) was very effective in conserving natural forests because it was free from the current challenges. Therefore, this paper assesses effectiveness and sustainability of IK in conserving natural forests. It also examines the impact of modernisation on IK. The study employed mixed research methods to triangulate information. Thus, the data were collected through in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), field observation and household survey. The study composed of 242 respondents, of whom 88 respondents participated in in-depth interview and FGDs, whereas 154 respondents participated in a household survey. The study found that IK lost its power hence affecting its effectiveness in conserving natural forests. Modernisation and missionary religion played a central role in weakening the power of IK. It was further found that the relevance and sustainability of IK was questionable because IK faces many challenges, which threaten its existence. Therefore, the study recommends that to ensure the sustainability of IK, there is a need for elders to transfer IK to young generation based on the local environment. It is also imperative for the government to take part in conserving forests owned by clans. This is because IK has lost the power, which contributed in conserving natural forests.
This article examines Land-Use (LU) dynamics in Lupila ward of Makete District in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to track LU change in Lupila ward from 1984 to 2014. Geographical information system (GIS) was employed to track LU/Land-Cover (LU/LC) change from 1984 to 2014. The questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), in-depth interview and field observations were used to supplement GIS. The data were collected from 87 respondents through questionnaire, FGDs and in-depth interview. Five LU/LC classes were identified, which are agriculture with scattered settlement, natural forests, woodlands, bushlands and grasslands. The identified LU/LC classes changed (increased and decreased) over time. Findings from respondents indicated that LU/LC change was mainly caused by the introduction of exotic tree species and decline in soil fertility. Based on the findings, the study recommends that it is imperative for the respective authority to introduce LU plan in each village so as to rescue resources like natural forests from being depleted.
This article examines the effectiveness of indigenous techniques in conserving the natural forests in Makete district, Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Indigenous people established traditional practices, which regulated interaction between people and nature. Through a mixed research approach, the collection of primary data involved in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), field observation and household survey administered to heads of the households. Also, secondary data were collected to supplement primary data. The study composed of 242 respondents. Findings from the study revealed that indigenous cultural practices were effective in conserving the natural forests; however, modernization and death of custodians of traditional functions contributed to weaken the power of cultural practices employed to conserve the natural forests. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge and modern technologies in conserving the natural forests, which were initially conserved traditionally.
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