The Significance of Motivational Incentives to the Management of Udzungwa Mountain National Park In Kilombero, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of providing motivational incentives to local communities to attract effective management of the Udzungwa Mountain National Park (UMDP) in Kilombero district. It also examines the benefits accrued by local people from the UMDNP, explores factors motivating people to manage the UMNP, and determines challenges encountered in the management of the park. The article employs data from a study that was carried out in Msosa, Msolwa, Mkula and Ruipa villages; where a total of 233 heads of households and 7 tour guides were interviewed. The data generation process was complemented by focus group discussions and observations. The results show that active involvement of the heads of households in the management of the park was driven by benefits accrued from it. The results further suggested that local communities that live adjacent to the park are aware of the importance and role of such motivation. It is further uncovered that proper management may potentially reduce deforestation and degradation of the park. The analyst of this paper is guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The paper recommends the need for promoting the provision of motivational incentives as a useful strategy for attracting active community participation in the management of national parks.