Assessing the Local Community’s Perceptions on the Planting of Indigenous Tree Species: The Case of Muheza District in Tanzania.

Lyimo, Emmanuel Richard (2025) Assessing the Local Community’s Perceptions on the Planting of Indigenous Tree Species: The Case of Muheza District in Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study assessed local community perceptions on planting indigenous tree species in East Usambara Mountains, in Muheza District It focused on attitudes, land tenure influences, and tree planting trends over the past 30 years. Field surveys were conducted in four villages including Kwezitu, Msasa IBC, Kwemdimu, and Shambangeda. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 155 households, while purposive sampling was employed to identify participants for four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and seven Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Open Data Kit (ODK) tools facilitated data collection. Data from the household surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Whilee data gathered through KIIs and FGDs were analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed a predominant negative attitude toward planting indigenous trees, as 80% of households viewed them as naturally regenerating without human intervention. Additionally, 73% of respondents believed that secure land tenure, particularly through Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy (CCROs), encourages indigenous tree planting, while land size ownership also influenced planting decisions. The study further highlighted a significant decline in indigenous tree planting over the past three decades. To address these challenges, the study recommends raising awareness, TFS to establish indigenous nurseries at nature reserves and distribute seedlings free to communities. The implementing policy reforms, enhancing land security, and conducting further research on community preferred indigenous tree species. Key Words: Planting, Indigenous Tree, Local Communities, Perception and Attitudes.

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