Socio-Economic Drivers for Farming Households’ Decision to Conserve Nature around Mount Uluguru, Tanzania

Abstract

Nature conservation means preservation or restoration of the environment and wildlife. The activity is just beyond someone's will; it is highly influenced by socio-economic factors. This study examined the drivers for farming households to conserve the nature around Mount Uluguru in Morogoro, Tanzania. A survey was conducted in five villages around the Arc Uluguru Mountain, and only 106 respondents were randomly selected. To supplement the information, focus group discussions were held with village leaders and environmental committee members in each village who gave their precious information for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies, percentage, and mean for examining characteristics of the sampled population, while the binary logistic model was used to analyze the factors that drive farmers to participate in nature conservation. It was found that farming experience, access to support services and awareness in bylaws and regulations increase the chances of participating in environmental conservation amongst the household members. Also, being a male individual and having old age decreases the chances of engagement to nature conservation activities. The study recommends that, in conservation activities, gender roles should be taken into consideration, as anyone can take charge and participate in nature conservation. Furthermore, more training, materials, and equipment are needed from governmental and NGO’s to help nature conservation in Mount Uluguru.