The Contribution of REDD Pilot Project to Community Livelihoods: A Case Study of Kondoa District, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania has been implementing a project to reduce emission fromdeforestation and degradation (REDD). The REDD pilot project has beenconsidered as a viable option in enhancing conservation and communitylivelihoods. Moreover, the contribution of REDD to community livelihoodshas not been critically investigated. This study attempts to fill thisinformation gap by using a case study of Kondoa District. The study usemixed methods to capture information from the field, including householdsurveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for SocialScience (SPSS), while descriptive and content analysis were used forqualitative data. The findings reveal high awareness of the REDD pilotproject by the communities. It was further observed that the REDD projecthas contributed income to the community from carbon sales, improvedagricultural production, and has introduced income generating activities.The study concludes that for the REDD project to be successful, communityparticipation should be strengthened in planning and designing strategiesfor the REDD project. It further suggests that for the REDD project to gainmore support from the community, tangible benefits and more incomegenerating activities should be given priority.