Browsing by Author "Lendii, Gladys"

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    Perspectives on a community-based wildlife conservation in Tanzania: insights into community willingness, awareness and perceptions
    (Eur J Wildl Res, 2025-09-20) Hariohay, K.M; Lendii, Gladys
    Community-based wildlife conservation integrates biodiversity protection with local livelihoods. In Tanzania, wildlife management areas (WMAs) such as Makao are managed by local communities, offering a decentralized approach to conservation. This study assessed community awareness, perception, and willingness to support the continued existence of Makao WMA in northwestern Tanzania. Data were collected from 283 respondents in two villages -forming the WMA (Makao and Mwangudo) and two adjacent villages (i.e. not part of the WMA Mwanyangula and Paji). The results showed a high awareness (89%) of the role of Makao WMA in biodiversity conservation, significantly influenced by respondent’s age and their participation in WMA-related activities. The willingness to support Makao WMA was significantly associated with residence village, education level, and conservation benefits received. Notably, 72% of respondents forming the WMA and only 28% from adjacent villages expressed willingness to support its continued existence, highlighting clear differences in access to benefits and inclusion in conservation efforts. Tangible benefits such as supporting construction of dispensaries and water systems and provision of employment contributed to positive perceptions to communities forming the WMA, while exclusion of people led to resentment among neighboring communities. The sustainability of community-based conservation hinges on transparent, inclusive governance, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. To strengthen community support for WMAs, targeted interventions must increase awareness across age and education groups and extend conservation benefits and participation opportunities to adjacent communities. Integrating these strategies into national conservation policy could enhance long-term biodiversity outcomes and social equity in protected area management.