The just concluded Fifth EfD Annual Meeting in Arusha, Tanzania has transpired in the weekly renowned Swahili Newspaper titled; “Raia Mwema” literally translated as A Good Citizen in its publication of 2nd November, 2011, where an article by Felix Mwakyembe one of the long and renowned journalist was published.
The article centre around the presentations and discussion during the Policy Day of the EfD Annual meeting; explained that research by EfD has shown that there is a direct link between the citizens and the natural resources in their surroundings; and thus ignore the local community in the development of these resources is the source of unending crises. It also pointed out that, there is still a doubt and go slow on the part of the government in involving the local people in the management of the natural resources especially those in their vicinity.
Dr Edwin Muchapondwa from EfD South Africa is quoted advising the government of Tanzania to involve the local people in the management and protection of the natural resources within their vicinity. Dr Muchapondwa advised the government to use the market forces instead of the current issuing of license and fees in the protection of the natural resources.
The articled pointed out that apart from the EfD Research fellows, the meeting also involved representatives from the Swedish International Development agency (Sida) the main sponsors of EfD; Ministries, Departments and Agencies such as NEMC, COSTECH, Marine Zanzibar and from the Non Government Organizations (NGOs).
The article highlighted the number of researches carried out by EfD that were presented during the Policy Day. One of this is the improving of wildlife management for poverty reduction by Dr Edwin Muchapondwa. The research by Dr Muchapondwa shows that leaving the poor local communities with percent of the income emanating from the wildlife and forests not only motivate these communities from taking an active part in the protection but also assist in the improvement of livelihood including generation of employment. The research; involving six countries in the sub Saharan Africa shows the importance of participation of the local communities in the protection and management of natural resources.
The article also mentioned the ongoing research into REDD implementation in Tanzania being undertaken by Prof Elizabeth Robinson and other EfD Research Fellows in EfD Tanzania. The article quoted Prof Robinson who highlighted the difficulties of implementing a REDD strategy in countries such as Tanzania where forest degradation due in part to firewood collection and charcoal making is a particular issue.
Lastly the article pointed out the opening remark by Dr Julius Ningu, Director of Environment Department in the Vice President’s Office. In his opening remark, Dr Ningu identified the key issue that should be emphasized on how to regulate the use of the natural resources is that the natural resources programs should clearly shows how the local community will benefit. The full article is found in the link
http://www.raiamwema.co.tz/watafiti-maliasili-zikinufaisha-jamii-zitaepusha-migogoro
In its Swahili version, the lingua franca of Tanzania and the most spoken language in East Africa.