Effectiveness of Indigenous Techniques in Conserving Natural Forests in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: The Case of Makete District

Abstract

This article examines the effectiveness of indigenous techniques in conserving the natural forests in Makete district, Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Indigenous people established traditional practices, which regulated interaction between people and nature. Through a mixed research approach, the collection of primary data involved in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), field observation and household survey administered to heads of the households. Also, secondary data were collected to supplement primary data. The study composed of 242 respondents. Findings from the study revealed that indigenous cultural practices were effective in conserving the natural forests; however, modernization and death of custodians of traditional functions contributed to weaken the power of cultural practices employed to conserve the natural forests. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge and modern technologies in conserving the natural forests, which were initially conserved traditionally.