Human-nature relationships and its implications on the management of eastern arc water catchments of Tanzania

Abstract

This study is aimed at understanding the Human–Nature Relationships (HNRs) in the Lower Mngeta and Upper Zigi catchments, as parts of Eastern Arc water catchment areas, in the United Republic of Tanzania. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Norm-Activation Model (NAM) to understand the position of humans in the two catchments’ ecosystems. The study design involved Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interview, and Household Questionnaire Surveys. A total of 310 (185 males and 125 females) villagers were involved in this study. Furthermore, four HRN typologies, master over nature, partner with nature, a participant in nature, and steward of nature, were adopted. The study findings indicated that there was no significant difference (X 2 test, p > 0.05) in HNRs between the two catchments. Moreover, master over nature typology was dominant in both catchments, with values of 59.4% (n = 200) and 59.5% (n = 85) in Lower Mngeta and Upper Zigi, respectively. The main reason is that HNR is dependent on the nature of the livelihood activities and the mode of subsistence of a particular community. It was also found that the communities in Lower Mngeta and Upper Zigi catchments are mostly dependent on agricultural and hunting activities that highly depended on the two catchment resources. This study, therefore, recommends an increase in the level of community participation in all decision-making activities, as well as an increase in environmental education for sustainable utilization and management of the two catchment resources.