A study on the potential of forest ecosystem services to the livelihood of communities
around Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve in Lushoto District, Tanzania was conducted.
Questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and participant’s observation were used.
Qualitatively and quantitatively data were analysed using the Statistical Package for
Social Science. Provisioning services were mostly recognized by local communities as the
service provided by forest ecosystem followed by cultural services. Provisioning services
played greater role in people’s livelihood by generating subsistence income. Income
generated (66%) by both men and women were highly used to cater for food, health and
education. There was no significant difference between gender and income generated
from provisioning services to household livelihood. Men were mainly involved in forest
protection and tree planting conservation aspects while women involved in law
enforcement thus attaining sustainable forest ecosystem utilization. Fire incidences,
planting crops near to water sources and illegal timber harvesting were observed to be
the main constraints towards sustainable use of forest ecosystem services. It is concluded
that, communities were highly uncertain on the potentials of forest ecosystem services to
the livelihood, but in actual fact ecosystem services provide both direct and indirect
benefits for household livelihood though the income generated is low.