Contribution and challenges of mangrove conservation to community’s well-being in eastern Tanzania

Abstract. Ngowi NJ, Zakayo G. 2023. Contribution and challenges of mangrove conservation to community’s well-being in eastern Tanzania. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 13: 15-21. Several programs have been implemented Tanzania reverse degradation ecosystem the country. However, after their introduction 1990s, many small-scale farmers relying on ecosystems lost livelihoods. To ensure that people’s ecological integrity are sustained, this study investigated impact nature practices financial sustainability, food security local communities as well ecosystem. The employed a mixed-method approach where survey was used collect quantitative data from 90 household respondents selected randomly for questionnaire survey. This supplemented by collected through personal observations interviews administered 30 people (mainly key informants focus group discussion). Quantitative were analyzed crosstab IBM SPSS version 20. Qualitative using content method. results indicated introduced brought significant difference stability (p<0.05) increasing incomes implementing households US $80.29 compared $69.20 non-implementing households. 83% still faced insecurity having meals only twice daily, although it slightly higher 80% 85% 65% perceived had improved vegetation cover. suggest increased sustainability but failed enhance security. recommends integration rights usage land paddy fish farming achieve sustainable economic growth estuary.