# Influence of Livelihood Strategies on Local People Perception Toward the Benefits and Cost of Community‐Based Natural Resource Management: A Case of Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Tanzania

## TL;DR

The study explores how different livelihood strategies in Tanzania influence local people's perceptions of wildlife management benefits and costs.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach by examining perceptions of both majority and minority livelihood groups in community-based natural resource management.

## Key findings

- Agro-pastoralists in BWMA expressed negative perceptions due to grazing restrictions and costs.
- Minority groups like fishmongers and weavers showed strong support as their livelihoods depend on BWMA.
- Perceptions and support levels varied between the two surveyed villages due to differing conflict levels.

## Abstract

Involving local people in the sustainable conservation of biodiversity is a global issue that requires urgent attention for better conservation outcomes. Understanding the views of those living next to the protected areas such as community‐based natural resource management (CBNRM) is critical to decision making in achieving the desired conservation goals. This study used a semi‐structured questionnaire approach (self‐administered) in a novel investigation of the perception toward the benefits and costs, and the level of support by local people with differing livelihood strategies to Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA). In total, 302 respondents from the two purposively selected villages out of 10 which form the BWMA were surveyed: Minjingu (147) and Vilima Vitatu (155). We found that the large number of the respondents (73%, n = 170) from the majority agro‐pastoralist group showed a negative perception toward the benefits received from the BWMA. Their negative perception was associated with the cost they experience from BWMA and the long‐term need of the grazing land from the area. On the contrary, respondents from minority groups (i.e., fish mongers, business, and weaving) were significantly positive toward the benefits of the BWMA and its existence, as their livelihood strategies are highly dependent on it. Furthermore, the level of support for the existence of the BWMA was different between the two surveyed villages, which might be due to the level of conflicts they have with its operations. Investigations of local perceptions toward natural resources management should not be limited to the groups in a society that have the majority livelihood strategy, but should also consider those whose livelihood strategies are in the minority and their voices largely ignored.

This study examined local perceptions of Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA) in Tanzania using semi‐structured questionnaires with 302 respondents from two villages. Findings revealed that the majority agro‐pastoralist group held negative views of BWMA due to grazing restrictions and associated costs, while minority groups such as fishmongers, businesspeople, and weavers expressed strong support because their livelihoods depend on it. The results highlight the importance of considering both majority and minority livelihood groups in community‐based natural resource management (CBNRM) to achieve equitable and sustainable conservation outcomes.