Abstract
Today, the involvement of local communities becomes increasingly important for natural resource management. This study focuses on ‘community-based forest management (CBFM)’ and outlines a case from Tanzania in order to identify underlying causes and influencing factors. Study results showed an existing gap between the government's picture of CBFM Although acted in good faith, community-based approaches can have unforeseen reverse effects. To be effective, forest policy must include practical guidelines and financial support and integrate local knowledge and experience. Both interviews and questionnaires have shown the potential willing of people to be more involved in forest management. These unused human recourses could be mobilised by means of awareness raising campaigns, practical guidelines, and a better distribution of information.
