Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate causes of poor public participation in the implementation of the Forestry Policy (FP) in the case of the management of natural resources along the banks of Likangala and Mulunguzi rivers, in spite of the concept being integrated in the ‘new’ Forestry Policy.
The researcher employed Interpretivism and inductive approaches because literature revealed that, although the participation phenomenon may be worldwide, its meaning, role, function, and importance vary from culture to culture and political system to political system. Further, it has also been revealed that neither normative nor empirical theories applicable to this topic have been formulated. The study employed a case study strategy so as to intensely examine the banks of the two rivers in order to gain an understanding of the causes of poor public participation in its real-life context. This strategy was also opted because it is ideal for this qualitative research which has attempted to answer the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions.
The results showed that, the community is not participating in the implementation of the FP by managing natural resources along the banks of Likangala and Mulunguzi rivers. It also transpired that, since the government did not consult the community during the FP review process, is is not aware of its roles and benefits of participating in the implementation of the FP. Additionally, members of the community mentioned lack of trained community personnel, lack of incentives, the fear of government claiming ownership of trees planted by them and the risk of having tree seedlings uprooted by those cultivating on the riverbanks as factors contributing to poor public participation in the implementation of the FP.
The study largely recommends that, government and its stakeholders especially the community need to work in collaboration in order to harmonize expectations of all stakeholders. This will be achieved if the collaboration is done in a full, transparent and honest manner.