PLA Notes CD-ROM 1988-2001 3 A participatory methodology for community-based land and resource use planning: a case study from Tanzania

Document begins: PLA Notes CD-ROM 1988­2001 3 A participatory methodology for community-based land and resource use planning: a case study from Tanzania Derek Armitage and Suman Garcha Introduction The process was undertaken for an area of approximately 150,000 hectares in the western This paper provides a short account of a zone of Mbulu District. Three core villages participatory methodology used in the formed the primary focus of activities. Each development of land and resource use plans. village is inhabited by one of the three groups. This methodology overcomes constraints The western zone of Mbulu District has largely imposed when traditional processes focusing on been ignored by District authorities for several technical issues such as land use capability are reasons. Physically, the environment is harsh employed. Moreover, it allows stakeholders to with little potential for agricultural use. develop their own land and resource use Although located in an area of high population designations and encourages local-level density, the zone remains isolated partly due to resource management. The outcome of the a steep escarpment that has hindered the process is, we argue, a more sustainable and construction of roads. One of the greatest appropriate land and resource use plan. barriers to community ...