Environmental Education: Assessing the Effectiveness

The study focuses on the evaluation of the effectiveness of environmental conservation education (ECE) as an outreach program conducted by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). Four villages in Mikumi ward in Kilosa district namely, Kidoma, Kikwaraza, Magoma, and Tamkareli were involved. Survey data were collected using household questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Semi-structured interviews and physical observation. The study found that about 49% of the local communities could see environmental conservation education sub-program as effective in the area. The effectiveness indicators included reduced deforestation and wildfire, improved community awareness on environmental conservation and operational conservation projects. However, ECE program has not achieved its objective because looking at sub-program targets only 39% of implementation was realized. The study reveals inadequate ECE training manual, limited financial capacity, inadequate human capacity and unjustified benefit sharing schemes as ECE weaknesses.