Development of Sustainable Forest Use Strategies - Eastern Arc ...

turnover compared to other livestock, has less capital and running costs, can
be easily managed by households and inspires children;
viii. Increase cash income in the areas (micro-credit schemes/income-generating
activities). Whilst livestock meat is available in most rural areas, it is not
affordable; Also, in many rural areas poaching creates employment, although
the low price obtained suggests that bush meat is not a luxury commodity
with high profit margins. Increased income may take them away from or
prevent them from thinking about going into poaching;
ix. Carry out animal census and determine sustainable harvesting levels;
x. Educate and sensitise people to change their mindset. Some rural residents
hunt or buy wild meat for cultural and habitual reasons in addition to food
security pressures;
xi. Strengthen vermin control units; and
xii. Introduce and encourage wildlife farming to reduce pressure on wild
population.
Wildlife trade
Regardless of the high potential of this trade, little is known about species
involved, distribution and harvestable/cropping levels. Not withstanding, there
is evidence of people being involved in the business e.g. the collection of
animals for the pet trade was observed in Udzungwa mountain block.
3.2.3.3 Strategies to Improve and Sustain wildlife trade
We propose the following strategies to improve and sustain wildlife trade:
i. Encourage surrounding villages to form production groups and farm wild
animal species (insects, reptiles, birds, mammals etc.) in an ecologically
sustainable way for subsistence and trade. Cane rats (Thryonomys
swinderianus) probably holds the most potential; not only do they breed
quickly but are likely to be culturally acceptable (Chardonnet et al., 2002 and
Anon., 2004d in TRAFFIC, Undated). Other species that have been farmed
for their meat in Africa include the Brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus
africanus), Giant rat (Cricetomis emini), Red river hog (Potamochoerus
porcus), Duikers (Cephalophus spp.), Giant African snail (Archachatina
marginata), Helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), Double-spurred
francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus) and Scaly francolin (Francolinus
squamatus) (Anon., 2004d; Chardonnet et al., 2002; Wilkie et al., 1999 all in
TRAFFIC, Undated);
ii. Promotion of community-based eco-tourism;
iii. Carry out census and determine sustainable harvesting levels (situation
analysis);
iv. Build capacity of the communities in entrepreneurship skills (business plans,
recording keeping, and networking) and marketing;
v. Train villagers on selective capture techniques; and
34