Abstract:
This study aimed at assessing the hindrance factors for government afforestation projects at Hai
District, Kilimanjaro, while specifically intended to investigate the afforestation systems (or
approaches) used by the government projects at Hai District, to ascertain the level of community
participation in afforestation projects at Hai District, and to examine the hindrance factors for
afforestation projects at Hai District. In approaching research issues, the researcher used a
descriptive research survey, whereby a mixed research approach was also employed. A total
sample size of 223 respondents was employed using both probability and non-probability sampling
techniques. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression
analysis with the use of SPSS software. The findings of the study revealed that the planting
approach is more commonly employed in Hai District than other approaches, including “Approach
1: Site Preparation, Approach 2: Spacing, and Approach 3: Pitting. The study also revealed that the
majority of citizens in the community of Hai District rarely participate in the reforestation of degraded
forest areas. It was discovered that they rarely participate in tree nursery establishments, occasional
forest fire fighting participation, rarely do reforestation of degraded forest areas participation, and
rarely participate in tree planting training programs in the community of Hai District. The study
concludes that the predictors, which include inadequate land size, water scarcity, high pricing of
seedlings, and low-quality seeds, all have an effect on the dependent variable; thus, all predictors
have a significant effect on hindering the successful afforestation project in Hai District. The study
recommends that there is a need to demonstrate that tree planting is an appropriate land use that
complements other farming practices, illustrating the full range of potential environmental benefits,
including the role of trees in creating a more resilient region.
