Role of Co-operative Societies and Members in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management amid Climate Change in Tanzania

Abstract

Managing and caring for the environment and natural resources is a responsibility that falls on everyone and every sector, especially in the era of global climate change. Co-operative societies and their members engage in various economic activities, and their impact on the environment and natural resources is significant. Given that climate change and economic activities are intertwined, understanding how co-operatives and their members contribute to environmental management is crucial for addressing climate change and improving livelihoods. This study explores the role of co-operative societies and their members in environmental and natural resource management, focusing on how these activities contribute to socio-economic improvements and climate change mitigation. It examines the involvement of co-operative societies and their members in environmental management efforts, whether initiated by the societies themselves or as a result of their membership. Additionally, the study assesses the value placed on environmental and natural resource management by these co-operatives and their members. The research primarily involves agricultural co operative societies, savings and credit co-operatives, and individual members, highlighting their contributions to managing natural resources and enhancing their socio-economic conditions.