Willingness to Adopt the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART): The Case of Ugalla Game Reserve, Tanzania

Authors

Flora John Magige, University of Dar es SalaamFollow
Cuthbert L. Nahonyo, University of Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaFollow
Paulo Wilfred, Open University of TanzaniaFollow
Heri Kayeye, Sokoine University of AgricultureFollow
Alex W. Kisingo, College of African Wildlife ManagementFollow

Abstract

The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is a software for measuring, evaluating and improving the effectiveness of wildlife-law enforcement patrols, thereby enabling a better use of limited capacity and human resources, and improving anti poaching in protected areas. The Ugalla Game Reserve introduced SMART in 2016 to facilitate patrol management in the protected area. The objective of this study is to determine the willingness of the Reserve staff to adopt the SMART technology two years after its implementation. Structured questionnaires were administered to 19 rangers from the headquarters and ranger posts of the Reserve who participated in the study. Generally, the SMART technology was well-received; with all the respondents agreeing that SMART be used for monitoring law enforcement, and that it would benefit their protected area. Most of the respondents (78.9%, n=15) were willing to use the programme (χ2 = 6.368, df = 1, p = 0.01). The willingness to adopt the technology was ascribed to the prior knowledge of GIS that the staff had before the introduction of SMART, on which the technology largely relies. The enthusiasm to adopt SMART in the Reserve despite the challenges should be used as a factor to improve the collection of patrol data. Additionally, improved law enforcement—coupled with in-service training, provision of equipment, incentives and improved infrastructure—are required for effective management of the Reserve. The study recommends using Ugalla as a basic model for extending SMART technology to other game reserves to combat poaching activities in Tanzania

Recommended Citation

John Magige, Flora; L. Nahonyo, Cuthbert; Wilfred, Paulo; Kayeye, Heri; and W. Kisingo, Alex (2022) "Willingness to Adopt the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART): The Case of Ugalla Game Reserve, Tanzania," Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 10 : No. 6 , Article 9.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10.i6.8

Publication Date

3-10-2022

DOI

10.56279/jhss.v10.i6.8

Publisher

Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE)