Title: Human Resource Policies for Eco-Entrepreneurs: Building Capacity for Sustainable Natural Resource Use in Kilolo District.
Authors: Thom Manyasi Revocatus, Gaston Robert Masalu, Yohana Tweve
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 52-63
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the role of human resource (HR) policies in strengthening eco-entrepreneurship for sustainable natural resource management in Kilolo District, Tanzania a rural region grappling with ecological degradation and economic vulnerability. Amid global calls to reconcile environmental stewardship with livelihood security, the research addressed a critical gap in understanding how institutional frameworks can empower grassroots eco-entrepreneurs in resource-dependent contexts. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with 242 respondents, including eco-entrepreneurs, local officials, and NGO representatives. Findings revealed systemic challenges: fragmented institutional coordination, low awareness of HR policies, and significant technical skill gaps in financial literacy, climate-smart practices, and digital tools. Despite widespread use of indigenous knowledge in resource management, formal policies marginalized traditional practices, exacerbating resource-use conflicts and governance distrust. Stakeholders emphasized the complementary potential of hybrid approaches blending modern and traditional systems but highlighted bureaucratic barriers to green incentives and participatory decision-making. The study concluded that existing HR frameworks inadequately address Kilolo's socio-ecological realities, perpetuating cycles of environmental and economic precarity. Recommendations prioritize context-driven reforms, including decentralizing policy design, integrating traditional knowledge into training programs, and fostering collaborative governance. By bridging institutional silos and amplifying grassroots voices, this research contributes actionable insights for policymakers seeking to leverage eco-entrepreneurship as a catalyst for equitable sustainability in rural Africa. The findings show the urgency of aligning HR strategies with local dynamics to build resilient, inclusive green economies in climate-vulnerable regions.