Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation 

About: Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Forest inventory. It has an ISSN identifier of 2408-8129. Over the lifetime, 81 publications have been published receiving 349 citations.

Household livelihood strategies in the miombo woodlands of Tanzania: emerging trends

Abstract: The study was undertaken in Tanzania to assess the effect of some macro-economic policies on livelihood strategies for households within or in close proximity in miombo woodlands. The focus was on how their responses are impacting on the management and use of the woodlands. Data were collected at macro level from three sites categories as remote, intermediate and peri-urban. Also data on important macroeconomic trends were collected. The results indicate that reductions government spending have decreased agricultural support in terms of extension services and subsidies on farm inputs. The increase in prices of input factors relative to output has raised costs of farm inputs, cost of living in general and decreased disposable incomes for most rural dwellers, forcing some of them into extensive forest product exploitation and trade for each incomes. in the study sites, some forest products contribute between 50-70% of annual household incomes. However not many households have the capacity to take the advantage of promising forest-based income generating activities. Economic hardships also led to changes in gender roles particularly in per-urban and intermediate sites. Women are increasingly expanding their roles, away from traditional domestic activities to income generating activities such as forest product exploitation and sale, casual labour and petty business. Men are gradually talking up activities which have traditionally been in the domain of women. The role of local institutions and traditional values in management of woodlands has declined. Village governments have replaced village and clan elders in land allocation. Local beliefs of value for forest protection and traditional property rights which influence utilization of communal resources have gradually been eroded. Some macro-economic policies have created conditions for broadening the cash income base of rural communities and have put value on some otherwise non-tradable forest products. Local communicates advocate for the full involvement in the management and use of these resources. .

Evolution and Status of Paricipatory Forestry Management in Tanzania and future direction

Abstract: The key note paper provides an overview about the evolution and status of PFM in Tanzania with a reflection on future direction. The paper begins by highlighting the importance of forests and woodlands in enhancing community livelihoods not only in Tanzania but also across Africa. The paper also examines how PFM emerged including implementation of decentralization policies at the local level, which also led to Local Government reforms as well as restructuring of district and regional administrative structures. Evolution of PFM is a result of government’s inadequate capacity to protect and manage forest resources. Evolution and adoption of PFM strategies partly was due to implementation of the Forest Policy of 1998 supported by the Forest Act Cap 323 [R.E. 2002] which provided needed legal backing for engaging key stakeholders including local communities in conservation and management of forests and woodlands. In addition, the paper examines how PFM has shaped the villagers’ perceptions about conservation and likely benefits although the challenge remains on benefit sharing especially where Joint Forest Management initiatives are concerned. Despite some challenges, the importance of local communities’ engaging in forest conservation cannot be overemphasized. In conclusion, the paper highlights on the need to scale up PFM efforts by involving as many local communities as possible and also making sure that the issue of benefit sharing is resolved within a foreseeable future for the benefits of all. Keywords : Benefits sharing, colonial rule, decentralization, forest conservation, income, livelihoods, Joint Forest Management.

Recent land cover and use changes in Miombo woodlands of eastern Tanzania

Abstract: Forest and wood land ecosystems in Tanzania occupy more than 45% of the land area, more than two thirds of which made up of the Miombo woodland. The main form of land use in the Miombo region has long been shifting and small-scale sedentary cultivation. The lack of infrastructure and prevalence of deadly diseases such as malaria and trypanosiomiasis have long limited extensive clearance for cultivation, livestock farming and settlements. However, due to positives changes in the socio-economical, political and technological setup in miombo region, the types and intensity of land use are now changing. This paper discusses preliminary results from a study conducted with the aim of contributing to the understanding of dynamics of land cover and use changes in miombo woodlands of eastern Tanzania. The study area comprises four villages around the “Kitulangalo Forest Reserve”, 140 km west of Dar es Salaam on either side of the Morogoro-Dar es Salaam highway. Landsat MSS satellite images of July 1975, Landsat TM satellite images of July 2000 were used to assess land cover changes between 1975 and 2000. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), questionnaire survey and checklists for key informants were the major methods used for collecting socio-economic data. The land cover/use class of woodland with scattered cultivation has recorded the highest percentage of change between July 1975 and July 2000. While all other classes have registered positive changes, only the closed woodland class has had negative change meaning that this class has been decreasing in favour of other land cover/use classes. Recent land cover and use changes are drastic in the study area. These changes have been triggered largely by varied factors including mainly increased population density and subsequent economic activities. Economic activities including charcoal business, shifting cultivation, opening up of improved highway and pastoralism in the study area have greatly contributed to deforestation and woodland degradation. In light of these findings, there is need for: (1) Adequate land use planning and survey of village lands so as to avoid exacerbation of land use conflict and environmental degradation in the study area. (2) Agrarian reforms to eliminate open access regimes to natural resources. (3) Enforcement of fiscal policies related to the extraction of natural resource products such as timber and charcoal so as to reduce pressure on woodlands. Keywords: land use – cover change – Kitulangalo – miombo woodlands

Contribution of Wetlands to Household Income and Food Security in the Nyumba Ya Mungu Wetland System, Northern Tanzania

Abstract: Wetlands ecosystems are diverse and have diverse ecological, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural values that have not been fully quantified in Tanzania. This study was conducted to quantify the contribution of wetlands to socio-economic well being of the local communities adjacent to the ‘Nyumba ya Mungu’ wetland system in Kilimanjaro region Tanzania. Specifically the study assessed the contribution of wetland system to household income and food security and problems associated with the utilization of the wetland. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected by use of structured questionnaire administered to different households whose income and food depend mainly on this wetland system. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished reports from various sources. Participant observation was used to supplement information from questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results indicate that about 92% and 95% of the households derive their income and food from the wetland resources respectively. Main products of socio-economic values at the ‘Nyumba ya Mungu’ wetlands are fish (71%), water (19%), roofing materials (6%) and vegetables (4%). Activities related to the presence of the wetland are fishing (52%), fish gutting (10%), fish business (29%), boat hiring (3%) and farming (6%). On average about 94% of the local community around ‘Nyumba ya Mungu’ wetland depend entirely on the dam for their income and food. Absence or degradation of the wetland may imply high costs to the society/government in providing the products and/or services that would be foregone. Environmental costs associated with alternative options that would be practiced by the community in sourcing out the missing products and services would also be high. With increasing population around the wetlands there is a need to design alternative income generating activities to reduce overexploitation and degradation of the wetland. Integrated approach in designing wise use/wetland friendly activities can be useful in sustainable management of the wetlands. Key words: Wetlands, household, income, food security, fishing.

Socio-Economic Analysis Of Land Use Factors Causing Degradation And Deforestation Of Miombo Woodlands In Kilosa District, Tanzania

Abstract: Despite the threatening effects of deforestation, the dimension of this phenomenon at the micro-agent level is not well known. This study was conducted in Kilosa District, Tanzania to assess the socio-economic impact of agriculture, charcoal making and pitsawing on degradation and deforestation of Miombo woodlands. Data were collected through a socio-economic survey using questionnaire, participant observation, focused group discussions and literature survey. A total of 164 households (6.5% of the population) were randomly sampled in 6 villages for interview. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results indicate that agricultural and charcoal making activities are statistically significant causes of deforestation in Miombo woodlands. Technically, charcoal making and pitsawing are regarded as selective logging but leads to degradation of Miombo woodlands as they are carried out extensively. Timber harvesting by pitsawing for example contributes the highest to household average annual income of Tanzanian Shillings (Tshs) 510,290 (US$ 425) followed by charcoal making Tshs 175,675 (US$ 146) and agriculture which account for an average of Tshs 80,290 (US$ 67). On average, total annual income per household amounts to Tshs.255, 420. The findings further suggest that population growth; poverty, market and policy failures are some of the major underlying causes of deforestation. The area cleared per household per year was 0.08 ha of which, agriculture contributed 0.04 ha, equivalent to 50% of total deforestation; while charcoal making contributes 0.03 ha (37.5%). It is recommended that deliberate efforts be taken by the government: to improve people's economy hand in hand with conservation activities, develop alternative energy sources and ensure a proper definition of property rights and security of land tenure. Besides, extension education regarding tree planting and environmental conservation is of paramount significance. TJFNC Vol. 76 2007: pp. 28-39