Abstract:
Commercial forestry is a growing industry in Tanzania, and is central to several major development sectors
including construction and rural electrification, and is among the measures which are needed to combat
forest loss and address the growing wood supply deficit. The Forestry Development Trust (FDT) is an
independent, Tanzanian legal entity which was established in 2013 to help transform the commercial
forestry sector by making it more competitive, inclusive and resilient. This paper draws together findings
from various lines of FDT’s work with partners over the past two years including: (i) an industry outlook
for plantation resources and wood markets; (ii) performance measurement of tree improvement genetic
trials; (iii) tree grower practices adoption surveys in the Southern Highlands; and (iv) private sector inputs
to the revision of the National Forest Policy. Collectively, this work highlights three messages which are
relevant to the transformation of the sector. Firstly, the private sector plays a fundamental and growing
role in commercial forestry (including tree growers, investors, SMEs and service providers). This requires
an enabling policy environment that recognises private roles, addresses key constraints, and stimulates
investment and innovation. Secondly, the power of collaboration by public and private actors in technical
innovations such as tree improvement research is immense, as it allows for leverage and sharing of
technical and financial resources. Ensuring coordinated and sustainably-funded tree breeding is a key
challenge to the sector. Thirdly, the sustainability of commercial forestry development and national tree
planting initiatives depend on explicit recognition of economic and technical considerations including
grower incentives, financial viability, site-species selection, and the quality of inputs and practices.
