Abstract:
The paper presents baseline results of gathered important information for inference in establishing
optimal production and utilization of Lesser-known (LK) and Lesser-utilized (LU) indigenous agro-
forestry timber species (IAGTS) in improving incomes of rural communities in Kilosa District. The main
key questions were: what are the characteristics of the sites for establishing LK and LU IAGTS; who
are the main actors in establishing LK and LU IAGTS; what are LK and LU IAGTS and other species
for establishment in the study area and what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats for establishing LK and LU IAGTS in the study area. Data collection was participatory,
involving key stakeholders, participants’ observations and literature surveys. A total of eight villages
were identified as potential sites for nursery establishment with seven main actors’ mostly local
communities engaged in tree planting activities under associations. Five priority LK and LU IAGTS
were identified and selected for nursery establishment. These were: Lonchocarpus capassa
(Mfumbili), Sclerocarya birrea (Mng’ongo), Vitex doniana (Mfudu), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia
(Msolo) and Combretum zeyheri (Mlama mweupe). The strengths and opportunities favouring the
establishment of LK and LU IAGTS nurseries were identified, with a few weaknesses and threats
which needed to be worked upon.
