The silviculture of woodlots of smallholder forest producers in Mufindi District, Tanzania: knowledge and treatments
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Date
2021
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation
Abstract
Smallholder forestry is experiencing many
challenges like limited understanding of
silvicultural treatments to impact the quality
and performance of woodlots. This study
determined the silvicultural treatments of
smallholders in Mufindi district by
interviewing 78 respondents then assessing
the silviculture of 78 woodlots in 13 sampled
villages. The study found out that more than
80% of smallholders had a certain level of
understanding of some treatments like
weeding and pruning. A major source of
knowledge was personal experiences from
fellow farmers and Sao Hill Forest
Plantation. Based on market demand, P.
patula and E. grandis were the most planted
species in the woodlots. Smallholders
reported planting trees at a spacing of 3 x 3
m without clear knowledge on factors to
consider for initial spacing. Also, reported
harvesting trees for sawn timber at 8 - 13
years and transmission poles at 6 - 8 years.
Contrary to knowledge, the assessment
found out that majority of woodlots had a
spacing of 2.5 x 2.5 m. Many woodlots were
poorly pruned and surrounded by shrubs
which affected timber quality. Generally,
woodlots management was unsatisfactory
due to insufficient technical knowledge.
Thus, more training is needed to strengthen
smallholder forestry to ensure sustainable
tree farming.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Tending, Demonstration Plots, Extension Services, Performance