Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Variation, association and Inheritance of morphological and wood characters in an improvement programme for eucalyptus dsglupta blume
(Australian National University, 1972-03) Davidson, John
DAVIDSON, J. (1972) Variation, association and Inheritance of morphological and wood characters In an Improvement programme for Eucalyptus dsglupta Blume. Ph.D. Thesis, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Up to 93 percent of variation In the wood of 20-year-old Eucalyptus dsglupta Bl. has been explained by four components of a principal components analysis. Fibre cross-sectional characters were the main parameters contributing to this variation. Dens Ity satisfactorily represented the main and one subsidiary component which, together, represented 70 per cent of the total variation. Density was easy to measure and had a phenotypic variation of about 20 per cent of the mean value.. It had a broad sense herltabillty of 0.68 ± 0.17 and a narrow sense herltablllty of 0.44 ± 0.23 In seedling material. Density could be modified Irrespective of growth rate and stem form In trees 14-20 years old. Hence wood density Is a very suitable factor for Including In a tree Improvement programme.
Germination studies on seeds of trichilia emetica and vangueria infausta
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1998) Msanga, Heriel Petro
The effect of various physical seed coat scarifications and chemical treatments were studied to determine presowing prescriptions that would ensure uniform, fast and high germination in seeds of Trichi Iia emetica and Vangueria infausta. The studies involved eight 3x5 factorial model experiments arranged in a randomized block design with with 4 blocks each. For each of the two species, two different experiments were conducted in the laboratory and repeated in the nursery. The first experiment of Tri chi Iia erne t i ca involved 3 types of physical seed coat scarification and soaking the seeds in gibberellic acid (CA3) at 5 concentrations; i.e. 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm. A second experiment involved 3 types of physical seed coat scarification and soaking the seeds in potassiun nitrate (KNO^) at 5 concentrations; i .e. 0.0, 0.2, 0.4,0.6 and 0.8%. The first study involving Vangueria infausta included 3 types of physical seed coat scarification and treatments of the seed with 5 concentration levels of hydrogen peroxide (H202); i .e. 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%. In the second experiment, 3 types of physical seed coat scarifi- cation and soaking the seeds in 5 concentration levels of indole acetic acid (IAA); i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm were studied. Unscarified seeds of Trichi Iia emetica (without chemical treatment) atta ined cumulative germination of 29% and 35%, while seeds with complete removal of both the aril and the seed coat attained cunulative germination of 94s and 93« in the laboratory and nursery experiments respectively.
Tree root development and interactions in drylands: focusing on melia volkensii with socio economic evaluations
(University of Dundee, 2000) Mulatya, Jackson M
Tree-crop competition is an important concern in agroforestry systems, and has been the subject of much attention by researchers in recent years. Farmers on the other hand, often seem to either ignore or accept competition and do little to manage it. In this thesis, I make the first attempt to reconcile farmers’ practices and beliefs with experimental data, focusing on the economically important tree: Melia volkensii in drylands of Kenya. This tree is of particular interest because farmers’ perceptions of its competivity appear at odds with researchers perceptions: farmers believe it does not compete with crops while researchers have found it competes. After conducting a survey on farmers’ fields in which it was confirmed Melia volkensii does not compete with crops, an experimental programme was conducted to investigate the causes of this discrepancy in perceptions. The study covered; Kilui, Embu, Kibwezi and Machakos sites. Melia volkensii provenances from these sites and Melia plant types used in tree establishment (seedlings and cuttings) were evaluated to examine whether the reported yield differences were as result of differences in root architecture between provenances or between plant types used by farmers. The rainfall confounded the problem of tree-crop interactions; because extreme rainfall conditions were experienced during the study period. Excessive soil moisture occurred in the first season while rainfall failed in the second season. Competition was therefore evaluated when competition was occurring. Results highlights are as follows; competition index (CI) method was unable to predict tree competitiveness with crops in conditions where trees are planted closely. The CI values were highly variable within individuals of a particular Melia provenance or species and therefore found inconsistent and unreliable to predict tree competition with crops. Surprisingly, it was able to predict tree-crop competition where trees occurred in isolation. There were neither differences in root architecture between the Melia volkensii provenances nor were there difference in soil water or crop yields between provenances’ plots. However, when root architecture of seedlings and cuttings were compared, cuttings tended to develop shallow roots than seedling plants and that roots which descended into the soil at deeper angles developed some secondary root branches which grew to the surface, thus making them competitive with crops. Overall, the results support the view that Melia volkensii is competitive with crops in normal seasons. Isolated Melia trees on farmers’ fields reduced crop yields beyond 15 m radius from trees. However, the value of the timber outweighs the value of the lost crop and farmers may chose to have Melia trees on the cropland whose value will compensate the lost yields and still benefit from other tree products e.g. fuelwood and fodder, or plant trees in separate plots e.g. fallow lands and maximize productivity of both components. Melia timber fetched >45% more cash than timber products of other species such as cypress and pines. Results suggest that when promoting the planting of Melia, seedlings should be used instead of cuttings as they have a less competitive root architecture, as seed germination is a problem this should be a priority research area for Kenya seed specialists.
Assessment of the impacts of community participation on the conservation of mangrove resources: A case study of Lindi district, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Machumu,Milali Ernest
The word mangrove refers either to the plants of tropical intertidal forest communities or to the community itself (Semesi, 1991). Mangroves are trees and bushes growing below the high - water level of spring tides (FAO, 1982). "Mangrove" is a general term applied to an association of physiologically specialised plants inhabiting muddy swamps, creeks, deltas and sheltered sea coasts periodically inundated by tides (Banyikwa and Semesi, 1986). The trees are only one component of the complex mangrove ecosystem, which includes associated bodies of water, substrates as well as a variety of other plants, animals and micro-organisms (Semesi, 1986).
Gum Arabic studies in Tanzania : production, utilization and economic potentials
(University of Wales, Bangor, 2003-11) Makonda, Fortunatus B. S
Studies on gum arabic in Tanzania were conducted in eleven districts aiming at estimating the country’s potential and current production, assessing its utilization and contribution to the local and national economies and its marketing channels. For the gum yield studies, 1,106 trees represented in four diameter classes were sampled and tapped by de-barking a portion of the stem at breast height. The tree parameters assessed were dbh, height and number of branches. Gum from the trees was collected four times at an interval of three weeks, and weighed using a sensitive electronic weight scale. A total number of 518 circular 0.1 ha plots each were selected using a systematic random sampling method for the inventory of Acacia Senegal and other associated woody species. The plot characteristics assessed were elevation, climate, soils, terrain type and disturbance by bush fires whose intensity levels were recognised as 1, 2 and 3. For the studies on actual gum arabic production, economic potentials and marketing data were collected using social survey methods from 630 gum collectors as well as 630 non collectors living in gum producing areas, in 64 villages, eight gum middlemen and three final gum buyers and exporters. The quality of gum was assessed using 90 samples from each district. Secondary data were collected from district and regional forest and natural resources offices in which gum arabic is collected and several other public offices. Data analyses were carried out using the Microsoft Excel package of Microsoft Office 98 and 2000 and SPSS employing descriptive statistics, one-way statistical analysis of variance and regression analyses. Results indicated that the overall mean gum arabic yield per tree is 246±333 g, greatly influenced positively by tree size particularly diameter, up to an optimum size, temperature, fire intensity and stem crowdedness. The overall mean population density of Acacia Senegal was estimated as 225 stems ha'1, marginally influenced negatively by altitude and positively by temperature. The actual mean annual gum arabic production was 4,030 ± 15 metric tonnes composed mainly of gum from A. drepanolobium (65 %), therefore not qualifying for the name gum arabic rather than gum talha. There is a serious lack of a clear definition of gum arabic from the exporters to the collectors, leading to its haphazard collection and trading without processing and grading. All gum is collected from trees in natural stands and not by tapping, by mainly women (44 %), children (30.5 %) and male livestock herders (25.5 %). The gum is important to the subsistence economy of many rural people, using it for food, medicine and glue. The gum is also economically important to the collectors, the middlemen, the final buyers and exporters and local and central governments. The business is however, purely a private enterprise, highly disorganised and controlled by the final buyers and exporters in which the bulk of the gum (75 %) is traded unrecorded. The gum collectors are therefore, the most disadvantaged group receiving the minimum payment in the whole chain. Managing Acacia Senegal plantations for gum is economically viable with LEV of TShs 814,529, NPV of TShs 469,089 and IRR of 63 % at rotation age of 9 years and interest rate of 10 %. Among the recommendations given by these studies include tapping Acacia Senegal trees, gum processing and grading, improvement of the existing A. Senegal resources and closer monitoring of the trade by the local and central governments.
Assessment of socio-economic factors influencing women participation in environmental management in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Natai, Margaret Mtemi
This study was undertaken to assess the socio-economic factors influencing women participation in environmental management. Tree planting and solid waste management were taken as indicators of environmental management. The specific objectives were to; document on how urban women contribute to disposal of solid domestic waste and tree planting as indicators of environmental conservation, identify socio-economic factors influencing women participation in domestic waste management and tree planting and assess women’s knowledge and perception on environmental conservation issues. A survey was done in 12 wards of Dar es Salaam City where women from randomly selected households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions done with government officials from solid waste management and forestry departments in all municipals, and women from private solid waste management associations in order to get the opinions and suggestions regarding tree planting and solid waste management in their localities. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Programme (SPSS), Chi-square tests, regression analysis and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that 97 percent of women in the city were involved in domestic solid waste management through collection, storage and disposal of solid waste, while 38 percent were involved in tree planting activities. Participation of women in tree nursery production was mainly motivated by economic gains though it contributes to environmental management through provision of tree seedlings to the community. Generally, household solid waste management was done exclusively by women. Poor storage facilities, poor collection and poor disposal methods were the major problems hampering the efficiency of women participation in domestic solid waste management. On the other hand small plot areas and land ownership were the factors that hinder women contribution to tree planting in the city. Education, land ownership, marital status and income were the most important socio- economic factors influencing women participation in environmental management especially tree planting. Participation in environmental management activities will likely depend on how aware the community is on environmental management issues. Education on the different facets of environmental management will boost women participation in environmental management.
Soil moisture dynamics and components performance in relay intercropping of tephrosia vogeli1 and maize in semi-arid Gairo, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Ngegba, Moses S.
A study investigating the effect of time of planting and spacing of Tephrosia on soil moisture and components performance in relay intercropping with maize were conducted at Gairo, Tanzania in three seasons. A split-plot design with main plot factor as time of planting having levels 0, 2 and 4 weeks after maize and spacing as minor plots factor with levels 30 x 90 (Tv30), 60 x 90 (Tv60) and 90 x 90 (Tv90) cm (intercrop and monoculture Tephrosia vogelii) plus control (TvO), was laid in the first season. For second and third seasons, a split- split-plot design was laid, where spacing treatment was split to two levels of fertilizer (without and with half and full recommended doses of N and P respectively). In the first season, soil moisture was assessed within 100 cm soil depths using Profile Probe. Maize height and stover yield were assessed at tasselling while grain yield was assessed at maturity, and Tephrosia biomass yield was assessed at three, six and eleven months of growth. Soil bulk density, organic carbon and root biomass yield were assessed at 11 months. In the second and third seasons, field mineral nitrogen and maize yield were assessed. Highest soil moisture and maize yield were maintained with Wk2Tv60 in first season. At three months in intercrops, total shrub biomass was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Wk2Tv30 than the rest. Total shrub yields at eleven months in monoculture plots were 2-6 times higher than intercrops. Mean shrub biomass increment, mean shrub height increment and mean shrub diameter increment were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Wk0Tv90 than the rest between six and eleven month assessments for intercrops. Soil properties after eleven months did not consistently differ, but monoculture Tephrosia showed superiority in most cases over intercrops. Maize yield was maximized with fertilized monoculture Tephrosia, but unfertilized intercrops recorded 50 and 58 percent increase over unfertilized TvO in second and third seasons, respectively. The study concludes that Tephrosia rclay-intcrcroppcd with maize can enhance sustainable maize production in land-scarce semi arid areas and recommends further study on continuous intercropping involving various provenances of Tephrosia.
Socio-economic analysis of production options of the buffer zone (half-mile forest strip) around mount Kilimanjaro catchment forest reserve, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mongo, Cellina Lucas
The Half Mile Forest Strip (HMFS) around Mt Kilimanjaro has for a long time been the most important buffer zone to Mt Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The strip was set aside in 1941 with emphasis on production of wood and non wood forest products for local use. Rising demands for these products from the forest called for socio-economic analysis and review of the production options on the strip. The aerial survey done in year 2001 revealed that the strip was not managed effectively to the extent of increasing the level of threats to the forest belt. As the width of the strip cannot be increased, there is a need for maximum utilization of the available land, by employing profitable production options. The overall objective of the study was to analyze economic returns of various production options on the strip. Specifically the study aimed at identifying the current forest land use options; identifying and estimating costs and benefits of current production options and proposed suitable options for production and conservation of the buffer strip. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires conducted in four villages of the three districts. Land use options were obtained through visual interpretation of satellite images and benefits of the options were achieved by calculating Net Present Value (NPV) and Land Expectation Value (LEV). Results from the study indicates that at a real discounting factor of 10.2%, the actual NPV and LEV obtained from managing one hectare of land for beekeeping was US$ 617.3 and 747.4 respectively. Growing and selling christmas trees gave NPV and LEV of US$ 3741.8 and 4878.2 respectively while pine plantations provided NPV and LEV of US$ 141.2 and 154.9 correspondingly. Sensitivity analyses revealed that all the three options were economically efficient under a wide range of alternatives of varying inputs and discount rates. Although the pine alternative had the lowest returns, but its associated “taungya” farming (growing trees with agricultural crops) has shown to be very important component in farmers’ additional income and food security, in this essence, this option is profitable to both the district authority and the communities while natural vegetation along rivers conserve the catchment value and used for beekeeping activity which does not involve tree harvesting, thus maximizing production and conservation.
Productivity ,cost, wood waste and environmental impact of the current and improved logging operations in Ugandan forest plantations.
(Sokoine University of agriculture, 2007) Balimunsi, Kivumbi H.
This study was conducted in two logging site in Uganda to collect information on major factors responsible for the current wood waste and ground surface disturbances during logging in order to provide a basis for future selection of the most suitable and appropriate forest harvesting methods and techniques in plantation forests. The two plantation forests selected were Mafuga on steep slopes and Katugo on flat terrain, where Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and Conventional Logging (CL) methods were compared. Data on logging productivity, cost, wood waste and ground disturbance were collected and analysed. Felling production rates were found to be lower under RIL. In Mafuga for example, felling production was 16.39 m3/hr as compared to 25.78 m3/hr when using CL. In Katugo productivity was 20.40 m3/hr when using RIL as opposed to 34.47 m3/hr when applying CL. This was because directional felling (RIL) consumed more time than the random and uncontrolled felling during (CL). Productivity however can be improved if workers practice more directional felling and undergo more RIL training courses. During the application of RIL, limbing was carried out as a separate operation in order to improve the quality of logs. Limbing production rates were 19.93 m3/hr for Mafuga and 17.94 m3/hr for Katugo plantations. RIL was more productive than CL during the bucking operation in Mafuga, producing 10.09 m3/hr against 9.29 m3/hr respectively. In Katugo productivity was almost similar (RIL, 10.08 m3/hr against 10.61 m3/hr CL). Productivity when applying RIL can be even better through further practice and training. Log rolling production was higher under RIL, producing 6.99 m3/hr against 5.79 m3/hr during CL in Mafuga. In Katugo productivity was 5.22 m3/hr under RIL against 4.04 m3/hr under CL. This improvement was achieved through proper application of appropriate logging techniques and close supervision. Production cost per cubic meter delivered at the mill was slightly higher under RIL relative to CL, costing 1738.33 Ushs/m3 against 1724.11 Ushs/m3 in Mafuga and 1795.15 Ushs/m3 against 1755.30 Ushs/m3 in Katugo. Increase in wood recovery per tree however seemed to have outweighed this slight difference in production cost. RIL managed to reduce wood waste by 30% for Mafuga and 29% for Katugo and ground disturbance by 59% in Mafuga. In Katugo ground surface disturbance was not significant. During the course of the study the following conclusions were drawn; Logging operators and supervisors in most forests have no training in their field, there are no safety precautions and safety gears neither provided nor used. Training of operators can reduce wood losses and ground disturbance besides improving productivity, and Government and funding agencies need to place greater emphasis on the development and delivery of training in the forest industry.
Role of agroforestry products in household income and poverty reduction in semi-arid areas of Misungwi district, Mwanza Tanzania
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2007) Maduka, Stephen Manoni
Agroforestry practice like any other land use practice has been reported to produce different benefits and products, which enhance household incomes and reduce poverty. This study was conducted in order to examine the contribution of agroforestry products to total annual household incomes and poverty reduction in semi-arid areas of Misungwi district, Mwanza Tanzania. Research methodologies used included literature review, questionnaire surveys, discussion with key informants and personal observation. A sample of 127 households engaged in agroforestry and non-agroforestry practices was selected randomly from six villages for questionnaire survey. Data analysis involved preliminary PRA information analysis with the community right in the field, content analysis and SPSS computer program. Three well-being levels of households namely; rich, medium and poor were identified. Agroforestry participants were richer than non participants with extra income of Tshs 954 611 (760 US$) per year. The agroforestry technologies practiced in the area included woodlot (37.7%), boundary planting (4.0%), Ngitili (15.2%) and indigenous live fence (20.8%). Agroforestry products and benefits, mainly generated from woodlots included poles (80.0%), fuelwood (86.0), timber (92.0%) and thatch grasses (32.7%). In comparison wood products from agroforestry practices contributed only 5.5% to total annual household incomes to agroforestry households while agriculture practices contributed about 51% to both agroforestry and non-agroforestry participants. In the regression model, wood products was not statistically significant at p<0.05 but positively correlated to total annual household incomes while agriculture and livestock keeping were statistically significant at p<0.01. This study concludes that agroforestry practices in the district do not contribute much to the total annual household income because it is constrained by small amount of trees established and poor selling price. It is recommended that more extension services and support be provided to agroforestry participants and otheriii farmers in the district to accelerate national poverty reduction and meeting Millenium Development Goals.
Effects of human disturbances on endemic and threatened plant species in Amani nature reserve, Tanga region
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2007) Killenga, Raymond Roman
This study was carried out in Amani Nature Reserve (ANR), Tanga Region, Tanzania to assess the effects of human disturbances on endemic and threatened plant species. Both socio-economic and ecological aspects of human disturbance on endemic and threatened plant species were studied. The socio-economic study involved interviewing 101 households selected at random in five out of 18 villages adjacent to ANR. The ecological survey used a systematic sampling design to acquire these data. A total of 278 (10mx50m) sample plots in five transects were laid out in the reserve. Results showed that, a total of 15 endemic and/or threatened species were used by local communities for making domestic items, 10 for house construction and selling, 7 for medicine, 10 as fuel wood and about 84 tonnes of seed were collected from endemic/threatened tree species. About 93% of respondents had no idea that endemic and threatened plant species occurred in their area. There was evidence of poles and timber cutting of threatened and/or endemic tree species in the reserve. Out of 4001 tree stems evaluated, 3474 (87%) trees were alive, 207 (5%) were recently cut, 90 (2%) were old cut and 230 (6%) had died naturally. The average number of timber- sized trees cut per ha in the intact and disturbed forest areas was 18.5 and 24.3 respectively. Out of 3959 evaluated poles, 3515 (88.8%) were alive, 282 (7.1%) were recently cut, 113 (2.9 %) were old cut and 56 (1.4%) were naturally dead. The average cut poles per ha was 23.7 in the intact forest and 29.1 in the disturbed forest area. The Shannon-Wiener index of diversity was 3.778 and 4.190 for intact and disturbed forest strata respectively. The Indices of Dominance (ID) were 0.0445 and 0.0273 for intactiii and disturbed forest strata respectively. Making people more aware of the importance of threatened and endemic plant species, suggesting alternative species and providing off-forest alternative livelihood strategies is recommended for alleviating human disturbances on threatened plant species in ANR.
Quality, stocking and yield of pinus patula at meru/usa forest plantation
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Mwasomola, Anyandwile Asumwisye
A study was conducted at Meru/Usa forest plantation to determine quality, stocking and yield of Pinus patula and factors influencing them. The Meru/Usa forest plantation compartments were categorized into affected and non – affected by root disease and insect defoliators. Systematic sampling method was used to align transect and plots in the compartment. 198 sample plots of 0.04ha were laid and measurements taken for estimation of stem quality, stocking, basal area and volume. The data collected were analysed by micro-soft excel and SPSS computer programmes. The weighted means of combined roundness and straightness for the affected compartments were 51.9 ± 5.0%, 32.7 ± 5.9% and 15.5 ± 4.9% in grades of good, medium and bad; while for the non – affected compartments were 60.9 ± 6.9%, 21.7 ± 6.4% and 17.2 ± 3.2% in grades of good, medium and bad. In this study it was found that the overall weighted means in the affected and non-affected compartments were 56.4%, 27.2% and 16.4% in grades of good, medium and bad respectively. The computed parameters for the affected compartments were 569 ± 137 stems/ha, 17 ± 4 m 2 /ha and 129 ± 35 m 3 /ha; while for the non – affected compartments were 709 ±184 stems/ha, 23 ± 2 m 2 /ha and 153 ±37 m 3 /ha. The study concluded that the compartments were affected with improper implementation of silvicultural practices, presence destructive agencies (wild animals and humans), root disease (Armillaria mellea), drought, grazing and insect defoliators (Xanthisthisa tarspina). It was also found that Meru/Usa forest plantation has suitable trees that may fetch good price at the markets if silvicultural practices are implemented accordingly. It is recommended that the Meru/Usa forest project should carry out proper silvicultural practices and local communities should be educated, encouraged to adopt and practice agroforestry.
Present consumption and forecasting of sawnwood in Arusha and Moshi municipalities
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008-06) Machumu, Raphael Musomi
carried out in Arusha and Moshi Municipalities for the year 2007, 2012 and’2017 to determine the consumption of sawnwood in the target years. The sampling units were obtained from a sampling frame of a list of Wards in each municipality bv random selection. A sampling intensity of 30 % of the population was applied in all Questionnaire on specially prep were used to obtain data from the interviewees and data from respective public offices. The was doze usfrm SPSS and MS excel ' I56CC'■er Arusha Municipality and 4 904.5C~ > f CI SHVn-.¥CC., were respectively of sawnwood. In Moshi Municipality' about consumed was hardwood. The per 1000 capita consumptions for —her in Arusha indicating that Arusha consumed nearly 2.50 times more sawnwood than Moshi Municipality. The high incomes in the area influenced the greater consumption of sawnwood in Arusha Municipality than in Moshi Municipality'. Forecasted consumptions for Arusha 108.05m3 for 2007, 329.724m3 for 2012 and 1006.29m3 in 2017. While in Moshi the consumption forecasts are 41.80 m3 in 2007, 200.70 for 2012 and 331.30m3 in 2017. From these results the consumption of timber in the two Municipalities shows to be increasing, all types of hardwood timber species The study on Present Consumption and Forecasting of sawnwood Consumption was consumed included the lesser known. There is a large demand of sawntimber in both Municipality are : o j es were collected from registers in c she w and the remaining 5 307.49 m3 was hardwood, repres f of sawnwood consumed in 2006. In Arusha Munlcmalitv softwood interviewees were selected randomly. and Moshi Municipalities were 86.44 nT and 33.98 mJ programmes. The results of consumed cases. From the selected wards Ill Municipalities and that their sources were too far, about 1000 km away. It is recommended that more efforts are needed through afforestation by increasing areas under forests and by following sustainable forest management procedures
Valuing water resource for baga watershed management using water poverty index (WPI), Lushoto, Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture,, 2009) Masota, Abel Malyango
The study to assess and evaluate factors contributing to scarcity of water and compute water poverty index (WPI) for identifying priority areas for interventions in Baga watershed was undertaken in Lushoto district, Tanzania. Specific objectives of this study were to identify and assess factors contributing to scarcity of water, compute WPI for villages and identification of priority areas for interventions in Baga watershed. Data were collected from households through questionnaire survey and PRA tools. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). WPI values were calculated using equation developed by Sullivan (2002). The results indicated that, scarcity of water in Baga watershed was contributed by many factors including increased human activities, global warming; and other factors. The other factors were seasonal water variations, gender inequalities in water collection for households, water quality and quantity, sources of domestic water, physical characteristics and distances to water sources. Computed WPI components for Baga watershed were resource (81.9), Use (55.6), access (54.4), capacity (27.7) and environment (10.3). Environment component scored lowest due to effects of low human capacity in water management affecting more the environment component. Additionally, low human capacity contributed also to low score of access component. Priority areas for interventions in Baga watershed were identified to be capacity and access components. It was concluded that increased human activities in watershed, global warming, seasonal water variations, gender inequalities in collecting domestic water, physical land terrains and distances toii water sources contributed to scarcity of water in Baga watershed. And that for integrated natural resource management (INRM) in Baga watershed to bring intended results, priorities for interventions should be given to human capacity and access components of WPI. It is recommended that WPI should be studied in other parts of Tanzania to identify priority areas for interventions in water management.
Potentials and constraints of eco-tourism in improving nature conservation and livelihoods: the case of Amani nature reserve, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Shoo, Rehema Abeli
Amani Nature Reserve (ANR), which is within the Eastern Arc Mountains, is well known for its biological and ecological values. Eco-tourism is being practiced in the reserve. However, despite the fact that eco-tourism has been proposed as a viable economic activity that can minimize negative human impacts on wildlife habitat and provide an incentive to preserve natural areas, little has been reported on the potentials and constraints of the practice in the area. This study was conducted in the villages adjacent to ANR, to determine the potentials and constraints of eco-tourism in nature conservation and livelihoods improvement in and around ANR. Questionnaire survey, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and key informant interviews were the methods used in data collection. The results reveal that there are enormous natural (flora, fauna and sceneries) and cultural resources for development of productive eco-tourism in ANR. However, the existing potential is not fully exploited. Despite an increase in tourists and hence revenues in ANR, little is accrued by the local communities. Results further show that eco-tourism contributed only 9.6% to total household income annually and only 22.7% of the surveyed households were engaged in eco-tourism-relatcd activities. The study concludes that the existing level and type of involvement in eco-tourism is not effective enough to bring about significant impact, which comes into view that the potentials for eco-tourism in improving livelihoods is yet to be realized in the area. Increased local community involvements in tourism in order to improve people’s livelihoods and to enable them understand the inter-relationships between humans and the environment are recommended.
Exploitation of brachylaena liuilleiisis (silver oak) and its implication to regeneration of woody plants in Bombo west forest reserve, Korogwe, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mumwi, Damas Mkonda
This study was carried out in Bombo West Forest Reserve, Korogwe District, Tanzania to assess the extent of human exploitation of Brachylaena huillensis and its implication to regeneration of woody plants. Forest vegetation was stratified into highly, mild and least disturbed areas. Data were collected using forest inventory, questionnaire survey, discussion with key informants and participant observation. The overall average tree density of woody plants was 433 stems ha'1 while wood volume and basal area was 36.869 m3 ha'1 and 5.4 m2 ha'1 respectively. Overall average tree density of B. huillensis was 47 stems ha'1, basal area (1.813 m2 ha'1) and volume (14.068 in3 ha'1). It was observed that Brachylaena huillensis is abundant, dominant and frequently occurring in the forest reserve with Importance Value Index of 0.470 compared to the next important species Scorodophlaeus ficheri (0.545). Brachylaena huillensis was found to be heavily exploited indicating 82 stem ha'1, 2.622 m2 ha'1 and 16.376 m3 ha'1 while density distribution by dbh size classes indicated abnormal trend, which signifies poor recruitment and regeneration failure. The overall average of Brachylaena huillensis regenerants was 5076 seedlings ha'1 compared to 15 646 seedlings ha'1 of all woody plants in the forest reserve. Brachylaena huillensis is known by 95.7 % of the respondents whereby 79.7% of the respondents used the species for firewood. The species is intensively utilized as pole for buildings as mentioned by 42 % of the respondents and its poles were claimed to be durable and extremely resistant to termites. Carvings, charcoal, bush fire, trees and poles cutting are main threats of the forest reserve and B. huillensis in particular. Moreover, it was also observed in this study that the wood harvesting mainly for carvings and charcoal is an indication that B. huillensis and the forest in general are currently threatened and needs effective management strategies to control the illegal activities. It suggests that the domestication of the species on farmlands could probably reduce the pressure to the species and the forest in general.
Estimation of carbon stocks in Uchindile forest plantation, Kjlombero District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Wesaka, Ronald Makongoro
The study reported here was conducted to estimate carbon stocks in Uchindile forest plantation, Kilombero district, Tanzania. The tested hypothesis was Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna plantations had similar carbon sequestration. Data was collected from two main plantation species i.e. Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna. Stratified random sampling design was adopted. Three sample plots measuring 20 m x 20 m were established in each stand. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height were measured for stand data estimation, especially volume. Top soil samples 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths were sampled. Then, total biomass and soil carbon stored in the plantation was prepared using Microsoft Excel. The CO2FIX was used to estimate biomass and soil carbon in the two plantations. Lundgren equations were used to estimate biomass in the pine plantations. For each species, stand ages selected were 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. Field data results indicated that at year 4, 6, 8, and 10 Pinus patula plantations sequestered stand biomass C of 7.48, 21.34, 42.22 and 61.48 Mg Cha1. Eucalyptus saligna plantations sequestered stand biomass C of 43.5, 137.53 and 183.71 Mg Cha’1. Pinus patula plantation had mean soil C of 81.29, 80.03, 76.76 and 76.47 Mg Cha'1 at year 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. Eucalyptus saligna plantation had mean soil C of 73.65, 86.06 and 77.77 Mg Cha’1 at year 6, 8 and 10. The two plantations sequestered total C of 218.18, 342.04 and 399.43 Mg Cha’1 at year 6, 8 and 10, respectively. This translates to 800.72, 1255.29 and 1465.91 Mg COjha’1, at the respective ages. Mg COzha’1 = Mg Cha’1 multiplied by 3.67. The T test indicated a very significant (P<0.05) difference in carbon sequestration between the two plantation species. Eucalyptus plantations sequestered 1.15 to 1.89 times more carbon in comparison to the pine.
Deforestation in the deforestation in the Himalayas: Mainstream views, institutional failure and 'alternative system'. a case study from Northern Pakistan.
(Norwegian University of Life Science, 2009-06) Ali, Jawad
The sustainable management of forests is of central concern to the local people who depend on forest resources for their livelihood, to international conservation agencies, and to the legal custodians of the forests, the forest services. This study explores the roles of these actors in forest management in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, particularly in the Basho Valley in the Baltistan region. During the last three decades, the mainstream view of deforestation in the Hindukush-Himalayan region attributed the phenomenon to increased local use due to population growth. This view has been contested in recent years by those who see deforestation rather as a result of complex changes in the socio economic conditions of the region. This study contributes to this debate by means of providing empirical data from Basho. The study consists of three papers and an introductory chapter. The introductory chapter discusses some of the key approaches to studying common property management, including political ecology, property rights, and co-management. It describes the local and policy context, the implications of the study for the Protected and Private Forests in the NAs and summarizes the main conclusions. Paper 1 uses local data on firewood consumption and timber extraction from the Basho Valley to investigate whether the general perception regarding forest depletion due to population growth is supported by empirical data. The results of Paper 1 indicate that local firewood collection is not the main cause of deforestation. Instead, deforestation has occurred due to commercial harvesting and mismanagement by the government Forest Department. Paper 2 investigates the extent and time period of deforestation in the Basho Valley. Using oral sources as well as satellite imagery, Paper 2 estimates a 50 percent loss of forest cover over the last 30 years, while population growth has been relatively low. Therefore the theory of massive deforestation due to population growth is not supported by the data collected and analyzed in Paper 2. Instead, it was found that large quantities of timber and firewood were removed on the basis of informal permits called chits during a period of commercial harvesting in the 1970s and 80s. The results show that most of the iiiwood was taken out by contractors and members of what is called the ‘timber mafia’, after the construction of the Basho link road in 1968. Paper 3 explores institutional aspects of forest management, exposing the limitations of conventional ideas regarding corruption in the forestry services. The data gathered for Paper 3 show that, faced with a severe shortage of resources. Forest Department officials engage in what is called ‘alternative systems’, in order to perform their official tasks. Through such ‘alternative systems’, they generate extra-legal resources to finance official tasks. Conventional analyses focus only on the deficiencies of forest services, and fail to offer constructive, realistic assessments of the potential positive role the forest services could play in community-based resource management. The paper identifies possible areas of intervention in order to improve the functioning of the Forest Department of the Northern Areas (NAs) of Pakistan. Combining the data in all three papers and in the relevant introductory chapters, this study shows that the forests in the study area have been severely depleted. While this has been due largely to the weakness of the Forest Department, the response - a greatly increased role in resource management played by conservation agencies, without a concomitant strengthening of the government Forest Department - is problematic. Conservation agencies claim to promote conservation through decentralization and local participation. While a certain degree of decentralization in the NAs has occurred, real powers have, to a large extent, shifted from the Forest Department to conservation agencies, rather than to local communities. The strengthening of the power of international conservation agencies in this manner, at the expense of strengthening a national institution for natural resource management, will undermine community interests in the long run. This is due to the fact that in reality, the approach of the conservation agencies remains as centralized as the Forest Department’s conventional approach has been.
Carbon storage potential of grassland ecosystems in the eastern ARC mountains: a case study of Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Laswai, Francis Faustine
Grasslands are believed to store carbon in below and above ground. However, little is known on the actual proportion amount of carbon stored in the different carbon pools in the grassland ecosystems. This study aimed at quantifying below and above ground carbon stocks of floodplain and upland grasslands. Quadrants measuring 1 m2 were established systematically along transects in the floodplain and upland grasslands. Above ground vegetation and litter were sampled in 1 m x 1 m plots and below ground roots and soils were sampled in pits of 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.6 m. Soil samples were taken from 0 – 15 cm, 15 – 30 cm, 30 – 45 cm and 45 – 60 cm depth. Carbon in shoots, litter and roots was determined by Loss on Ignition method. Carbon in soils was determined by Walkley Black method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The above ground carbon in upland grassland was 12.60 } 0.50 t ha-1 and 3.09 } 0.11 t ha-1 for vegetation and litter respectively. Below ground carbon was 7.82 } 0.57 t ha-1 for roots and 40.26 } 1.17 t ha-1 for soils. In the floodplain grasslands above ground carbon was 33.04 } 1.18 t ha-1 for vegetation and 1.89 } 0.08 t ha-1 for litter. On the other hand below ground carbon was 6.22 } 0.25 t ha-1 and 24.63 } 0.88 t ha-1 for roots and soil respectively. In total upland grasslands has potential to store 63.77 } 2.35 t ha-1 of carbon while the floodplain grasslands storage was 65.78 } 2.39 t C ha-1. With exception of roots all other pools showed a significant difference in carbon storage between floodplain and upland grasslands (P = 0.000). Both upland and floodplain grasslands have high potential for carbon storage and emission mitigation.
Power struggles in Suledo village land forest reserve, Kiteto district, Tanzani
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Magessa, Kajenje
SULEDO Village Land Forest Reserve is important in supporting livelihoods of the adjacent local communities as well as for the economic development of the country at large. However, there is inadequate information on power struggles underlying the management and utilization of SULEDO VLFR. This study intended to assess power struggles underlying resource use conflicts in SULEDO VLFR. The study was conducted in three villages namely Sunya, Lengatei and Laiseri. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Content analysis technique was used to analyze qualitative data while descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to analyze quantitative data. Moreover, SNA was used in the analysis of power relations. A total of 25 stakeholders involved in the management and utilization of SULEDO VLFR were identified along with their roles. Stakeholders identified were categorized into three groups namely regulators, facilitators and users. Likewise three categories of power were identified namely strategic, institutional and structural. Strategic power was found to be dominant in the management and utilization of SULEDO VLFR. The results showed different power struggles among stakeholders whereby power struggle between ZEC and SULEDO villages was found to be dominant which resulted into resource use conflicts in SULEDO VLFR. Socio- economic and institutional factors found to significantly (P<0.05) escalating dominant power struggle between ZEC and SULEDO villages were wealth status, immigration, distance from homesteads to resource base, membership in VEC and political involvement while Education level, age, residence duration, farm size and household size were significantly (P<0.05) reducing the power struggle. Main forest resource- use conflict in SULEDO VLFR is with regards to disagreements whichiii have resulted into unsustainable forest management. CBFM scheme in SULEDO VLFR remains a complex and contested arena, comprising many stakeholders with different powers and conflicting interests. It is recommended that communication among stakeholders in the study area should be improved.

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