Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Effect of spacing on performance of teak at Longuza, Tanga, Tanzania
(Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 1994) Sibomana, G.; Makonda, F. B. S.; Malimbwi, R. E; Chamshama, S. A. O.; Iddi, S.
The performance of teak ( Tectona grandis ) planted at four square spacings ( 1 .5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 m) at Longuza, Tanga, in Tanzania was assessed. The variables studied were diameter at breast height (dbh) , total height and height to the first live branch, survival, number of branches, basal area and volume production at ages 1, 3, 7 and 9 y, and basic density and some strength properties at the age of 1 4 y. Results showed that dbh, number of branches, total height, basal area, basic density and some strength properties were significantly affected by spacing (p = 0.05). The diameter at breast height and number of branches increased with increasing spacing, while basal area decreased. All other variables were not significantly affected by spacing. A spacing of 3.0 m resulted in large diameter trees and later thinnings, with less total volume per hectare. The current spacing of 2 m resulted in higher volume per hectare of small sized trees which could be improved by thinning. It is recommended to continue with this spacing and the current thinning schedule until information on the economic implications of alternative regimes is available.
Indigenous management systems as a basis for community forestry in Tanzania: A case study of Dodoma urban and Lushoto disticts
(Wageningen, 1994) Kajembe, George C.
This report presents an analysis of the nature of both indigenous and professionally sponsored community forest management systems in two districts in Tanzania. It describes various types of internally generated forest and tree management systems. It demonstrates that a gap exists between indigenous and externally sponsored management systems. In the externally sponsored projects, the concept of participation implies that rural people should participate in professionals' projects, rather than that professionals should participate in the livelihood projects of rural people. Interventions along these lines generate confrontations, as well as degrees of collaboration and participation between local farmers and projects. The study focusses on three key actor categories to be considered in community forestry projects, i.e. farmers, village extension workers and supervisors. The relations between these actor categories constitute the "middle ground" of community forestry development. This concept refers to the totality of social processes and fields within which the actors attempt to establish common ground for their negotiations over resources and development alternatives. The study seeks to understand how strategic actions and interactions of different actor categories shape the outcome of community forestry projects, as well as how to bridge the gap between internally generated activities and externally sponsored interventions.
The extension and communication programme for the east Usambara catchment forest project
(Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania Forestry and Beekeeping Division, 1994) Kajembe, G. C.; Mwaseba, D.
The extension and communication programme consultancy was commissioned by the East Usambara Catchment Forest Project (EUCFP). The terms of reference have an overall objective of developing a means of communication which can help the project present its objectives and ideas to the local people and enlist their cooperation as a way of sustaining the project activities. Specific objectives of the study includes: Identifying felt needs of the farmers; proposing extension packages which can meet the felt needs of the people so as to solicit their cooperation in safeguarding the forest reserves; identifying appropriate extension methods which can be used to reach these people; and to propose a training programme which can promote genuine participation of both extension agents and the general public.
Estimation of biomass and volume in Miombo Woodland at Kitulangalo Forest Reserve, Tanzania
(Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 1994-12) Malimbwi, R. E.; Solberg, B.; Luoga, E.
Seventeen sample trees of different miombo species distributed in 1 0 sample plots were excavated and measured for volume and green weight. Samples from the roots and stems were taken and treated in the laboratory for biomass determination of the sample trees.Using these data biomass equations for roots and stems as functions of diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height were developed. Stem volume equations were also developed. These equations were used to estimate biomass and volume per hectare for different tree parts. Twenty per cent of the biomass in miombo woodlands was found to be in the roots and 80% was in the aerial parts. Fifty-one per cent was volume of stems > 15 cm diameter and forty-nine per cent was volume of stem < 15 cm diameter.
Comparison of volume production, basic density and stem quality between acacia mangium and acacia Aubicuuformis grown in Zanzibar
(Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 1997) Ali, M.S.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Iddi, S.
Comparison of volume production, basic density and stem quality between Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis grown in Zanzibar. Volume production, basic density and stem quality of 6-y-old Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis grown in Zanzibar were compared. Twenty-one plots (11 plots for Acacia mangium and 10 for A. auriculiformis ) were established and used for data collection. From each plot one to two trees free from obvious defects were selected for basic density determination. Cores were then extracted from the selected trees using an increment borer. Basic density of the cores was determined by the water displacement method. Height and diameter data were used for volume estimation. Stem quality was assessed using the scoring method, 4 being the best and 1 the worst. At age 6 y, diameter and height growth did not vary significantly (p = 0.05) between the two species. More than 50 m3 ha"1 volume production was achieved in both species. The average volume weighted basic density values for A. mangium and A. auriculiformis were 570 kgm"3 and 617 kgm"3 respectively. The basic density values for the two species differed significantly (p = 0.05). Stem quality was better in A. mangium than in A. auriculiformis. Based on density, A. auriculiformis can be recommended for fuelwood production whereas A. mangium should be recommended for transmission and building poles due to its good stem form.
Impact of charcoal extraction to the forest resources of Tanzania: the case of Kitulangalo area, Tanzania
(1998) Malimbwi, R.E; Misana, S; Monela, G.C; Jambiya, G; Zahabu, E
Research is being undertaken to expand the knowledge about the biomass potential for supplying charcoal to urban centres and find workable policy tools that will enable sustainable production and use of charcoal in the medium term perspective. The project, CHAPOSA (Charcoal Potential in Southern Africa) focuses on the dynamics of charcoal production in supply areas (mainly woodlands) and its consumption in three major cities: Lusaka, Zambia, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Maputo, Mozambique. The three year research project is funded by European Union (EU) and co-ordinated by Stockhom Environmental Institute (SEI). In each of the three partner countries, socio-economic and ecological aspects of charcoal are being studied in the supply areas and charcoal consumption and market forces studies are being undertaken in the cities. Preliminary results on the supply side are presented for Tanzania in this paper. At Kitulangalo one of the charcoal supplying areas in Tanzania, an average charcoal making household produce 43 bags of charcoal per month, charcoal is sold at kiln site at Tshs. 1,000/= per bag. The household realizes an income of Tshs. 43,000/= per month. This income is above the minimum salary rates paid currently to government workers and hence attracts more people to join the business. There are 7 trees of about 10 cm dhb for every 22 bags of about 50 kg of charcoal produced from this area. The mean charcoal kiln efficiency of 23.5% was found. Preferred tree species for charcoal includes, Julbernadia globiflora, Brachystegia boehmii, Tamarindus indica, Acacia nigresces, Acacia gerrardii, Acacia nilotica, Combretum adenogonium, Combretum molle, Combretum zeyheri, Boscia salicifolia, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia, Terminanalia mollis, Pteleopsis myrtifolia,Combretum collinum, Diospyros kirkii, Xeroderris stuhrmanii, Mimusops kummel, Albizia harvey, Acacia goetzei subsp. Goetzei, Lonchocarpus capassa and Mhungilo. Standing wood volume and basal area of these species are lower in public lands compared to forest reserves while stem numbers shows a reversed trend suggesting regeneration of these species in public lands. The public lands at roadside are dominated by large trees of Acacia polyacantha, a pioneer tree species which is not preferred for charcoal making due to its hooked thorns and lighter charcoal which breaks easily during transportation. An average stand growth rate of 2.3 m 3 ha -1 year -1 has been recorded for the re-growth miombo woodland at Kitulangalo.
Survival, growth, stem form and wood basic density of five Pinus Merkusii provenances at Buhindi, Mwanza, Tanzania
(1998) Mugasha, A. G.; Mgalla, H.A.; Iddi, S.; Nshubemuki, L.; Chamshama, S.A.O.; Malimbwi, R. E.
The performance of 16 Pinus oocarpa (including 5 now reclassified as Pinus patula spp. tecunumanii) provenances at Buhindi Mwanza, Tanzania: is evaluated in terms of survival, height growth, breast height diameter, basal area per ha, wood basic density and stem form. The final assessment was carried out at the age of 22 years. The main results of the study were: – Before angular transformation, survival varied from 77% (Rafael, Nicaragua) to 56% (Conacaste, Guatemala). However no significant difference (P >0.05) in survival was detected after such transformation. – Height growth showed significant differences (P< 0.05) at all ages. At 22 years the outstanding provenances were Siguatepeque (Honduras), Rafael (Nicaragua), and Zamorano (Honduras). Least height growth was shown by Bonete (Nicaragua) provenance. – Significant differences (P< 0.05) were detected in breast height diameter. Outstanding provenances were Yucul, Camelias (Nicaragua) and Mt. Pine Ridge-K49 (Belize). Least performers were Zamorano (Honduras) and Lagulnilla (Guatemala) provenances. – Significant differences (P< 0.05) were detected in basal area per ha development. The Bucaral (Guatemala) provenance was outstanding while least basal area development was recorded in the Conacaste, Lagunilla (Guatemala) and Siguatepeque (Honduras) provenances. – The Bucaral (Guatemala) provenance was significantly superior (P< 0.05) in wood basic density. Least wood basic density values were recorded from Camelias, Yucul, Rafael, Junquillo (Nicaragua), Angeles (Honduras) and the Lagumilla (Guatemala) provenances. – No significant differences (P >0.05) in stem form were observed. It is suggested that the 5 Pinus patula SCHIEDE and DEPPE ssp. tecunumanii (EQUILUZ and PERRY) provenances are likely candidates for species diversification in the Lake Victoria zone where the main plantation species is Pinus caribaea. However, noting that more than half of the natural distribution of P. oocarpa occurs outside central America, more provenances need to be tested to cover that extended range. Similarly, the sparse sampling of P. patula ssp. tecunumanii also needs additional representation. Restricting the results of this study to Pinus oocarpa, provenance ranking in diminishing order of performance gives: Bucaral (Guatemala), Zapotillo, Zamorano (Honduras), Chuacus (Guatemala), Siguatepeque (Honduras), Bonete, Junquillo (Nicaragua), Conacaste (Guatemala), Angeles (Honduras) and San Jose (Guatemala); and Lagunilla (Guatemala). In descending order of performance, suitable Pinus patula ssp. tecunumanii provenances are Mt. Pine Ridge (K49), Mt. Pine Ridge (K29), Rafael, Yucul and Camelias (Nicaragua).
Economics and sustainability of commercial production of wood fuel in Miombo woodlands of eastern Tanzania
(University of the Witwatersrand, 1999) Luoga, E. J.; Witkowski, E. T. F.; Balkwill, K.
Miombo woodlands, which comprise the largest proporti on of the savanna regions of southern Africa, are central to the livelihood of both rural and urban households . Wood fuel is the main source of energy for the majority of the population, with firewood used in rural areas and charcoal in urban centres. Indigenous commercial production of charcoal, using earth mound k ilns, utilises about 42 tree species, a higher number than for any other uses. Over 56% of the trees harvested within communal lands (ranging between 2.4 and 68.6 cm dbh) were felled for charcoal. The apparent profit in charcoal production is attributable to very low capital outlays, "free" own labour, "free raw materials" , lack of concern about associated external costs, high demand for charcoal and lack of alternative income-generating activities. Cutting of tr ees for charcoal implies an opportunity cost as the trees may have been used fo r other purposes such as timber, construction, medicine, firewood and food. Miombo woodlands also perform vital ecosystem serv ices such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and watershed protection. The estimated local wood consumption for charcoal of 6.01 m 3 capita -1 year -1 is very high compared to subsistenc e firewood consumption of only 1.3 m 3 capita -1 year -1 . The area cleared for charcoal production locally was about 1 671 ha year -1 which is about 10% of the accessible area within local communal lands. This shows that al though commercialisation of wood resources provides tangible monetary benefits to rural communities, it also contributes to environmental degradation that will ultimately threaten their long-term survival.
Survival, growth and wood density of Pinus Kesiya provenances at Buhindi, Mwanza, Tanzania
(Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 1999) Chamshama, S. A. O.; Chingonikaya, E. E.; Iddi, S.; Mugasha, A. G.; Nshubemukiand, L.; Malimbwi, R. E.
he objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of 13 Pinus hesiya provenances at Buhindi, Mwanza, Tanzania. Periodic data were collected on survival, breast height diameter and height. A final assessment was carried out at 18.3 y for survival, breast height diameter, height, stem form and basic density. Except for wood basic density, all other variables differed significantly (p<0.05) between provenances. The following provenances with satisfactory performance are recommended for small-scale planting at Buhindi: Benguet Kabayan and Zambales
Indigenous technical knowledge as reflected in the management of natural resources in Tanzania
(FAO, 1999-06) Kajembe, G. C.; Zahabu, E.; Mwenduwa, M.
In the broad sense, natural resource management can be defined as taking a firm decision about future of any area of resources, applying it and monitoring the application (Rietbergen 1993). It is widely accepted that natural resources should be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. Much of these benefits should be geared towards the local communities. Local communities surrounding natural resources should be the first hand beneficiaries to know the resource better than outsiders, and should have, therefore a great role to play in resources management. Within natural resource management systems, Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) embraces people's knowledge of tools and techniques for the assessment, acquisition, transformation, and utilisation of resources which are specific to the particular location. ITK can encompass
Contribution of charcoal extraction to deforestation: experience from CHAPOSA Research Project.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Malimbwi, R.E.; Zahabu, E.; Kajembe, G.C.; Luoga, E.J.
The Charcoal Potential in Southern Africa (CHAPOSA) project which commenced in November, 1999 aimed at increasing the understanding of the effects of utilization of charcoal in three countries of Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania in southern Africa. The main ecological activities carried out in order to understand the impact of charcoal production on the ecology include: determination of species composition and diversity through forest inventory; determination of mean annual increment for Kitulangalo area from two time series measurements of 1996 and 1999; charcoal tree species and size gradient as influenced by proximity to access roads in Kitulangalo and Mbwewe areas through forest inventory; kiln efficiencies, species and tree sizes preference for charcoal making for Kitulangalo, Mbwewe and Bana areas; woodland cover change between 1991 and 1998; and 1991 and 2000 in the northern and southern catchment parts respectively using satellite imageries. Socio-economic data were collected from Kitulangalo, Mbwewe and Bana. The selection criteria for these sites were: presence of actual charcoal production activities; accessibility relative to other areas in the earmarked catchment area for the study; representative-ness of the study sites in making broad conclusions of the study and availability of ecological and socio- economic data. This study demonstrated that charcoal production and cultivation have an impact on large-scale deforestation that has occurred in the area between 1991 and 1998. Tree species suitable for charcoal production have been depleted at the roadside and the average distance to charcoal production sites has increased. Tree cover is worse today than ten years ago due to charcoal production. These observations have wide policy implications, given the increased demand for charcoal from the growing urban population with no reliable and affordable alternative sources of energy. Only 74% of the closed and 54% of the open woodlands, remain relatively unchanged; most of these were in forest reserves. However, these areas were also undergoing modification due to encroachment for charcoal, timber and other forest products. It is true that in the absence of any further disturbance after tree cutting, the areas may progressively revert to woodland. However, in the face of increased population and the demand for agricultural land, such areas may not be given enough room to regenerate. This calls for appropriate management strategies to ensure regeneration so that the remaining woodlands continue to supply charcoal to Dar es Salaam city and other urban areas. This study has shown that substantial regeneration has occurred in areas previously cut, if they have not been converted to farmland. This increases the potential of the regrowth woodland to supply charcoal over a much longer time period.
Prevalence and standing volume of Dalbergia Melanoxylon in Coastal and Inland sites of Southern Tanzania
(Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 2000) Malimbwi, R. E.; Luoga, E. J.; Hofstad, O.; Mugasha, A. G.; Valen, J. S.
In order to determine the prevalence and standing volume of Dalbergia melanoxylon( mpingo), 120 sample plots were laid out in each of two districts, Kilwa and Nachingwea, representing coastal and inland woodlands in Lindi Region, southern Tanzania. Using data from felled trees, volume equations for various utilisation classes were constructed. Also estimated were the basic density of mpingo, the percentage content Of heartwood, sapwood, and heartrot, and the thickness of bark and sapwood.The basic density values for mpingo were 1.14,0.76 and 1.06 g cm' for heartwood, sapwood, and both heartwood and sapwood. These are multiplier factors to obtain biomass values from volume. The heartwood content of mpingo is 83% of the total volume and the rest (17%) is sapwood and bark. Based on a few logs observed 13% of the total volume may be expected to have heartrot. The sapwood thickness is 1.1 cm with little variation irrespective of log diameter. The bark is thin (3.7 mm) and soft making the tree susceptible to damage by bruising and fire.The inland forests have twice as much overbark volume of mpingo as the coastal forests with 10 and 5 m3 ha"1 respectively. The merchantable volume to 20 cm top diameter overbark is 4.4 and 1.7 m3 ha"1 accounting for only 43 and 33% of the total volume per hectare respectively. Since regeneration of mpingo is easy, there is no immediate need to classify mpingo as an endangered species provided fire control is enhanced as an important conservation measure. It is, however, appropriate to regard the species as threatened.
Differential utilization and Ethnobotany of trees in Kitulanghalo forest reserve and surrounding communal lands, eastern Tanzania
(Springer, 2000) Luoga, E. J.; Witkowski, E. T. E.; Balkwill, K.
This study documents the utilization aspects and distri- bution of ethnobotanical knowledge of the local people of Morogoro, Tanzania, as a first step towards sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical woodlands. A total of 133 arbo- rescent species in 31 families was identified of which 69% had a variety of uses. These uses were classified into 12 categories and major uses were charcoal, firewood, medicine, and poles. Most tree species have occasional uses, but a few are exceptionally useful and thus their levels of utilization may far exceed their regeneration and production. The questionnaire survey in- dicated that 62% of the respondents agreed that traditional medical services were more avail- able than modem services. Utilization surveys indicated that wooden poles are the building material used in 98% of the dwellings and storage structures, wild foods were useful for food security especially during drought years, and high quality timber trees have been depleted in the forest because of earlier exploitation by pit-sawing. The distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge indicated that much of the relevant ethnobotanical and utilization information was held by more aged members of the society and hence there is a clear need to capture this knowledge before it is lost. This study has shown that resources are defined by use and culture, and some components of ethnobotanical knowledge have potential for the sustainable manage- ment of miombo woodlands.
Challenges facing a community structure to implement CBNRM in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(African Studies Quarterly, 2001) Dold, Anthony; Cocks, Michelle; Grundy, Isla
In most developing countries, community based natural resource management (CBNRM) initiatives have been adopted in an attempt to address the issue of environmental sustainability. This has largely come about due to an increasing recognition of the ineffectiveness of the state to achieve such sustainability. Within the South African context, recent policies have been drafted that aim to achieve these outcomes, which strongly articulate the need for the participation of local people in the management of natural resources both within communal areas and on state-owned land. The objectives of new policies, however, are not being met in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for the following key reasons: the insufficient recognition of the impact of past historical and political upheavals experienced within the former homelands’ situation; the government’s inability to process land applications; the government’s lack of ability and capacity to implement these policies; and frustratingly high levels of hierarchy at both the local and national level. The Masakane community, a group of former farm workers from the former Ciskei homeland in South Africa, are attempting to implement CBNRM initiatives. The Masakane case study reveals the urgent need to develop, implement and enforce new institutional and managerial arrangements, because without such arrangements state policies are unlikely to be implemented at the grassroots level.
Household livelihoods, marketing and resource impacts: a case study of bark products in eastern Zimbabwe
(IES Working Paper, 2001) Romero, C.; Dovie, D.; Gambiza, J.; Luoga, E.; Schmitt, S.; Grundy, I.
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) represent a major contribution to rural communities in eastern Zimbabwe. In this area, baobab markets have prospered due to drought and rural poverty. This paper integrates information form related disciplines regarding the baobab ecology, and the baobab bark harvesting, processing, and marketing in the study area o f Mutsiyo,. Nhachi and Gundyanga villages (42 km2). Baobab tree densities and size-class distribution were established (8.41 trees/ha), along with the extent o f harvesting (99% o f individuals sampled had evidence o f bark harvesting), and maximum harvested heights (almost 50% o f the trees had been harvested up to 2 m). Times o f bark and fibre quality regeneration after harvesting were calculated after a 4-year experiment (6 and 10 years to restore pre-harvesting conditions, respectively). An equation was designed to calculate available volumes o f and fibre quality o f baobab bark, both coming from regenerated scars and non-harvested sections o f trees. A discussion is presented regarding the sustainability o f the baobab harvesting practice. Ideas for the sustainable use of the baobab bark resource are outlined, based on the concepts o f adaptive and community based management.
Preliminary Observation on accessibility and utilization of water in selected villages in Dodoma rural and Bagamoyo districts, Tanzania
(WaterNet/Warfsa, 2003) Kusiluka, L.J.M; Mlozi, M.R.S; Munishi, P.K.T; Karimuribo, E.D; Luoga, E.J; Mdegela, R.H; Kambarage, D.M
Contribution of non-wood forest products to household food security in Mbozi District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) NYINGILI,ROSEMARY BROWN
A study was conducted to quantify the contribution of NWFPs to household food security in Mbozi district. Specifically the study aimed at, identifying the NWFPs available in the study area and assessing their seasonality; determining the contribution of NWFPs to household food security, investigating roles played by men and women in collecting, processing and preserving NWFPs and assessing the socio-economic factors influencing the collection and use of NWFPs. The study was carried out under two phases, phase one involved preliminary surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisals in Kilimampimbi, Hasamba and Ilyika villages. The second phase, involved mainly questionnaire survey conducted in Kilimampimbi, Ikomela, Msangano and Idiwili villages. PRA data were analysed with the help of local communities and results were communicated back to them for verification and custody. Questionnaire survey data were analysed by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysing quantitative data. Content and Structural-Functional analyses were used for qualitative data. This study revealed that NWFPs contribute about 13% by weight to total household food consumption and 7.5% to total household income. The study also found that about 59% of the income from NWFPs is used for buying food items. The study also revealed a clear gender division of labour in collection, processing and preserving NWFPs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that collection and use of NWFPs have been influenced by some socio-economic factors. This study concludes that the contribution of NWFPs to household food security in the study area ranges from direct supply of food to provision ofcash and socio-economic factors influence collection and use of NWFPs. It is recommended that efforts be made to add value to NWFPs by developing and disseminating simple appropriate technologies for harvesting and processing NWFPs into different products to minimize wastage during peak seasons andiii improve cash income earnings. This study also recommends that communities should be encouraged to plant desired tree species near homes and fields to reduce pressure in the forests and woodland.
Land cover and use changes in relation to the institutional framework and tenure of land and resources in eastern Tanzania Miombo woodlands
(Environment, Development and Sustainability - Springer, 2005) Luoga, E. J.; Witkowski, E. T. F.; Balkwill, K.
In Tanzania, well-defined land tenure and resource protection apply in forest reserves which account for 30% of forested land, while the remaining 70% (mostly miombo woodlands) are village and general lands with very limited protection. The aim of this study was to determine local people’s ownership rights, knowledge and institutional capacity for sustainable management of resources in forest reserves and general lands. Data were collected using participatory rural appraisal, structured and semi-structured interviews, as well as aerial photographs and landsat images. In general lands, woodlands declined by 50% between 1964 and 1996, bushlands and croplands increased by 599%, and settlements and homegardens increased by 277%. These land use and vegetation structure changes are attributed to harvesting for charcoal production and shifting cultivation. The continued decline in aerial woodland cover in the general lands suggests that common property regimes do not function in the area. Local institutional capacities are weak in enforcing control mechanisms to check the overuse of resources, which tends to approximate open access conditions. The issues of land tenure and village empowerment are not only institutional, but also political in nature. Government institutions should provide and motivate for an enabling environment, including acknowledgement of traditional knowledge, well-defined property rights and operational village by-laws. In order to ensure equity and sustainable development of natural resources, the paradigm shift in management is important whereby communal goods are to be managed for the benefit of the local society.
Impact of indigenous based intervations on land conservation : a case of soil conservation and agroforestry project, Arumeru district, Tanzania.
(John Wiley and Sons, 2005) Kajembe, G. C; Julius, F; Nduwamungu, J; Mtakwa, P. W; Nyange, D. A
Land degradation has been identified as a serious problem in Tanzania since the 1920s. Among the factors normally cited as contributing to land degradation are deforestation, overgrazing and inappropriate farming practices. Several attempts by the government to arrest the problem have been based on top-down approaches. Indigenous-based interventions are among the alternative practices adopted by the Soil Conservation and Agroforestry Project in Arumeru District, Tanzania. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of the indigenous-based interventions on land conservation. More specifically the study intended to assess farmers’ perception of land degradation, the adoption rate of indigenous-based interventions, the impact of those interventions, and lastly the sustainability of those interventions. Data for the study were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and a questionnaire survey. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 1 ) was used to analyse quantitative data and Content and Structural-Functional Analyses were used for qualitative data. The study found that the rate of land degradation was perceived by respondents to be rather severe. The study also revealed that indigenous-based interventions, which require minimal labour and capital, have been highly adopted by many farmers while labour/capital intensive ones have been taken up by fewer farmers. In general, indigenous-based interventions appear to have eased farm operations and contributed towards increased crop yield, improved soil fertility and increased income. Success in some of the indigenous interventions warrants their wider promotion beyond the project area. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indigenous plant uses and use values in Uluguru mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Nature Kenya/East African Natural History Society, 2006) Wilfred, P.; Madoffe, S. S.; Luoga, E. J.
To assess plant uses and use values in Uluguru Mountains a study was carried out using household surveys and interviews on various uses of the plants. Descriptive statistics and use-value analysis techniques were used in data analysis. Of the plant species identified, 92% were used for fuel wood and 83% were used for construction materials. A significant difference in use values among the species was realized. Newtonia buchananii had the highest use value of 2.81 where as Piper capense had the lowest use value of 0.08. Villagers know which tree species are best for building poles or good as fuel wood, which wild fruits are edible and which are good for medicine. This knowledge is an important ingredient in the ongoing effort to reverse the trend of environmental degradation in the area.

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