Department of Forest Resources Assessment and Management

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Above- and belowground tree biomass models for three mangrove species in Tanzania: a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach
(Springer, 2015-10) Njana, Marco Andrew; Bollandsås, Ole Martin; Eid, Tron; Malimbwi, Rogers Ernest; Zahabu, Eliakimu
& Key message Tested on data from Tanzania, both existing species-specific and common biomass models developed elsewhere revealed statistically significant large prediction errors. Species-specific and common above- and below- ground biomass models for three mangrove species were therefore developed. The species-specific models fitted bet- ter to data than the common models. The former models are recommended for accurate estimation of biomass stored in mangrove forests of Tanzania. & Context Mangroves are essential for climate change mitiga- tion through carbon storage and sequestration. Biomass models are important tools for quantifying biomass and car- bon stock. While numerous aboveground biomass models exist, very few studies have focused on belowground biomass, and among these, mangroves of Africa are hardly or not represented.
Adherence to Land use Zones in implementation of participatory Village Land use planning policy in Ulanga District in Tanzania
(AJEE, 2021) Naiposha, M. N.; Nzunda, E. F.
Proper implementation of land use planning may contribute to solving land use problems, including land use conflicts. Adherence to land plans depends on many factors which vary according to circumstances of a study area. The present study aims to contribute to knowledge needed to enhance adherence to zones in land use planning. Specifically, the study had two objectives, namely: (1) to examine extent of adherence to village land use plans and, (2) to assess factors that influence adherence to the village land use plans. Data were collected through household survey of 120 respondents from two villages, key informants, focus group discussions, field observation, review of guidelines for land use planning, village land use plans (VLUPs), district land use framework, books and journal articles. GPS points to examine adherence to VLUPs were analyzed using Kappa statistic. Factors influencing adherence to VLUPs were analysed using binary logistical regression and pair-wise ranking. There was moderate adherence with kappa coefficient of 0.47 and 0.49 for Iragua and Kichangani villages. Larger families with higher incomes were more likely not to adhere to land use plans. Immigrants were also more likely not to adhere to plans than residents. Corruption of village leaders, lack of follow up by village leaders on implementation, lack of awareness on land use plans and underestimated population growth were the key prioritised factors that resulted in non-adherence of land use plans. The study recommends a review of the zoning standards to enhance sufficiency of allocated zones; privatization of grazing land; establishment of communal grazing management plans; and involvement of communities in developing complete plans. The study also recommends close monitoring; reviewing of VLUPs; enforcement of good governance; establishing incentive schemes; offering continuous education and developing participatory implementation framework.
Allometric Biomass and Volume Models for Cashewnut Trees
(E&D Vision Publishing Ltd, 2018-05-12) Zahabu, E.; Mlagalila, H.; Katani, J. Z.
Allometric Biomass and Volume Models for Coconut Trees
(E&D Vision Publishing Ltd, 2018-05-12) Zahabu, E.; Mugasha, W. A.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Katani, J. Z.
Allometric Biomass and Volume Models for Tectona Grandis Plantations
(E&D Vision Publishing Ltd, 2018-05-12) Zahabu, E.; Mugasha, W. M.; Katani, J. Z.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Mwangi, J. R.; Chamshama, S. A. O.
Allometric models for prediction of above- and belowground biomass of trees in the miombo woodlands of Tanzania
(Elservier, 2013-08-02) Mugasha, W. A.; Mugasha, W. A.; Eid, T.; Bollandsås, O. M.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Chamshama, S. A. O.; Zahabu, E.; Katani, J. Z.
Miombo woodland is a significant forest type occupying about 9% of the African land area and forms a dominant vegetation type in many southeastern African countries including Tanzania. Quantification of the amount of carbon stored in forests presently is an important component in the implementation of the emerging carbon credit market mechanisms. This calls for appropriate allometric models predicting biomass which currently are scarce. The aim of this study was to develop above- and belowground allometric general and site-specific models for trees in miombo woodland. The data were collected from four sites in Tanzania and covers a wide range of conditions and tree sizes (diameters at breast height from 1.1 to 110 cm). Above- and belowground biomass models were developed from 167 and 80 sample trees, respectively. The model fitting showed that large parts of the variation (up to 97%) in biomass were explained by diameter at breast height and tree height. Since including tree height only marginally increased the explanation of the biomass variation (from 95% to 96–97% for aboveground biomass), the general recommendation is to apply the models with diameter at breast height only as an independent variable. The results also showed that the general models can be applied over a wide range of conditions in Tanzania. The comparison with previously developed models revealed that these models can probably also be applied for miombo woodland elsewhere in southeastern Africa if not used beyond the tree size range of the model data.
Allometric tree biomass and volume models in Tanzania
(Department of Forest Mensuration and Management Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Malimbwi, R.E.; Eid, T.; Chamshama, S.A.O.
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Analysis of Land-Cover Changes and Anthropogenic Activities in Itigi Thicket, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016-12-01) Makero, J. S.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Assessing land cover changes from the 1991 to 2011 for Itigi thicket is imperative for determining changes between land cover types and understanding anthropogenic impact during this period. Remote sensing (RS) data, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and forest inventory data were used. ILWIS 3.3 Academic software was used to analyze the satellite imageries to determine the land use, land cover change; while data on anthropogenic activities were analysed in MS Excel software. The results showed that between 1991/2000 and 2000/2011, the areas of thicket declined by 6.23% while non-thicket areas increased by 3.92%. The decline in thicket areas was attributed to increase in anthropogenic activities such as wood extraction, clearing for agriculture, livestock grazing and fires. The study highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing and forest inventory in understanding the thicket resources dynamics and generating information that could be used to overcome the Itigi thicket problems for the sustainability of this unique vegetation
Approaches and techniques for managing human-elephant conflicts in Western Serengeti, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Chamba, I. Y.
Human-elephant conflicts (HEC) have been persistent in Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserves (IGGRs) and the adjacent communities of Bunda and Serengeti districts, Mara region. This study aimed to identify factors leading to HEC, examine losers and gainers, determine barriers to applied measures and suggest new approaches and techniques for effective mitigation of HEC. Data collection involved direct observations, key informant interviews and household survey using questionnaires. The analysis was done using R, SPSS and MS Excel computer softwares. Results showed that factors that significantly influenced HEC occurrence (P<0.05) were crop raiding incidences, increasing elephant population, encroachment, lack of clear buffer zone, lack of compensation plan, infrastructure damages and direct elephant attack. Major effects of HEC in the study villages were crop damage (99%), infrastructure damage (36%), domestic animal killings (18.7%) and human killings and injury (18.3%). Farmers were the main losers, whereas in 2017 about 46.6% of cultivated farms were destroyed and none of which was compensated. On the other hand, corrupt village leaders seemed to gain from the conflicts. The major barriers to HEC mitigation measures included few and large distance between scout camps, use of poor tools like handheld torches, inadequate manpower in HWC mitigation units, and ability of elephants to adapt to most of the detterents used by farmers. A number of non- conventional mitigation measures were identified and recommended; namely construction of trench (95.3%), electric fencing (92.7%), establishment of buffer zone management units (BZMUs) (92.7%), geo- fencing system (92.3%), Wireless Sensing Network (WSN) (85.3%), translocation of problem elephants (11.7%), and evacuation of people near PAs boundaries (22%) as HEC prevention and mitigation measures with long-term impacts. Generally, no single solution is effective as different approaches need to be intergrated to address the problem proactively. Hence, it is recommended that community involvement in decision-making and policy formulation should be emphasized for effective implementation of proposed mitigation measures.
Assessing the Hydrology of a Data-Scarce Tropical Watershed Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool: Case of the Little Ruaha River Watershed in Iringa, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2017-07) Mbungu, W. M.; Kashaigili, J. J.
The hydrology of the Little Ruaha River which is a major catchment of the Ihemi Cluster in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has been studied. The study focused on the hydrological assessment through analysis of the available data and developing a model that could be used for assessing impacts of environmental change. Pressures on land and water resources in the watershed are increasing mainly as a result of human activities, and understanding the hydrological regime is deemed necessary. In this study, modeling was conducted using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in which meteorological and streamflow data were used in the simulation, calibration and evaluation. Calibration and evaluation was done at three gauging stations and the results were deemed plausible with NSE ranging between 0.64 and 0.80 for the two stages. The simulated flows were used for gap filling the missing data and generation of complete daily time series of streamflow at three gauging stations of Makalala, Ihimbu and Mawande. Results of statistical trends and flow duration curves, revealed decline in magnitudes of seasonal and annual flows indicating that streamflows are changing with time and may have implications on envisioned development and the water dependent ecosystems.
Assessment of actors’ brokerage strategies and power struggles in the national REDD+ process in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Manyika, K. F. K.
Deforestation and forest degradation are among the sources of greenhouse gases emissions. Therefore, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, ‘plus’ forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+)are considered asa unique opportunity of improving forest governance in developing countries. REDD+ has already been included as amitigation mechanismin the Paris Agreement onclimate change.Tanzania is among the countries thatembarked on instituting REDD+ governance structures. This study investigatedbrokerage strategies and power struggles in the national REDD+ process in Tanzania. Data were collected between 2012 and 2014.The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam and some selected districts namely Kilosa, Kondoa, and Rufiji wheresome REDD+ demonstration projects have been undertaken.Data were collected by usingPRA, focus group discussions, structured questionnaire, semi-structured and unstructured interviewsas well asparticipant observation. Structured questionnaire was conducted on 68 actors from government, parastatal organizations, development partners, private sector and non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs). Secondary data wereobtained from NGO pilot project documents, policy briefs, published and unpublished documents and reports.Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and Social Network Analysis (SNA) with UCINET 6 and NetDraw software. Results revealed thatthe National Fund and Market Based systems arethe emerging National REDD+ governance structures in Tanzania. The study also found that themajority of actors have vested interests in the national REDD+ governance processes.Consequently, both governmental and non-governmentalactors striveto be brokers in the national REDD+ governance process in order to advance or protect their interests. Thebrokerage strategies deployed include:provision of consultancy services, financial resources, and technical services. Other brokerage strategies revealed include:the use of non-state diplomacy or insider-outsider relations, acting as observers, advisers, lobbyists and pressure groups. The study also indicated that power struggles that involvedgovernment and non-government actors emerged during the national REDD+ governance process. The factors underlying power struggles include:the number of assigned roles and responsibilities; the level of awareness and knowledge of actors on REDD+, economic expectations of carbon credits, the level designation or position of actors and ownership of forests. Other factors that contributed to power struggles include membership in the national REDD+ Task Force and organization mandates of actors. The study concludes that brokerage strategies and power struggles may spark legitimacy concerns and subsequently affect performance of the emerging governance structures.The studyrecommends forthe assessment of performance of the emerging governance structures in order to enhance theirlegitimacy.The study also recommends for the establishmentof a national REDD+ dialogue platform todebate and deliberateon REDD+ issues as both national and global lessons unfold. In addition, the study recommends for the revisionof National Forest Policy, Livestock Policy, Agriculture Policy, National Land Policy andother legislations to align them with the implementation of REDD+.
Assessment of degradation in forested areas of Tanzania: a case study of Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani and Dar-es-salaam regions
(2017) Ayila, N. G.
Study was conducted to assess the level of degradation in the forested areas in Tanzania particularly on eastern zone regions (Tanga, Pwani, Morogoro and Dar es salaam). Three vegetation types were taken into consideration where both volume and biomass removed was determined. The NAFORMA data was used where a total of 1413 plots with stumps were used. The study revealed that montane forest lost 48.47+8.2 m3/ha, lowland forest 22.27+2.25 m3/ha and woodland forest 13.77+1.39 m3/ha. The weighted mean volume and biomass removed was 15.67 m3/ha and 11.02 t/ha respectively. Average volume and biomass lost in woodland forests were 13.7 m3/ha and 9.77 t/ha respectively. The most harvested species in woodland were found to be Brachystegia sp. 2.57 m3/ha followed by Commiphora sp. 1.5 m3/ha while other remaining species account for 9.63 m3/ha. Average volume and biomass lost in lowland forests were 22.27 m3/ha and 14.88 t/ha respectively. The most harvested species in the lowland forest were found to be Brachystegia sp. 5.5 m3/ha followed by Combretum sp. 3.4 m3/ha and other remaining species contributed about 13.37 m3/ha. On the other hand average volume and biomass lost in montane forests were 48.46 m3/ha and 33.69 t/ha respectively where as the most degraded species in montane forest were found to be Ocotea usambarensis 14 m3/ha followed by Olea usambarensis 3 m3/ha and other remaining species 31.4 m3/ha. Volume removed in the woodland forest is contributed mostly by charcoal making 2.92 m3/ha followed by timber extraction 2.09 m3/ha, the remaining volume 8.76 m3/ha include other drivers of degradation. For lowland and montane forests, timber extraction is the most driver of degradation where about 5.03 m3/ha (22.5%) and 14.82 m3/ha (30.57%) respectively were extracted.
Assessment of fire prevalence and reduction strategies in Miombo woodlands of Eastern Tanzania
(African Journals Online, 2014-12) Katani, J. Z.; Madoffe, S.S.; Amanzi, N. S.; Amanzi, N. S.; Rija, A. A.; Midtgaard, F.; Mbeyale, G. E.; Zahabu, E.; Tarimo, B. C.
An assessment of the proximate causes, effects and factors contributing to fire prevalence was conducted in three districts covered by miombo woodlands in Eastern Tanzania. Three miombo woodlands under different management regimes and governance structures (central government forest reserve, local government forest reserve and village land forest) each were investigated in Handeni, Kilosa and Kilwa districts. Data were collected from three villages selected in each District through household surveys, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), interviews of key informants and field observations. The analysis of data involved content analysis for documentary materials, descriptive statistical analysis for household surveys and Chi square was used to test whether there were differences in responses of local communities across forest management regimes. Results indicate that the major five human activities contributing to fire prevalence across the miombo woodlands include farm preparation (34.1%), hunting (28.5%), arson (21.5%), livestock grazing (9.3%) and charcoal making (0.7%). The causes were fairly the same across forest management regimes. August, September and October were the peak fire months and they were not influenced by different management regimes but by geographical locations within Eastern Tanzania. Results further show that fires in miombo woodlands usually start inside the woodland (67.2%), around residential area (22.9%) and from farms (9.9%). The origin of fire inside the woodland becomes more serious because it combines the hunting, arson, livestock grazing and charcoal making which are usually done inside the woodland. Chi-square test indicates significant difference on origin of fires across the forest management regimes (χ² = 13.341 and p = 0.031). The local communities acknowledged fires having both positive and negative effects and these effects were the same across the management regimes. Further, across the surveyed villages, strong social ties existed between fires and the daily life of local communities. Poverty, ignorance, weak law enforcement and climatic factors were identified as underlying factors contributing to fire prevalence. Fire incidences are predicted to increase given the increasing climate change. Potential strategies to reduce fires incidence identified were awareness creation, law enforcement, making fire breaks, introduction of alternative income generating activities, and improving agriculture practises. Furthermore, the use of prescribed burning to reduce effects of late fires and developing fire management plans to enhance miombo woodland management are among the strategies worth consideration by the local communities.
Assessment of forest cover change under different forest tenure regimes in Ngitili management systems in Meatu district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Manyanda, B.J; Kashaigili, J.J
Deforestation and forest degradation are tied to a complex array of socioeconomic and political factors. Quantifying the amount of amount of forest is key to ensure that appropriate management practices and policies are in place to combat deforestation and forest degradation. Despite the fact that forestland tenure changes from private and communal to state ownership occurred in Ngitili management systems in Meatu district Tanzania, little has been done to evaluate its impacts on forest cover. The objective of this study was to assess the forest cover changes under different tenure regimes in Ngitili management system. Landsat imagery of 1986 and 2000 were used in this study and data were analyzed using QGIS software. Results show that open land, grassland, bushland and open forest were the dominant forest classes under private and communal tenure regime while semi closed forest dominated most of the Ngitili area under the state tenure regime. The study concludes by supporting the alternative hypothesis that, forest land tenure changes have significant impacts on forest cover. The study recommends that, a study is needed to assess the impact of devolution which occurred in 2002 on forest cover change.
Assessment of groundwater availability and its current and potential use and impacts in Tanzania
(IWMI, 2010) Kashaigili, J. J.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) commissioned this study to assess groundwater availability and its current and potential use and impacts at the national scale for Tanzania as part of a wider study that extends across many sub-Saharan African countries. The study was a desktop study of existing geological, hydrogeological and hydrological data and reports that cover both biophysical and socio-economic aspects of groundwater. The report is based on a thorough review of white and grey literature from various government departments, NGOs, donor reviews and reports, student theses and consultant reports. The study came up with a number of key findings, conclusions and recommendations as highlighted below. The general geology of Tanzania comprises mainly the Precambrian (Archaean, Proterozoic) and Phanerozoic (Upper Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic) formations. The Archaean rocks are characterized by a granite-greenstone terrain. The Tanzanian Craton covers the central part of the territory up to south and east part of Lake Victoria. The occurrence of groundwater is largely influenced by geological conditions. Hydrogeologically about 75% of Tanzania is underlain by crystalline basement complex rocks of variable composition and ages, but predominantly Precambrian, which form the basement aquifers (for example the Pangani and Makutopora basins). Other aquifer types include karroo (found in Tanga), coastal sedimentary formation of limestone and sandstone (e.g. Dar es Salaam), and the alluvial sedimentary sequence, which mostly include clay, silt, sand and gravel, and volcanic materials (e.g. Kahe -Pangani basin). The groundwater potential of every type of aquifer differs significantly at the local scale as well as at the basin scale. The hydrogeology of Tanzania has not been thoroughly studied and owing to that, the quantification of the groundwater resources of the country has not yet been possible because of a lack of requisite data. In most cases, the only available information has been compiled from existing borehole log data. Groundwater development has concentrated mainly on shallow wells for domestic purposes over a wide part of the country (mainly rural areas). They are also commonly used in the peri-urban fringes where there is no distribution network and places with unreliable supply. Most boreholes are located in the internal drainage basin. The basin is characterized by semi-arid to arid conditions with rainfall less that 550 mm annually, making the dwellers dependent mostly on groundwater as the main source for water supply. The review has revealed that in areas where the static water level is less than 8 meters, shallow hand dug well fitted with hand pumps is feasible, which on average is about 40% of the Tanzania mainland area. There are limited extensive studies on recharge in Tanzania and owing to that the recharge rates are not known. However, based on very approximate basin-scale water balance calculations, the total ground water recharge on annual basis is estimated at 3,725 MCM (0.4 %). A general outlook on the various recharge estimates indicates that the values are greatly variable location- wise and are a function of the methods used. Low basin recharge rates implicate on groundwater development potential. Boreholes drilled for domestic water supplies indicate variable yields. Some boreholes in the Dodoma plain have exceptionally high yields of about 460m3hr-1. The average yield of boreholes (excluding Dar es Salaam and dry boreholes) is 11m3hr-1. The average static water level of productive boreholes is about 17 metres and the average total depth 62 metres. The cost for boreholes in Tanzania is about USD 6,000 for hand pumps and USD 12,000 for mechanised systems. These costs include the full facility, i.e. sitting, design, drilling, supervision, construction, and supply of equipment. The drilling cost contributes to only about 50% of the full facility cost. Groundwater has not been extensively used for irrigation largely due to the following reasons: • Detailed analysis on groundwater irrigation potential nation-wide has not been thoroughly explored. Most of the estimates are based on surface water information. • Tanzania still has enough areas that are potential for irrigation using surface water resources. Irrigation high potential area is estimated at 2.1 million ha in gross, as compared with 0.2 million ha currently irrigated. • There is scant information on the potential of aquifers and yields of individual boreholes. • Limited groundwater resources management plans. • The majority of people in the community have an inadequate understanding of groundwater resources and this has led to inappropriate development of groundwater. The national borehole database is maintained by the MoWI, Directorate of Water Resources in Dodoma. However, the data entry is not consistent; many boreholes have no data recorded and for others the data are incomplete and lack coordinates. This study recommends detailed groundwater studies be undertaken to assess the recharge and the sustainable groundwater yields, necessary to establish the groundwater potential for irrigation and for the other sectorial uses in Tanzania. Considering that groundwater in Tanzania is likely to be the key resource to improve the water supply coverage in many areas under the changing climate, the development of groundwater should be carefully managed to make full benefit of its potential, to protect its quality and to guard against over-exploitation of the aquifers. As a way of improving data management and information sharing, the existing database needs to be transformed into a Management Information Systems (MIS) that is integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Key information like borehole location, groundwater quality, amounts of abstraction, and the hydrogeology should be maintained in the database.
Assessment of implementation of village land use plans in Ulanga district, Tanzania
(sokoine university of agriculture, 2019) Naiposha, M. N.
Land use plans have been considered as a solution to land use problems. Existing studies have reported cases of non-adherence to the plan though limitedly considered assessing their implementation at village level. Implementation of the land use plan relies on how sufficient are the allocated land use zones, if the land use groups adhere to the plan and whether the available strategies enhance adherence to the land use plan. This study was designed to empirically identify land use implementation problems and suggest solutions relevant to the land users, the government, planners and other stakeholders. Primary data were collected through household survey of 120 respondents from two villages, key informants, focus group discussions and field observation survey while secondary data were collected through review of guidelines for land use planning, village land use plans, district land use framework, books and journals. Information used to assess sufficiency of land use zones and strategies used in Village Land Use Plan (VLUP) from household survey and village records were descriptively analysed. GPS points to examine adherence to VLUPs were analysed using Kappa statistic. Factors influencing adherence to VLUPs were analysed using binary logistical regression and pair-wise ranking. Findings showed that the allocated zones were insufficient for the current and future needs whereby 90% of the respondents declared insufficiency of the allocated zones. Discrepancies were noted in the size of land in the VLUP document and those digitised via Arcview GIS. Kappa analysis resulted to moderate adherence with kappa coefficient of 0.47 and 0.49 for Iragua and Kichangani villages. Corruption of village leaders, failure of village leaders to implement, lack of awareness on land use plans and increased population were the key prioritised factors that affected adherence to land use plans. The study recommends a review of the zoning standards to enhance sufficiency of allocated zones; privatization of grazing land; establishment of communal grazing management plans; and involvement of communities in developing complete plans. The study also recommends close monitoring; reviewing of VLUPs; enforcement of good governance; establishing incentive schemes; offering continuous education and awareness, and developing participatory implementation framework with clearly stipulated roles, strategies, milestones and indicators as well as resource mobilisation strategy.
Assessment of leaf biomass production of selected deciduous indigenous browse shrub in semi-arid ecological zone of Mwanga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Fupi, George Ferdinand
The major problem facing ruminant livestock production in semi-arid ecological zone is lack of adequate feed and of good quality throughout the year. The problem is more critical in the dry season. In semi-arid ecological zone leaf litter of shrubs and bushes are an important feed resource during the dry season. Grewia bicolor is the main deciduous indigenous browse shrub dominating the western lowland areas of Mwanga district. This study aimed at investigating the influence of season and lopping on re-growth potential, leaf biomass production and nutritive value of Grewia bicolor in western semiarid area of Mwanga district. The treatments were: T 1 control (where the G. bicolor plant was not- lopped), T 2 where G. bicolor plants was lopped at the start of short rain season (November), T 3 where G. bicolor plants was lopped at the start of long rain season (March). A complete randomized design was used in this study, where four replications were laid across a general slope and three treatments were applied in each replication. The study revealed that the local feed resources for grazing ruminants in the study area during the dry season were mainly leaf litter of deciduous browse shrubs, leaf litter of annual and perennial grasses, and some edible forbs. The leaf litter of G. bicolor deciduous browse shrub had high CP content ranging from 7 – 9 % while the understory grasses were low in CP (4 – 6 %). Lopping of G. bicolor increased leaf litter production from 94 to 217 kgDM/ha. It can be concluded that G. bicolor can be utilized to increase livestock production while undertaking some lopping techniques to increase leaf litter production and to maintain the balance between its canopy size and desirable understory grass species.
Assessment of the extent of elephant damage on baobab trees (adansonia digitata) in Mkata flood plain of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Nicolaus, William
A study was conducted in Mkata flood plain of Mikumi National Park (Tanzania) during the dry season of 2003. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of elephant damage to baobab trees and other woody vegetation, with special consideration that elephants will use baobabs extensively when water is limited. Ground survey was employed to assess 50 baobab trees and 724 other woody species in 20 belt transects. Baobab trees were assessed five times at 3-week intervals to monitor new elephant damage. The Mkata river survey was undertaken to see whether there was any area with water. Qualitative survey of baobabs showed 96% of all trees had old damage, 40% of all trees had recent damage and 20% of all trees had new damage. Quantitative survey of baobabs revealed that, recent damage was significantly higher than new one. There was no significant difference in damages between young, medium sized and large baobabs. Medium sized baobabs were damaged more significantly than large baobabs. Damage to baobabs did not differ significantly between different transects. The study revealed 44.6% of woody vegetation of other species to have elephant damage, 55.4% damaged by unknown agents and 0.6% were not damaged. The extent of damage to other woody vegetation was low. Regardless of the cause of damage, 53.6% of the woody species were lightly browsed, 33.3% were intermediately damaged and 13.1% were seriously damaged. Mikumi elephants selectively damaged younger woody species more than larger ones. In overall, Lonchocarpus capassa and Acacia spp. had significantly higher elephant damage than other species. However, Acacia spp. and Commiphora africana had relatively high percentage of new damages (11% and 10.7% respectively), and high preference ratio. It was concluded that, Mikumi elephants were not a threat to baobabs and other woody vegetation. A long-term study to compare elephant damage to baobabs in different dry years is recommended.
Assessment of tree stocking and diversity for joint forest management (JFM) in Nkweshoo village forest management area, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(A B Academic Publishers, 2012) Luoga, E.J.; Kajembe, G.C.; Shemweta, D.T.K.; Zahabu, E.; Mwaipopo, C. S.; Kweka, D. L.
A village forest near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro managed under Joint Forest Management (JFM) by the government and the local people was studied to assess its growing stock and to suggest interventions and management to promote its sustainable use. Data were collected using the methods of the International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) research programme. 19 tree species were identified and enumerated; the stocking was 714 trees/ha, basal area 27.5m2/ha and standing wood volume of 310 m3/ha. Almost half the standing volume was Macaranga kilimandscharica, a canopy tree species that was less desired for sawn timber and had not been over-harvested. Commercial timber production of other species that has been the dominant object of management is currently not sustainable. However, M. kilimandscharica is now the most preferred for firewood and light timber by the local user groups. Limited removal of over mature trees of this species by the local user groups for subsistence and community uses is recommended. The need for continued selective harvesting requires the determination of the sustainable allowable cut through recurrent resource assessment. Meanwhile the controlled harvesting will both demonstrate the value of the forest and motivate local people to protect it and, at the same time, increase its productivity and biodiversity.
Background on the Development of Biomass and Volume Models
(E&D Vision Publishing Ltd, 2018-05-12) Bollandsås, O. M.; Zahabu, E.; Katani, J. Z.