Forest management in Tanzania

This project in the Nou Forest in the Manyara region of northern Tanzania linked forest communities and district governments to form partnerships for more sustainable forest management. Thousands of people living in Tanzania’s Nou Forest are reliant on the forests around them to survive. But deforestation has become increasingly common as people chop down trees for timber, to sell as firewood, and to clear grazing land for their animals.

We supported farmers’ groups to develop sustainable enterprises in mushroom farming, raffia weaving, beekeeping and tree nurseries, so farmers can earn a living without felling more trees.

Farmers formed associations to sell their produce collectively and at competitive prices. And we helped communities map the forest and its resources, so they could better protect and conserve their habitat.

A key aim for this project was that our forest management model would be applied beyond the Nou Forest. In particular, through our membership of the Tanzania Natural Resources Forum, which shares knowledge across the country.

This project was implemented with the District Councils of Babati and Mbulu, the Forestry and Beekeeping Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, and the Tanzania Natural Resources Forum.