Verification Of The Extent And Expansion Potential Of Forest Plantations In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The study on the extent and potential of forest plantation in Tanzania was carried out in three selected zones of Southern highlands, Lake and Northern. It was specifically conducted to verify the current area of forest plantation under different ownership, assess the expansion potential of forest plantation under different ownership, and assess factors affecting expansion of forest plantation in Tanzania and propose interventions measures. Primary data were collected using prepared checklist, direct observations and informal discussion with key informants. NAFORMA data and final report and Management plans of government and large private forest plantations were used as the secondary data sources. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used for quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel software. The total planted forest plantation area is estimated to be 582 729 ha; the largest area being in the Southern Highland zone followed by Lake and Northern Zones. Out of this central government through Tanzania Forest service owns 105 625 ha, large private plantations companies own about 54 708 ha while individual woodlots occupy about 422 396 ha. The most important plantation species are pines, cypress, eucalyptus and teak. About 187 187.4 ha are available for expansion of the forest plantation whereby 122 793 ha and 64 394 ha are owned by Central government and private forest plantation companies respectively. In order to cover existing gap of annual wood deficit, government and private sector should put forward the best strategies to double the size of the forest plantation in the country.