Non-timber Forest Products and their Contribution to Poverty Alleviation and Forest Conservation in Mbulu and Babati Districts-Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents findings on the contribution of Non-timber Forest Products towards poverty alleviation and sustainable forest management. It draws results from Nou-Catchment Forest Reserve, Dareda and Dohom Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs), in Mbulu and Babati Districts, Manyara region, Tanzania. Data were collected from eight villages, four from each District using participatory rural appraisal, structured interviews, focused group discussion and baseline data from FARM Africa Babati, Tanzania. Results revealed that NTFPs have significant role, particularly fire wood (92%), fodder (63%) and bee keeping activities (40%). Environmental goods and services (40%), construction materials and medicinal plants are also remarkable. This indicated significant contribution in income and non-income poverty reduction and thus, incentive for sustainable forest management. However, the collection trend varied from different forest and management regimes, (65%) National forest reserve, Village forest (31%), and small quantity in Village general lands (5%). The findings also highlight constraint to their exploitation and policy implications of Non-timber Forest Products towards poverty reduction and sustainable forest management. It must be mentioned, however that, there is a need for policy and legislation framework to guarantee more impact on poverty reduction and sustainable forest management.