Forest and landscape restoration in Butiama Hills, Tanzania

Why this project?

In partnership with the Global Resource Alliance (GRA) and five surrounding communities, this project aims to restore the Butiama Hills, a fully functional ecosystem, through the assisted natural regeneration (ANR) of over 3868 hectares of acacia woodlands. Individual woodlots and agroforestry systems on 1600 smallholder farming households adjacent to the hills will reduce pressure on the forests and further improve livelihoods.

The project will be carried out in close collaboration with four adjacent communities: Busegwe, Kigori, Mwikoro, and Nyanza. The 8-year restoration of 1500 ha of degraded forest will use the Assisted Natural Regeneration approach, as a basic baseline vegetation assessment in 2022 demonstrated that 65 tree species occur and seem to have the potential for natural regeneration. These include the near-threatened Dalbergia melanoxylon (African blackwood/grenadilla) and Vepris hanangensis.

Reviving a Degraded Landscape

The Butiama hills in Mara, Tanzania, have suffered from serious deforestation and degradation through illegal and unregulated firewood harvesting, charcoal burning, and grazing. This has led to the drying up of water sources, and the communities lack access to affordable and appropriate clean energy sources. The areas surrounding the hills are an agricultural landscape formed by a mosaic of woodlots and limited tree canopies. Low productivity agriculture and a lack of community ownership of forests also contribute to the degradation of the landscape here.

These drivers of deforestation and forest degradation will be sustainably reversed through increased forest cover, self-sustaining community-based forest management groups, and forest-friendly, diversified alternative livelihoods. Phase 1 (2023–2026) of the project focuses on establishing agroforestry on smallholder lands, benefiting local communities and enhancing environmental sustainability. This involves planting 3.78 million trees across 1967 hectares of agroforestry, with 1891 trees per hectare, and 55 hectares of teak with 1100 trees per hectare. Additionally, 1.65 million trees will be protected through ANR in natural forests managed by the communities. This method will increase carbon sequestration rates and restore biodiversity, enhancing the region's climate resilience and long-term viability. The project works closely with local communities and village councils to ensure the approval of project plans and to develop law enforcement strategies in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Services. Furthermore, by mapping boundaries and engaging these local communities, it ensures effective restoration and regulated land use plans with minimized conflicts.

Empowering Communities & Sustainable Land Use

The project adopts a holistic approach, addressing social, economic, and environmental aspects to create resilient livelihoods and mitigate the drivers of deforestation in the region. It aims to empower the involved communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives, particularly focusing on agroforestry and woodlot schemes. So far, efforts have been focused on establishing agroforestry systems with the 145 participating farmers to provide them with alternative sources of firewood, timber, and fodder while enhancing soil and water resources and increasing agricultural productivity. The project plans to further enroll 1600 farmers in agroforestry and woodlot schemes through the selection and training of 14 lead farmers who will guide others in implementing agroforestry practices. Practical demonstrations and theoretical training sessions equip these farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to optimize space, improve soil fertility, and further diversify income sources.