The Ethnobotanical knowledge of the Barbaig community of Balangidalalu village in Manyara region, Tanzania

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Balangidalalu village in Hanang district, Manyara Region to document the indigenous knowledge on the use of plants.Social survey methods mainly semistructured questionnaire and participant observation were used to collect information. A total of 57 plant species were identified and documented, out of which; 28 are used for human medicine, 12 for livestock medicine, 15 for food, 10 for cosmetics and decoration, 15 for cultural aspects and 9 for handicrafts. The study revealed that some species have various myths and taboos attached to them, which do help to protect them from destruction. There is a need to conserve the documented resources to retain the valuable indigenous knowledge attached to them for future generations.Keywords: Ethnobotany-Barbaig tribe- Manyara region- Tanzani

Timber properties of lesser known Polyscias fulva (hiern) harms and Allophylus abyssinicus hochst. radlk. from Iringa Tanzania

Two lesser-known and lesser utilized timber species namely Polyscias fulva and Allophyllus abyssinicus from Iringa, Tanzania were studied to determine basic density and some strength properties. Three trees for each species were randomly selected, felled, test sampled prepared andproperties tested according to standard methods. Data analysis was conducted employing Microsoft excel computer software where descriptive statistics were computed. Analysis of variation was done to establish relationships existing between density and strength properties. Variation in basic density between trees and t-test was carried out to compare wood properties of the two species. In addition, regression analysis was used to establish the existing relationship. Tests of strength properties on clear specimens showed that on average, the overall strength properties for Polyscias fulva and Allophyllus abyssinicus were comparable respectively to Pinus caribaea and Terminalia superba, the commercially utilized timber species in Tanzania. Further, with exception of compression parallel to grain, the two species were significantly different. There was statistically significant difference within species in basic density and strength properties with exception of modulus of rupture and cleavage strength for Polyscias fulva and work to maximum load, compression parallel to the grain and cleavage for Allophylus abyssinicus. Furthermore, there were direct relationships between basic density and strength properties for the two timber species. While Pinus patula can substitute Polyscias fulva,Terminalia superba can substitute Allophyllus abyssinicus in most of its applications. The two timber species can be used for light construction work, sporting goods and furniture making. Further work on the studied species is required on other strength as well as chemical properties and natural durability.Key words: Density- strength- Terminalia superba - Pinus caribaea – Dabaga - Ulongambi fores

Community perception on climate change and usage patterns of non-timber forest products by communities around Kilolo District, Tanzania

Climate change is currently one of the greatest environmental challenges facing humankind; where increased temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are predicted to impact upon livelihoods in Tanzania. This paper highlights the current use pattern of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) byforest-dependent communities as a strategy to cope with the impacts of climate change and variability around the New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve (NDUFR) in Kilolo District. Specifically, the local peoples’ perceptions of climate change and the change in use pattern of NTFPs as aresponse to perceived change were investigated. Participatory Research Approaches mainly focus group discussions and household questionnaires were the methods used to collect data. The Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) and content analysis were tools used to analyse data.Further, the Community-based Risk Screening Tool for Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL 3.0) was used to synthesize information on the link between climate change, NTFPs and livelihoods. The local people perceived changes in climate based on rainfall and temperature in line with the available climatic data records from 1980 to 2011. Temperature has increased for the past 30 years; while rainfall is characterized by large inter-annual variability, with the heaviest rains in 1997 and 2010.Communities living around NDUFR are increasingly relying on NTFPs for food, health and income security among the strategy to cope with change in climate compared to the situation 30 years ago. In conclusion, climate has been varying around forest communities in Kilolo affecting their livelihood. At the same time, NTFPs seem to play safety roles by assisting communities to cope in adverse situations. There is a need for training communities on climate change issues to enhance the adaptive capacity of communities and in turn improve their livelihood. Sustainable harvesting ofNTFPs is crucial so as to reduce overexploitation of forest resources.Key words: Climate change; adaptation; NTFPs; Tanzania

Physical and strength properties of Azadirachta indica, (a. Juss.) growing in Morogoro, Tanzania

Physical and strength properties of Azadirachta indica growing in Morogoro, Tanzania were determined and the results compared with already known properties of timber of the same family. The properties determined included basic density, bending strength, stiffness, work to maximum load, total work, compression and shear parallel to the grain and cleavage strength. A total of 160 test samples were used from three trees randomly selected from the study area. Preparations of test samples, actual testing and determination of different properties were carried out following standard methods. All strength property values were adjusted to 12% moisture content. Results showed A. indica to have a mean basic density of 646 kg m- 3, classified as high density timber, comparable to that of Khaya anthotheca and Trichilia emetica from the same family. The overall strength properties of A. indica are lower compared to those of K. anthotheca and T. emetica, however, superior in terms of cleavage strength. Based on the studied properties, the species can successfully substitute K. anthotheca and T. emetica in uses which require high bending, cleavage and shear parallel to the grain strengths. A. indica wood is therefore recommended for uses other than fuel wood and poles such as making furniture, tool handles, artificial limbs, joinery and plywood. Keywords: Physical properties - strength properties - Azadirachta indica - Tanzania.Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation Vol. 77 2008: pp. 35-4

Variation of basic density and fibre length in Lonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) wood from Kilosa District, Tanzania

Within tree radial and axial variations ofwood basic density and fibre length ofLonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) wereinvestigated using three mature defect freetrees from Kilosa District, Tanzania.Samples for determination of wood basicdensity and fibre length were collectedfrom the butt, the middle and the tip of thestem height and six radial positions. Woodbasic density and fibre length weredetermined following standard procedures.The average wood basic density and fibrelength were 569.3 kg m-3 and 1.38 mm,respectively. Statistical analysis indicatedthat stem height and radial positions hadsignificant effect on wood density andfibre length. There was no positive linearrelationship between wood basic densityand fibre length. Based on density, thewood of L. capassa is heavy and is moreor less comparable to that of Khayaanthotheca. The two species can thereforebe used exchangeably if wood density isthe only pre-requisite. Normally, heavytimbers are suitable for wood fuel fromtheir high calorific values. The fibres of L.capassa are longer than those of thecommonly used species in pulp and paperproduction in Tanzania, showing thepotential of L. capassa for being used inpulp and paper making

Climate change adaptation strategies by local farmers in Kilombero District, Tanzania

This article examines current adaptation strategies developed by local farmers against climate change effects in Kilombero District. Research questions guided the study include; what are the past and current climatic stresses? What are local farmers’ perception on climate change and response to the adverse climatic stresses? What are institutions and political structures influencing local farmer’s adaptive capacity? The study was carried out in Mpofu, Njage and Miwangani villages. Data were collected through participatory rural appraisal, key informant interviews, household questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions. Findings show that there is prevalence of climate stresses including; prolonged dry spells, unpredictable floods, pests and diseases. Due to these stresses farmers have developed local adaptation strategies which are farming and non-farming. Farming strategies were crop diversification for food and cash and shift of cropping calendar. Non-farming strategies include the use of forest products, livestock rearing, fishing, petty trade, casual labours and remittances. Inferential statistics show that family size, number of years the respondent lived in the village, trend of rainfall and temperature are the factors influencing adaptation strategies positively. The study recommends local adaptation strategies to be streamlined to relevant policies in order to enhance local farmers’ adaptive capacity and become helpful in facing both present and future climate change effects.Keywords: Climate Change, Farmers, Stresses, Perceptions, Adaptation, Tanzani

Population status of Pterocarpus tinctorius: a medicinal plant species in Urumwa forest reserve, Tanzania

The paper examine the population status in terms of size-class structure and density by size class for Pterocarpus tinctorius a priority medicinal plant tree used by local communities around the miombo woodland of Urumwa Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Plotless inventory techniques using multiple-nearest-tree sampling strategy was employed during data collection. Results revealed that, the species population structure was represented by high frequencies of large trees (> 25 cm dbh) with few small trees represented in size classes < 20 cm. The species had lower mean distance (42 m) between conspecific neighbours in the north of the reserve. P. tinctorius was found to be well-stocked with large individuals of &ge; 25 cm dbh but poorly stocked in terms of trees &le; 15 cm per hectare. The species apparently seem to meet the immediate medicinal plant material needs of the local people in short-term, but strategies need to be developed for ensuring long-term supply. It is strongly recommended that an intensive ecological survey of the species and other potential medicinal plants in Urumwa be implemented in future to provide a greater insight to its dynamics in the miombo and assist in forest management and conservation and in turn sustain the primary health care system of dependent communities.Keywords: Population status- Medicinal plants-Miombo-Urumwa-Tanzani

Impact of traditional beekeeping on Mgori Village Land Forest Reserve in Singida District, Tanzania

Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation 2016, Vol. 86(1)A study was conducted in villages around Mgori Village Land Forest Reserve (VLFR), Singida District in Tanzania to assess the impact of traditional beekeeping on the condition of forest resources. Data collection involved participatory rural appraisal, questionnaire survey and forest inventory. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Ms Excel. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to analyse evenness in species diversity. Results indicated that the majority of households practice traditional beekeeping using log hives. There is no proper management system of traditional beekeeping apart from regular forest patrols. The majority (82%) of respondents viewed traditional beekeeping as an effective way of managing forest resources as it helps to protect the forest against destruction and results in increased plant productivity through pollination. Results further showed that although not statistically significant (p>0.05), sites where beekeeping was practiced had more stems per hectare (ha) for dbh ≤10 cm compared to sites where there was no beekeeping implying high regeneration of species due to minimal disturbances in beekeeping sites. Forest destruction, decreasing bee forages and drought were identified to be the main threats to traditional beekeeping. If well implemented, traditional beekeeping can be a tool for sustainable forest management. The need to promote best beekeeping practices which contribute to sustainable forest management in the area and beyond is recommended

Forest ecosystem services and livelihood of communities around Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve, Lushoto, Tanzania

A study on the potential of forest ecosystem services to the livelihood of communities around Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve in Lushoto District, Tanzania was conducted. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and participant’s observation were used. Qualitatively and quantitatively data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Provisioning services were mostly recognized by local communities as the service provided by forest ecosystem followed by cultural services. Provisioning services played greater role in people’s livelihood by generating subsistence income. Income generated (66%) by both men and women were highly used to cater for food, health and education. There was no significant difference between gender and income generated from provisioning services to household livelihood. Men were mainly involved in forest protection and tree planting conservation aspects while women involved in law enforcement thus attaining sustainable forest ecosystem utilization. Fire incidences, planting crops near to water sources and illegal timber harvesting were observed to be the main constraints towards sustainable use of forest ecosystem services. It is concluded that, communities were highly uncertain on the potentials of forest ecosystem services to the livelihood, but in actual fact ecosystem services provide both direct and indirect benefits for household livelihood though the income generated is low.Keywords: Forest ecosystem services, Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve, Tanzani

Impact of traditional beekeeping on Mgori village land forest reserve in Singida District, Tanzania

Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation 2016, Vol. 86(1)A study was conducted in villages around Mgori Village Land Forest Reserve (VLFR), Singida District in Tanzania to assess the impact of traditional beekeeping on the condition of forest resources. Data collection involved participatory rural appraisal, questionnaire survey and forest inventory. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Ms Excel. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to analyse evenness in species diversity. Results indicated that the majority of households practice traditional beekeeping using log hives. There is no proper management system of traditional beekeeping apart from regular forest patrols. The majority (82%) of respondents viewed traditional beekeeping as an effective way of managing forest resources as it helps to protect the forest against destruction and results in increased plant productivity through pollination. Results further showed that although not statistically significant (p>0.05), sites where beekeeping was practiced had more stems per hectare (ha) for dbh ≤10 cm compared to sites where there was no beekeeping implying high regeneration of species due to minimal disturbances in beekeeping sites. Forest destruction, decreasing bee forages and drought were identified to be the main threats to traditional beekeeping. If well implemented, traditional beekeeping can be a tool for sustainable forest management. The need to promote best beekeeping practices which contribute to sustainable forest management in the area and beyond is recommende