COMMUNITY-BASED MANAGEMENT OF THE RUNGWA CORRIDOR FORESTS

AREAS OF INTERVENTION

Community-based natural resources management, Development of income-generating activities, Capacity building of local partners, Networking and support for the establishment of umbrella organizations, beekeeping.

LOCAL PARTNERS

• Natural Resources Committees for the Joint Forest Management of Rungwa River
• ADAP Tanzania

IN COLLABORATION WITH

• Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS)
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT)
• Sikonge District Council
• Mlele District Council
• Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)
• University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland- (HEPIA Geneva)
• Adansonia Consulting

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The forests in the north of the Rungwa River are a functional ecological corridor and contribute sustainably to the livelihoods of the neighbouring villages.

THIRD PHASE OBJECTIVES (2023-2026)

• The co-management documents for the Rungwa River reserve and land-use planning for the Northern and Southern Corridors are submitted to the government.
• Producers in the 16 villages can sell their products through an association that certifies them, and have access to equipment and know-how to improve quality.
• Young people, women and livestock farmers are more involved in developing and protecting forest resources.

DESCRIPTION

The forests of the Rungwa River Forest Reserve and the Northern and Southern Corridors are subject to human pressures that threaten the ecosystems and resources they harbor, while the communities depend on them for their livelihoods. The aim of the project is to include neighboring villages in the management of the Rungwa River Forest Reserve, to formalize the existence of the corridors and to support added-value chains such as beekeeping, wild mushroom picking and extensive pastoralism throughout the region.

After discussions with the stakeholders during the phase one, the project will now support the establishment of a Joint Forest Management for the Rungwa River Forest Reserve. It will also continue to support forest users so they can benefit from their resources sustainably and avoid conflicts long-term. The focus will be on:

• Capacity building
• Support for community conserved areas
• Development of income-generating activity sectors (beekeeping and mushrooms)
• Networking of local and regional actors

The project will place great emphasis on community consultation as well as on collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure different institutions manage the ecological corridor consistently and sustainably.