Project

How Tobacco Farming Affects Miombo Woodlands in Tabora, Tanzania

This project was developed to disclose the facts on the ground related to how tobacco farming affects Miombo woodlands in Tabora region located in midwestern Tanzania.

According to various credible sources of information, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a report, sustainable forest management in the Miombo woodlands covers 40% of Tanzania in two major blocks: the drier southeast and the larger and richer area in the moist west, bordering the Congolian forest patches of the Mahale Mountains. A report shows that the Miombo woodlands are threatened by deforestation and degradation driven by tobacco farming, among other factors like settlers, saw millers and charcoal producers.

The community is witnessing the effects on the ecosystem. For example, both saw millers and charcoal production involve the cutting of trees, causing the loss of biodiversity.  Features like wild animals and indigenous trees disappeared, affecting benefits from ecosystem services including freshwater supply, clean air and natural replenishment of soil fertility.