The forests of East Africa are facing an environmental crisis. Since 1995, Tanzania has lost around 20% of its forest cover. From 1995 to 2010, an average of 400,000 hectares of forest cover have been lost annually. If this trend continues or accelerates, Tanzania can lose all forest cover in as little as 50 years. This is a major dilemma for a country whose population is growing, mostly agrarian and extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
A magnificent specimen within a native forest in the southern highlands
There are many factors contributing to this rapid deforestation. Fuel is a major one. Most rural Tanzanians rely on firewood to cook. Although many native forests are protected by national and local governments, individuals still cut trees to burn in their kitchens. Prohibitory signs and the threats of a hefty fine can only go so far when dinner needs to be made and families need to eat. Charcoal production is also a factor in deforestation as it is the choice fuel for a growing urban population. Land use change also threatens Tanzanian forests as the pressure to meet the needs a growing population translates into the cutting of forests for farms and urban expansion. Of course, as with deforestation in any industry, lumber production also attributes to forest loss.
The preservation and sustainable management of forests are intrinsic to Tanzania’s food security. Trees, especially as a group, have a profound effect on the local ecosystem. They play a major role in soil and water conservation. Deep roots, large trunks and leaf litter are great at lessening soil erosion on steep slopes. With less soil washing away, soils can retain nutrients to be used later for crops. The leaf litter also creates a forest floor that encourages microbial activity and thus increases available soil nutrients.
The forests shade and root system help trap moisture, limit evaporation and can contribute significantly to the amount of available groundwater. Most farmers rely on groundwater for their crops. Forests’ ability to retain moisture is crucial and desertification can occur without them.
Forests are also crucial for biodiversity. The fauna that emerge from the forest may be beneficial to crop growth or even crucial to the crop cycle. The flora within a native forest maybe the new super food the world goes crazy for or the next addition to Tanzania’s growing list of native medicinal plants. The diversity of trees within a forest also ensures that the forest can persist when conditions change. Currently conditions are changing. The rainy seasons are starting later and come with less rain. Temperatures are also increasing. The loss of these carbon sinks is an attribution the global climate change. Climate change’s forecast on East Africa is grim and thus global warming is the most serious impact of Tanzania’s deforestation issue.
An apple tree nursery
While 200 Peace Corps Tanzania Volunteers cannot replant 400,000 hectares of forest a year, their work still helps counter the prevalence of deforestation. By helping farmers increase their yield and profitability, volunteers are helping decrease the need for agricultural encroachment of forests. Tree-planting projects are popular among volunteers. Across the country volunteers are helping propagate moringa, neem, avocados, Grevillea and other trees to better the food security and environment of their host villages. PCVs also participate in general environmental advocacy through educational institutions. Education volunteers increase scientific literacy in secondary schools and all volunteers have the opportunity facilitate environmental clubs in primary schools.
Primary school children in the Ludewa district work on filling tubes for a nursery
One organization alone cannot change the course of deforestation. This dilemma requires massive public effort on global, national and local levels. Hopefully this post has provided a brief understanding of the important effects of deforestation has on Tanzania. While the road towards sustainability is a tedious one, it only takes awareness to begin the journey towards resolution.
A tree group in the Same district with the beginnings of a nursery
Peace Corps Tanzania Feast 