Increasing tree cover in Katavi, Tanzania

Project update

11 Apr

Written By International Tree Foundation

Since 2020, we’ve been working with our local partner, Landscape Conservation Mentors Organisation (LCMO) to restore the general tree cover in Katavi region, Tanzania.

Through training on agroforestry and alternative land restoration techniques, this project is supporting communities in the area to gain sustainable livelihoods whilst protecting and restoring their local environment. So far 42,540 trees have been planted and 14 farmers have been able to diversify their income through agroforestry and beekeeping.

Low-cost land restoration

This project is encouraging local farmers to employ an alternative and low-cost land restoration technique called Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). This means pruning branches on a shrub and leaving out one or two to maximise the growth of the plant. Later on, the shrub will grow and develop into a tree.

So far, 14 farmers have been trained on FMNR and are now employing this innovative land restoration technique on their farms.

Inspired to love planting trees

This project is not only restoring the general tree cover in the region but also increasing conservation awareness amongst community members through educational seminars and film shows.

Over 3,000 children from 9 schools in the region have been taught about the importance of planting trees to conserve and protect our environment. They have also had the chance plant trees on school grounds.

This project is also cultivating environmental stewardship amongst local farmers like Emmanuel who was supplied with 300 Tectona grandis seedlings to plant on his farm.

“Your campaign inspired me to love planting trees”, says Emmanuel. “I know I am growing old but I have to leave a legacy to my big family.”

Sustainable Community Forestry

This project, is part of our Sustainable Community Forestry programme (SCF) which supports communities on the front lines of the climate crisis to develop and implement their own solutions to restoring landscapes and tree cover whilst improving livelihoods.

Thanks to funding from Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund, ITF is working with 16 partners across 7 African countries to take effective action against the climate and biodiversity crises.