Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Aboveground biomass and carbon stock of Usambara tropical Rainforests in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2021) Mauya, E.W.; Madundo, S
Forest Above ground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock (AGC) estimation is important for carbon budget accounting, sustainable forest management as well as for understanding the role of forest ecosystem in the climate change mitigation. In the recent decade, there has been a growing global interest on quantifying AGB and AGC in the tropical countries. However, the information on AGB and AGC at local and subnational scales in most of the tropical forests is scattered and not consolidated. In this study, we reviewed the existing information on AGB and AGC for tropical rainforests of northern Tanzania. We used both data published in the peer-reviewed literature and data from unpublished sources provided by various sources. Our results showed that, there are three types of data sources and methods used for estimation of AGB and AGC. These included, field, geographical information system and remote sensing. Of all the methods, field based method was applied to a large extent. The average reported minimum values of AGB and AGC are 177.00 Mg ha -1 and 88.5 Mg ha -1 , and the maximum average values are 872 Mg ha -1 and 436 Mg ha -1 respectively. Overall, the average values of AGB and AGC in the Usambara tropical mountain forests (UTMFs) are 351.08 Mg ha -1 and 175.54 Mg ha -1 respectively. Forest structure parameters, particularly tree sizes and number of tree stems, were the major structure parameters reported to affect the amount of AGB and AGC. To conclude, the study revealed that there is a progressive trend in the estimation of AGB and AGC in the UTMFs. However, more update and effective forest survey data and methods are needed particularly in west Usambara mountain forests block.
Applications and challenges of information and communication technology in the forest sector: a case study of Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2022) Ahmad, Mchelu Hadija; William, Mauya Ernest; Juma, Lolila Nandera; Dawood, Madundo Sami
In Tanzania there is rapid adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the forest sector and other allied sciences. Many of the uses of ICT in the forest sector are relatively new or still on the horizon and majority are not documented. Despite that, studies on the application and challenges of ICT in the forest sector of Tanzania are still limited to up to date. This study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to document the current application and challenges of ICT in the forest sector. Data on awareness, type of professional experts with ICTs based, ICTs application domain in forest, infrastructures, software used and outputs were collected from different forest institutions located in Morogoro Municipality using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of the parameters were done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and R statistical package. The results have shown that, there is a promising trend towards applications of ICT in the forest sector, where about 75% of the respondents were aware of the ICT applications, while 25% were not. There were eight types of professionals in the forest sector with background in ICT’s based technology with higher application on data storage and analysis, documentation and forest inventory. The main challenges observed were related to the availability of infrastructures, internet connectivity and qualified personnel.
Attitude,adoption and economic potentials of Agroforestry in Kilosa District Tanzania
(2016-03-25) Luumi, F.; Mombo, F.; Senkondo, M.; Makonda, F. B. S.
The paper aimed at describing the existing agroforestry systems and technologies, examining the level of attitudes towards agroforestry, identifying socio factors influencing agroforestry adoption and estimating costs and benefits of agroforestry in Kilosa District. Information and data on agroforestry was obtained by interviewing a random sample of 120 households based upon questionnaire. Results revealed that agroforestry systems practiced were agrosilvopastoral and agrosilvicultural arranged in mixed intercropping, boundary planting and homegardens. A substantial number of respondents had a positive attitude towards commercialization (90% resource conservation (89%) and attitude towards land productivity (82%). Farm labour force, farm size, attitude towards land productivity, commercialization and attitude towards land resource conservation significantly influenced adoption of agroforestry at P < 0.05. The selected agroforestry systems had positive Net Present Value per hectare and Benefit Cost Ratio was greater than one at discount rate of 10% meaning that the systems were economically viable. Internal Rate of Return was higher than the World Bank’s rate of 10% indicating the worth of investing in agroforestry. It is recommended that, the government and development agencies should provide education and training to farmers who are ignorant of the benefits of engaging in agroforestry f agroforestry disseminators should improve the benefits of agroforestry practice since high attitude towards agroforestry were due to the respondents’ perception that investment in agroforestry was associated with more benefits than costs. Increasing the efficiency of agroforestry through technology development, improving marketing systems and credits will improve the economic benefits from agroforestry
Balancing wood and non-wood products in Miombo Woodlands
(2007) Makonda, F. B. S.; Gillah, P. R.
In most of the sub-Saharan countries including Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia, more than 80% of rural people are poor and traditionally rely on existing non-wood goods and services provided by miombo. These woodlands are among the most threatened of the tropical ecosystems. There is a need of investigating the importance of miombo ecosystem, their threats and the governments concerned to ensure sustainable and equitable use of these dwindling resources. This paper gives an overview of the roles played by miombo in the provision of both wood and non-wood products and how the utilization can be balanced for sustainability. It is evident that there has been limited research on miombo productivity and the impact of management on non-timber product supplies. This needs immediate attention in order to address the demand-supply situation. Also sustainable use of trees and shrubs is an integral part of balancing variable products and uses in miombo woodlands. Conservation of miombo while raising the living standard can be enhanced through controlled harvesting, improved domestication and utilization and commercialization of trees and their products.
Basic density and strength properties of Pines in Uganda
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2008-02-21) Ishengoma, R. C.; Odokonyero, G.; Makonda, F. B.; Hamza, K. F.
Basic density and strength properties and their variations in 25 year - old Pinus caribaea, P. oocarpa and P. kesiya grown in Katugo, Uganda were investigated. Six trees for each species were selected representing three diameter classes. The trees were felled after measuring their diameter at breast height. Three disks were cut from each tree at 1.3 m, 45% and 75% of total tree height for growth ring width and basic density assessment. For strength properties determination, a central plank measuring 65 mm thick was extracted from each sample tree starting at breast height upwards. Basic density was determined using water displacement. Tests of various strength properties were done in accordance with standard procedures. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. Results for the studied properties of Pinus caribaea, P. kesiya and P. oocarpa respectively were as follows: Basic density: 424, 431,and 444 kg/m3; Modulus of rupture: 54.51, 56.31 and 60.69 N/mm2; Modulus of elasticity: 8590,8752 and 8825 N/mm2; Work to maximum load: 0.088. 0.099 and 0.101 mmN/mm3; Maximum compression strength: 33.38, 33.83and 34.66 N/mm2; Maximum shear strength: 9.43, 9.80 and 10.37 N/mm2 and cleavage: 11.79,12.15 and 12.48 n/mm. There were no significant differences in all wood properties between the three species. Between tree variations in wood properties were statistically insignificant (p<0.05) in all the species, indicating a low potential of improving wood quality through selection. Growth rate had no significant influence on wood properties. Wood properties studied decreased significantly from stump upwards the stem and increased from pith outwards in the three species. Strength properties of the three pine species were strongly correlated to basic density with regression coefficients (R2) of above 0.88. Wood strength property values obtained in this study were within the range of pines grown in Kenya and Tanzania. These findings indicate that there are possibilities of expanding the use of these species through promotion. Butt end logs and inner wood can be used for non-structural applications and the outer wood for structural purposes.
Biomass and volume models based on stump diameter for assessing degradation of miombo woodlands in Tanzania
(Hindawi, 2018-12-27) Manyanda, Bernardol J; Mugasha, Wilson A; Nzunda, Emannuel F.; Malimbwi, Rogers E
Models to estimate forest degradation in terms of removed volume and biomass from the extraction of wood fuel and logging using stump diameter (SD) are lacking. The common method of estimating removals is through estimating diameter at breast height (D) by applying equations relating measured D and SD. The estimated D is then used to estimate biomass and volume by means of allometric equations, which utilize D. Through this sequence of procedures, it is apparent that there is an accumulation of errors. This study developed equations for estimating volume, aboveground biomass (ABG), and belowground biomass (BGB) using SD in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania. Volume models were developed from 114 sample trees while AGB and BGB models were developed from 127 and 57 sample trees, respectively. Both site specific and regional models were developed. Over 70% of the variations in BGB, AGB, and volume were explained by SD. It was apparent that SD is inferior compared to measured D in explaining variation in volume and BGB but not AGB. However, the accuracy of BGB and volume estimates emanating directly from SD were far better than those obtained indirectly, i.e., volume or BGB estimates obtained from estimated D from SD, since the latter is affected by accumulation of regression equation errors. For improved accuracy of ABG, BGB, and volume estimates, we recommend the use of site specific models. However, for areas with no site specific models, application of regional models is recommended. The developed models will facilitate the addition of forest degradation as a REDD+ activity into the forthcoming FREL.
Climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies by forest adjacent communities in Kilombero district Tanzania
(Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2016) Balama, Chelestino; Augustino, Suzana; Eriksen, Siri; Makonda, Fortunatus B.S.
Climate change is a global challenge to both sustainable livelihoods and economic development. Tanzania has been affected by climate change due to primary dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Despite several studies being able to explore climate change farmers’ perceptions and adaptation in Tanzania, little attention has been to humid areas specifically forest adjacent communities. This study assessed the perceptions and adaptation strategies developed by forest adjacent communities against climate change effects in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Data collection involved use of household questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and participant observations. Results showed that the majority of communities perceive the climate to have changed as evidenced by increase in temperature and unpredictable rainfall over the past decades. This was further evidenced by frequent occurrence of floods, increased dry spells during rainy season coupled with decreased water sources, emergence of new pests and diseases, and fluctuations in fruiting and flowering seasons for plant resources in the forests. The communities’ perceptions are in line with existing empirical climate data for Kilombero meteorological station where temperature and rainfall have indicated an increasing trend with fluctuations in some years. The perceived change in climate has impacted different sectors mostly agriculture as the main livelihood source. Local communities are responding through different coping and adaptation strategies, such as crop diversification, changing cropping calendar, adopting modern farming technologies, increasing reliance on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), animal rearing and petty trading. Household size, residence period, land ownership, and household income were the socio-economic factors that influenced coping and adaptation strategies positively and significantly. In conclusion, forest adjacent communities perceive the climate to have changed as evidenced by different climatic indicators. In actual fact the area seem to have experienced climate variability and communities have responded differently by developing both coping and adaptation strategies within the farming and non-farming context. The study recommends a need for provision of weather forecast to the area for preparedness. The need for daily recording of climatic events by meteorological stations in the study area and other places in Tanzania is crucial for future confirmation of climate change. The observed potential coping and adaptation strategies need to be prioritized, strengthened and developed to ensure livelihood sustainability in future.
Comparison of dimensional stability of particle boards Manufactured in Tanzania and those imported from South Africa
(2004) Gillah, P.R; Ishengoma, R.C; Deogratias, J; Kitojo, D.H
Dimensional stability properties of particleboard from Tembo Chipboard Ltd, located in Tanga, Tanzania and of those imported from South Africa were determined and compared. A total of 64 test samples, 32 from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and 32 from South Africa chipboard cut randomly from boards were used for the study. Prior to the determination of the dimensional stability, moisture content and basic density of boards were determined in accordance to EN 322 and EN 323 standards respectively. Determination of dimensional stability was based on water soak test, according to EN 317 standard. From the results, the basic densities of particleboard from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and those from South Africa were very similar at 687 and 671 kg/m3 respectively. Similarities in basic densities allowed for comparison of other properties. Thickness swelling and water absorption values of chipboards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and S. Africa increased with increase in water immersion period. Comparatively, boards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd had lower thickness swelling and water absorption than boards from South Africa. Furthermore, less board damage due to water immersion was demonstrated by boards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd than those from S. Africa due to their low irreversible thickness swelling. The particleboards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd are more dimensionally stable than similar boards from S. Africa.
Determination of basic density and strength properties of Cordia Africana Lam. Grown in agroforestry system in Lushoto, Tanga
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2004) Hamza, K. F.S.; Makonda, F. B. S.; Mwamakimbullah, R.; Said, A. S.
Basic density and strength properties of Cordia africana Lam. grown in agroforestry systems in Lushoto, Tanga were determined. Six sample trees were randomly selected in the same farm at Shashui village near Soni. After measuring dbh the trees were felled and total tree height recorded. Four discs were cut at breast height, 30%, 60% and 90% of the total tree height for basic density determination. A one metre long log was cut above 1.3m for strength properties determination. A central plank measuring 6cm including pith was sawn in east-west direction from each log. Standard methods were used in determination of basic density and strength properties. The main findings of this study were as follows: Basic density was 0.40g/cm3; Basic density increased moderately from the pith to a certain point after which it remained more or less constant; Basic density decreased from the butt to the top of the tree. Mean values for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, maximum crushing stress and shear parallel to grain, compression stress and cleavage perpendicular to grain were lower than those for common hardwoods such as Ocotea usambarensis and Albizia spp. found in Lushoto. There was positive correlation between basic density and strength properties. It was recommended that, wood from C. africana grown in Lushoto and other areas with similar soil and climatic conditions could be used for light construction work and furniture making. It was further recommended that, more studies should be done in other geographical conditions where the species is grown so as to make concrete conclusions on efficient utilization of the species.
Economic valuation of nontimber forest products under the changing climate in Kilombero district, Tanzania
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016) Balama, C.; Augustino, S.; Mwaiteleke, D.; Lusambo, L. P.; Makonda, F. B. S.
Sustainable collection of Nontimber Forest Products (NTFPs) for trade is an appropriate measure to increase people’s adaptive capacity against adverse effects of climate change. However, information on the economic value for NTFPs for subsistence use and trade under the changing climate is inadequate, particularly in households around Iyondo Forest Reserve (IFR), in Kilombero District, Tanzania. The study identified and quantified NTFPs used for subsistence and trade, estimated its economic value, and examined factors influencing supply of NTFPs at household level. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews, questionnaire survey of 208 sample households, and spot market analysis to randomly selected NTFPs collectors, sellers, and buyers.The study identified 12 NTFPs used for subsistence and trade, which was evaluated in terms of the mean annual value per household.Themean annual value of the identifiedNTFPs ranged fromTZS 4700 to 886 600.The estimated economic value of the studiedNTFPs was TZS 51.4 billion (USD36million).The supply of NTFPs at household level was influenced by distance to the forest, change in forest management regime, seasonality, and change in rainfall pattern. NTFPs around IFR have high economic value which portrays the potential of developing them to enhance households’ adaptive capacity against climate change adverse effects.
Forest adjacent households’ voices on their perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change in Kilombero District, Tanzania
(Springer Plus, 2016) Balama Chelestino; Augustino Suzana; Eriksen Siri; Makonda Fortunatus B. S.
Climate change is a global and local challenge to both sustainable livelihoods and economic development. Tanzania as other countries of the world has been affected. Several studies have been conducted on farmers’ perceptions and adaptation to climate change in the country, but little attention has been devoted to forest adjacent households in humid areas. This study assessed this gap through assessing forest adja- cent households’ voices on perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Data collection involved key informant interviews, focus group discussions and household questionnaires. Results showed that the majority of households perceived changed climate in terms of temperature increase, unpredict- able rainfall, frequent occurrence of floods, increased dry spells during rainy season coupled with decreased water sources and emergence of new pests and diseases. The perceived change in climate has impacted agriculture productivity as the main liveli- hood source. Different coping and adaptation strategies are employed. These are; crop diversification, changing cropping calendar, adopting modern farming technologies, and increasing reliance on non-timber forest products. These strategies were positively and significantly influenced by socio-economic factors including household size, residence period, land ownership and household income. The study concludes that, there are changes in climatic conditions; and to respond to these climatic changes, for- est adjacent households have developed numerous coping and adaptation strategies, which were positively and significantly influenced by some socio-economic factors. The study calls for actual implementation of local climate change policies and strate- gies in order to enhance adaptive capacity at household level.
Fuelwood consumption in brick making: A case of Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(2015-11) Magembe, K. S.; Makonda, F. B. S.; Masanja, M. M
The study aimed at determination of the annual fuel wood consumption caused by brick making activities in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. The collected and analyzed data were based on field survey and quantitative measurements. Field survey based on interviews with group leaders dealing with brick making activities as the main focus was conducted. Data were collected from brick maker’s survey as well as from some relevant secondary sources. The study revealed that almost all brick makers in the municipal used fuelwood as the major energy sources. The average annual fuelwood consumption for brick making was 8,610 m3. In order to reduce heavy dependency of fuelwood in the area, use of alternative energy sources in brick making such as rice husks, maize cobs and baggasse are recommended. The study also recommends the establishment of woodlots in all wards, establishment of agro-forestry systems and intensive afforestation and reforestation programmes to be undertaken by the municipality for more sustainable fuelwood use. Keywords: Fuelwood, consumption, brick making, Tanzania
Impact of traditional beekeeping on Mgori village land forest reserve in Singida District, Tanzania
(2016-12) Augustino, S.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Nzunda, E. F.
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
The influence of energy policy on charcoal consumption in urban households in Tanzania
(Elservier, 2020) Doggart, Nike; Ruhinduka, Remidius; Meshack, Charles K; Ishengoma, Romanus C; Morgan-Brown, Theron; Abdallah, Jumanne M; Spracklen, Dominick V; Sallu, Susannah M
The sustainability of energy use in the residential sector has relevance for global initiatives to achieve sustainable development and limit climate change. Using the city of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, as a case study, we look at how national energy policy has influenced household cooking energy use between 1990 and 2018, and how en- ergy policy could achieve further progress to realise national and global priorities. The study involved question- naire surveys of households, retailers, transporters and producers of charcoal; semi-structured interviews with government officials and non-charcoal fuel suppliers; price data collection; a comparative analysis of prices and taxes for different cooking fuels; and policy and document review. Trends in energy policy and demand for different fuels, are compared. We find that Tanzania's national energy policies have focused on achieving an energy transition from biomass to electricity and fossil fuels, with an increasing focus on supply-side issues. Fiscal policy tools have been used effectively to reduce demand for kerosene, while increasing demand for lique- fied petroleum gas. However, this has not resulted in a transition away from biomass, with most households using multiple fuels (fuel stacking). Charcoal remains the cheapest (excluding firewood) and most widely used fuel, reflecting the strong influence of price in consumer fuel choices. Energy policy needs to acknowledge the continued dominance of charcoal in urban energy use. In the context of rapid urbanisation and increased energy demand, there is a need for sustainable urban energy planning across a range of fuel types including charcoal, in ways that balance economic, social and environmental outcomes. Greater inter-sectoral coordination is needed to improve the sustainability of urban residential energy supplies. © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of International Energy Initiative. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Inventory of dalbergia melanoxylon (mpingo) in the Southern part of Tanzania: the case of Nachingwea
(2002-03) Opulukwa, Meshack J.; Hamza, K. F. S; Malende, Y. H. M. B.
The study was designed to assess the current status of Dalbergia melanoxylon (Mpingo) in Tanzania. A total of 44 sample plots (3.08 ha) were laid on public land. D. melanoxylon contributes about 4% of all total stems out of 103 tree species identified and most of them found in clusters. Out of all visited plots 36.4% had D. melanoxylon. Parameters determined include height, stems per hectare, basal area per hectare, volume per hectare and diameter class of trees. The number of stems, basal area and volume per hectare was found to be 20, 1.2m2 and 8.6m3 respectively. The stems were distributed in five diameter classes. Based on the importance of D. melanoxylon for the economy of Tanzania, it is recom- mended that national inventory for the species should be carried out in order to know the existing stock and to prescribe sustainable harvesting regimes. Licensing for logging D. melanoxylon should be based on estimates of the yield and not on the existing demand.
Lumber recovery and production rates of small-scale mobile sawmilling industries in northern Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2021) Lolila, N.J; Mchelu, H.A; Mauya, E.W; Madundo, S.D
This study was carried out to quantify technical efficiency of mobile sawmills by determining the lumber recovery rates and production rates of two mobile sawmills namely as Wood-Mizer (band saw machine) and Ding-dong (circular saw machine). The study was conducted in Lushoto district, located in the Northern part of Tanzania. The results indicated that Wood-Mizer had lumber recovery of 51.3% and production rate of 0.64m 3 /hr., while Ding-dong had lumber recovery rate of 35.2%, and production rate 0.86m3/hr. Generally, results have shown that both sawmills have reasonable lumber recovery rates and production rates irrespective of the differences between the two, however Wood-Mizer had great conversion efficiency compared to the Ding-dong machine. Considering the reduced supply of saw logs for sustainable forest management, a machine with high conversion efficiency is highly encouraged than machine with high speed of production, thus Wood-Mizer stands to have more chances of applications as compared to Ding-dong machine which had relatively higher production rates. However, we encourage further studies to be conducted with diverse sets of factors associated with economic aspects as well as tree species to have more baseline information on the performance of these two mobile sawmilling machineries.
Medicinal plant parts and practices used by communities around the Miombo woodlands of Urumwa, Tanzania
(2014-04-17) Hall, J. B.; Makonda, F. B. S.; Ishengoma, R. C.
A study to document medicinal plants parts and practices in relation to sustainable use was performed in communities around the Miombo woodland of Urumwa in Tanzania. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews and discussion with key stakeholders. G-tests were used to ascertain differences in medicinal plants practices between women and men. Roots were the commonly used parts for medicine followed by barks. In practice, boiling and grinding were the preferred methods for preparing remedies. Remedies are admistered orally in decoctions form with lack of standardized dosages. Medicinal plants are collected from the reserve using both root digging and bark stripping methods. Local communities need sensitization through trainings on various aspects of medicinal plants practices especially issues of sustainable harvesting methods, simple processing, domestication and the importance of standardized dosages so as to improve work performance, ensure resource sustainability and contribute to development of the primary health care system in Tanzania.
Medicinal resources of the Miombo woodlands of Urumwa, Tanzania: Plants and its uses
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011) Augustino, S.; Hall, J. B.; Makonda, F. B. S.; Ishengoma, R. C.
A study was done to document different plants and their use for primary health care by communities around the Miombo woodland of Urumwa, Tanzania. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews and discussion with key stakeholders. G-tests were carried out to seek differences in ethnobotanical knowledge between women and men. 110 plant species were documented to have 74 medicinal uses. Men were found to be ethnobotanically knowledgeable than women. The ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plant resources at Urumwa need to be recognized and preserved to ensure future effectiveness of the primary health care system. Due to the global interest in medicinal plants, there is a need to carry out phytochemical and pharmacological studies for most unstudied but potential documented species to validate usage, find new pharmaceuticals, increase confidence among users and contribute to the developlent of the traditional medicine sector in Tanzania and other areas in Africa within the Miombo ecoregion.
Modeling productivity and costs of mechanized tree length skidding operations
(2021) Temba, G.P; Mauya, E.W; Shemwetta, D.T.K
Skidding operation constitute the entire process of moving felled trees from the stump site to the roadside landing. This operation normally bears substantial amount of the mill delivery costs. Thus, detailed information on productivity and cost is important for planning of cost-effective skidding operation. This study was conducted at Sao hill Forest plantation to quantify productivity and costs of tree length skidding operations. Continuous time study technique using snap-back method was used for time recording. Costs data were obtained from Mufindi Paper Mill logging department. Productivity and costs modeling, were performed using Microsoft excel. The analysis, showed that; the average productivity of the grapple skidder using tree length (TL) ranges between 398.423 m 3 /hr at a distance of 10 m and 49.862 m 3 /hr at a distance of 80 m. On the costs analysis, the unit skidding costs tends to increase with an increase of skidding distance (m) from 512.197 TZS/m 3 at a distance of 10 m to 4,092.675 TZS/m 3 at a distance of 80 m. Based on these findings it is recommended that variables distance and volume are the core factors to consider during planning to enhance efficient and costs effective skidding operation.
Modelling and mapping forest above-ground biomass using earth observation data
(Science Publishing Group, 2022) Madundo, Sami Dawood; Mauya, Ernest William; Lolila, Nandera Juma; Mchelu, Hadija Ahmed
Accurate information on above-ground biomass (AGB) is important for sustainable forest management as well as for global initiatives aimed at combating climate change in the Tropics. In this study, AGB was estimated using a combination of field and Sentinel-2 earth observation data. The study was conducted at Magamba Nature Reserve in Lushoto district, Tanzania. Field plot-based AGB values were regressed against eighteen Sentinel-2 remote sensing variables (bands and vegetation indices) using Random Forest (RF) models based on centroid and weighted approaches. Results showed that the weighted model had the highest fit and precision (pseudo-R 2 = 0.21, rRMSE = 68.23%). A prediction map was produced with a mean AGB of 223.47 Mg ha -1 which was close to that of the field (225.19 Mg ha -1 ). Furthermore, the standard deviation of the AGB obtained from the map (i.e 174.04 Mg ha -1 ) was relatively lower as compared to the one obtained from the field-based measurements (i.e 97.42 Mg ha -1 ). This study demonstrated that Sentinel-2 imagery and RF-based regression techniques have potential to effectively support large scale estimation of forest AGB in the tropical rainforests.

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