Tree species preferred for wood fuel in brick making in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania

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Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

i-Proclaim

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the tree species commonly used in brick making in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania and proposing means for generation of modified energy sources that would cover the full value of forest resource production and consumption. The research approach was two- folds using; Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and quantitative measurements. Results revealed that almost all brick makers in the area used fuelwood as the major energy sources. Nine (9) tree species were used in brick making, namely; Mkarati (Burkea africana), Mlama (Combretum molle), Mbiriti (Senna siamea), Muarobaini (Azadirachta indica) and Mwembe (Mangifera indica). Others were Mkaratusi (Eucalyptus spp), Mchongoma (Pithecellobium dulce) Mjohoro (Senna spectabilis) and Mkrisimasi (Delonix regia). Of these, Mkarati, Mwembe, Mlama and Mbiriti were mostly preferred, though other species were also used insignificantly. Increasing scarcity of some of other tree species meant that deforestation from the nearby forests was a common problem. To reduce deforestation in the area, use of alternative energy sources in brick making such as rice husks and bagasse are recommended. Other recommendations are the establishment of woodlots, practicing agro-forestry systems and intensive afforestation and reforestation programmes for more sustainable fuelwood use.

Description

Journal article 25-30

Keywords

Tree, species, brick making, Morogoro, Tanzania

Citation

https://doi.org/10.18034/mjmbr.v5i1.445