Tanzania (Pemba)
Trees for All supports local communities in Tanzania in protecting and restoring the forest in the Ngezi Vumawimbi Nature Reserve.
The project in numbers
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new trees
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hectares of land
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planting period
Reforestation in the reserve: the approach
To protect the reserve better, Oikos focuses on tackling illegal activities within the forest, such as land clearing for agriculture, hunting and commercial logging. But that is not all.
Many families in Pemba live in dire poverty. They use the forest for their firewood, lumber and wild fruit. For generations, local communities used the forest sustainably. However, as the population has grown, the forest has come under increasing pressure. This should be taken into account if we want to restore the forest successfully. So, we work towards a solution which contributes to both restoration of nature and sustainable livelihoods for the people in the region: a combination of sustainable agroforestry and creating woodlots.
1. Agroforestry
Together with Oikos, we are launching a pilot project with farmers living just outside the reserve to introduce agroforestry. This is a form of sustainable agriculture, in which planting trees is integrated with crops on the same land:
- First, we will plant indigenous trees that belong in the region and fast-growing shade trees. Over time, this will have a positive effect on soil quality and crops that farmers already grow, such as cassava. These trees will be planted by the end of 2026.
- In the meantime, we will decide, together with the farmers, what crops they are going to add in the longer run to diversify their farms. This includescrops that thrive in shade, have high nutritional value and can be sold in local markets. This will be discussed with farmers over the coming months.
- Finally, farmers will receive payments for every tree that remains standing, encouraging them to protect and maintain the trees.
2. Creating woodlots
Part of the farmers’ land will be set up as woodlots. This is a site where they plant trees especially for use as firewood. They are fast growing trees which re-sprout quickly after wood harvesting, ensuring a sustainable supply of firewood.
In this way, we help reduce pressure on the reserve while ensuring that farmers have a sustainable supply of firewood for their households.
Broad approach, more impact
The activities that Trees for All supports are part of Oikos’ GREEN programme. Within this scope, the NGO works at forest protection, combating poaching, education, awareness, involvement of local communities and responsible tourism around the reserve.
Our partner
Instituto Oikos is an international non-profit organization, has been active in Tanzania since 1996. Oikos works on projects aimed at nature conservation combined with community development. In implementing these, local communities and authorities (such as the Ministry of Agriculture) are closely involved.
Previously, Oikos launched the successful PURE programme to make communities more resilient against the consequences of climate change. For example, local communities receive support to improve water supplies and develop sustainable waste management systems. The program was possible also thanks to support from the European Union and enabled Oikos to become officially registered with the Government in Zanzibar. This enabled Oikos to expand its activities from its permanent office in Wete, including the GREEN programme.
The planting location
The trees will be planted on farmland just outside the Ngezi Vumawimbi Nature Reserve on the Tanzanian island of Pemba.
This project of Trees for All contributes to several
Sustainable Development Goals
