Are miombo woodlands vital to livelihoods of rural households? Evidence from Urumwa and surrounding communities, Tabora, Tanzania

• Published in: Forests, trees and livelihoods Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 124 - 140
• Main Authors: Njana, Marco Andrew, Kajembe, George Chamungwana, Malimbwi, Rogers Ernest
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: TF 01.06.2013; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: forest reserves; forests; household income; households; livelihood; miombo woodlands; products and services; statistics; villages; woodlands; Tanzania
• ISSN: 2164-3075; 1472-8028; 2164-3075
• DOI: 10.1080/14728028.2013.803774

This study investigated contribution of miombo woodland resources accrued from Urumwa Forest Reserve (UFR) to income of rural households. Data and conclusions are based on 84 randomly surveyed households in four villages adjacent to UFR. Using descriptive statistics, the analysis was guided by the sustainable livelihood framework conceptual model. Results show that the miombo woodlands of the UFR account for 42% of total household income. Further analysis reveals that woodlands contribute 28% and 59% of non-monetary and monetary income, respectively. This demonstrates a significant role played by miombo woodlands. Woodland resources contribute to household income through various livelihood activities. Accordingly the woodland resources accrued from the UFR cover human basic needs. Results from this study empirically demonstrate the vital role played by miombo woodlands in either supporting current consumption or serving as safety net. It is, therefore, recommended that current and future management strategies in the forest sector emphasize forest and livelihood dimensions for sustainability of both livelihood and forest and woodland resources.