Weltweit – Gesellschaft zur Förderung lokaler Initiativen e. V. Weltweit e. V.

Lushoto Forest and Beekeeping Project

Mr. Magogo, the retired botanist and his Kizanda Environmental Group at their nursery

Project Summary

Erosion control, reconstruction of farmland and preservation of montane rainforest through afforestation and beekeeping in the Usambara Mountains, Lushoto District, Tanzania

Global Goals

Project Manager

Country

Tansania

Status

Completed in 2020

Budget

40.000 €

Partners

  • Stiftung Ursula Merz

Project goals

  • Planting 60,000 trees near water sources, along roads and between farmland.

  • Increasing awareness of the ecological problem and participation in conservation measures among the population.

  • The construction of at least 100 hives and the training of at least 60 smallholders in beekeeping.

The forested area in the West Usambara has decreased by over 70% in the last 50 years. In addition to the loss of habitat for the unique fauna and flora, the decline in forest cover is increasingly causing soil erosion on the slopes. As a result, the few roads regularly become impassable and valuable farmland is lost. This in turn necessitates the development of new farmland by clearing the forests: A vicious circle. In addition, the locals observe a disruption of the natural water cycles, which can quickly lead to the complete drying up of water sources in the next few years.

The planning of the project was done by members of the Kizanda Environmental Group and the Pentecostal Church Conservation Group together with Ibrahim Hussein Mkwiru. The aim is to conserve the forest and its functions by (1) establishing forest plantations that will meet future timber needs, prevent erosion and help stabilise water cycles, and  (2) empowering the population to practice apiculture thereby building a source of income that provides an alternative to the sale of timber.

The project is located in Shembekezo/Kizanda and Yoghoi villages in Lushoto district. The project commenced in spring 2018 and the tree species planted are Albhizia, Grevilea, Cyprus, and Pinus.

Pentecostal Chuch Conservation Group preparing the nursery at Yoghoi village
Pentecostal Chuch Conservation Group preparing the nursery at Yoghoi village
First seed beds made ready at Yoghoi
First seed beds made ready at Yoghoi
Mr. Magogo, the retired botanist and his Kizanda Environmental Group at their nursery
Mr. Magogo, the retired botanist and his Kizanda Environmental Group at their nursery
Trees are felled for an increasingly intensive crop production leading to erosion, soil degradation and water cycle disruption
Trees are felled for an increasingly intensive crop production leading to erosion, soil degradation and water cycle disruption
Pentecostal Church Conservation Group and their nursery behind the Church in Yoghoi
Pentecostal Church Conservation Group and their nursery behind the Church in Yoghoi
The Markhamia tree is planted beside the roads. It's flowers attract bees.
The Markhamia tree is planted beside the roads. It's flowers attract bees.
Erosion also means loss of precious farmland
Erosion also means loss of precious farmland

Location