Contribution Of Gmelina Arborea Tree Species In Combating Deforestation In Namtumbo District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the contribution of Gmelina arborea tree species on combating deforestation in four villages of Rwinga ward, Namtumbo District. The study was conducted in Minazini, Rwinga, Mandepwende and Migelegele villages. The study was guided by three objectives which are; to assess the perception of farmers about planting Gmelina arborea tree species in the study area, to assess the extent Gmelina arborea tree species has contributed to combat deforestation in the study area and to examine the challenges associated with the plantation of Gmelina arborea tree species in the study area. Methods used in data collection were survey, observation, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed by using simple descriptive statistics while Qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis method. Findings suggest that there is a positive perception of people toward the plantation of Gmelina arborea tree species in all four villages. Moreover the result indicates that Gmelina arborea tree species have great contribution in combating deforestation in the study area. The main challenges associated with the plantation of Gmelina arborea tree species are shortage of capital, insufficient environmental and conservation education and fire incidences. The study recommended that there is a need to provide special environmental program to educate the community and introduce income generation activities in Namtumbo. There is also a need to provide financial support to the community through provision of loans or fund so that they can expand their farms. Furthermore, there is a need to implement rules and regulations guiding forest resource use and conservation in the study area