Commercial growers need access to planting materials of consistent standards from a wide genetic resource base. FDT is working with stakeholders to establish a commercially sustainable long-term national research programme, ultimately funded through improved seed sales and contributions from government and the private sector.
FDT helps commercial nurseries access improved seed from reliable sources in collaboration with Tanzania Tree Seed Agency
FDT supports existing commercial nurseries with training on best practices
FDT demonstration plots are practical learning sites for silvicultural best practices
It is crucial to get the right pesticide regime in the early months after planting for trees to survive. Here workers at FDT's flagship Kisolanza demonstration plot trial different regimes to show farmers the different impact on survival and growth.
Across May and June, it is time to prepare for the upcoming fire season, which presents a major risk to growers in the forestry sector
Widespread adoption of silvicultural best practices is a prerequisite for a successful forestry sector
Growers are not maximising productivity due to poor farming practices caused by a lack of silvicultural knowledge. FDT are piloting a number of knowledge dissemination projects to understand what works best for local growers to help them gain the skills and knowledge to maximise their investments.
While the sector is growing, harvesting and processing is still inefficient with wood utilisation rates of ~30%. FDT will work to increase these rates to increase returns from the sector.
A dynamic timber industry supplied by small to medium tree growers continues to expand in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
Weak regulation is constraining the development of a sustainable charcoal sub-sector in Tanzania, with small businesses struggling to compete against unfair competition from unsustainable exploitation of natural forests. FDT will work to address this from the policy angle, and by examining ways to boost sustainable producers.