NATIONAL FOREST PLANTATION GUIDELINES FINALISED

The Forestry and Beekeeping Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism publish new Forest Plantation and Woodlot Technical Guidelines for Tanzania, with support from FDT.

The new Forest Plantation and Woodlot Technical Guidelines, published by the Forestry and Beekeeping Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, present best practices for three main commercial plantation tree species grown in Tanzania – Pine, Eucalyptus and Teak. The guidelines cover all silviculture topics including species and site selection, nursery management, plantation and woodlot establishment, maintenance, pruning, thinning and forest health.

Endorsing the guidelines, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Maj. Gen. Gaudence S. Milanzi stated, “Among the essential requirements for a vibrant and competitive commercial forestry sector is that nursery operators and tree growers of all scales – public and private – use the best possible planting materials and apply best practices to maximise the productivity and quality of plantations and woodlots. As wood markets in Tanzania continue to develop and demand quality wood products, it will be those tree growers who apply best practices that will be well placed to benefit most.”

The Forestry and Beekeeping Division views these technical guidelines as the latest achievement in the quest for commercial forestry development in Tanzania. The Director of the Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Dr. Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa advised, “Adhering to these guidelines will ensure high productivity and quality of plantation hence contributing to solving the growing demand for wood raw materials in the country.”

The intended audience includes large and small tree planters, extension agents and whoever is engaged in preparing extension and training materials on commercial forestry.  The Permanent Secretary emphasised, “Forestry companies, public institutions, non-governmental organisations and development programmes are urged to maximise the use of these guidelines.”

The guidelines were prepared with the support of the Forestry Development Trust, lead by Prof. Shabani Chamshama from Sokoine University of Agriculture, and received contributions on latest developments from private forest companies and public institutions including New Forest Company, Kilombero Valley Teak Company, TANWAT, Green Resources Limited, Tanzania Forest Research Institute, Tanzania Tree Seed Agency, Tanzania Forest Services Agency, Forestry and Beekeeping Division and the Private Forestry Programme.

“FDT is grateful to all the private and public partners who have contributed their knowledge on latest advances for the benefit of all forestry actors,” acknowledged Simon Milledge, Trust Director.  The guidelines can be downloaded from the FDT website or hard copies can be obtained through the Forestry and Beekeeping Division in Dar es Salaam, or the FDT office in Iringa. The Trust has used the guidelines to develop various extension and training material including Kiswahili booklets and videos, also available through the FDT website.