SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT (USEMINI)

Biomass energy dominates Tanzania's energy landscape, constituting approximately 83% of the nation's total energy consumption. The reliance on firewood and charcoal as primary cooking and heating fuels is widespread, with firewood prevalent in rural areas and charcoal preferred in urban households. With a growing population and underdeveloped alternative fuel sources, both firewood and charcoal are expected to maintain their significant roles in the country's energy mix, projecting an ongoing surge in charcoal demand. However, charcoal production serves as a catalyst for forest degradation in Tanzania, notably in the Morogoro region, where illegal and unsustainable harvesting practices prevail. This deforestation not only has immediate environmental repercussions but also contributes to climate change by diminishing biomass sequestration capacity and depleting tree stocks beyond sustainable levels. The adverse impact extends to agricultural productivity, food security, water security, and hydroelectric generating capacity, rendering the nation more susceptible to climate shocks.

The root causes of these challenges are diverse, encompassing poverty, limited alternative income sources, insufficient funds for forest extension services, outdated wood harvesting techniques, restricted access to financial services, and the use of antiquated technology like traditional earth kilns in production. Additionally, there is a broader lack of awareness and knowledge concerning land use planning, protection of unreserved village forest land, and alternative biomass fuels. These issues lead to uncontrolled agricultural activities, inadequate law enforcement, policy gaps, and a scarcity of alternative fuels.

To address these multifaceted challenges, the USEMINI aims to promote sustainable forest management and wood-fuel production in rural areas. By tackling economic, technological, and knowledge-related barriers, the objective is to enhance overall environmental sustainability, particularly focusing on improving the wood-fuel value chain and contributing to global environmental goals.

The overall objective of the project is to enhance forest conservation and resilience against climate change in Tanzania.

TRACKING PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

To date, the project has completed 8 Village Land Use Plans (VLUPs) and 11 Forest Management Plans with accompanying bylaws, securing 35,776.96 hectares as Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs). In parallel, 3,150 Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCROs) have been registered, ensuring land tenure security for community members and laying a strong foundation for sustainable natural resource governance.

Through a holistic approach integrating agroecology, land rights, and natural resources management, the project has empowered communities to take ownership of their environmental and economic futures. A total of 180 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups have been formed, reaching 4,407 members—of whom 2,871 are women—strengthening local financial inclusion and economic resilience. The project has also established 30 tree nurseries and planted 1,014,094 trees, while 173 beehives have been installed to promote beekeeping as an alternative livelihood and support biodiversity conservation. Additionally, 275 green jobs have been created through Local Service Providers (LSPs) in forestry, renewable energy, beekeeping, and tree nursery enterprises, directly improving community livelihoods while advancing environmental sustainability.

In the renewable energy and sustainable wood-fuel value chain, the project has constructed 12 marketing centers for aggregation, branding, and collective marketing of alternative charcoal, alongside establishing 6 production units for sustainable charcoal and briquettes. These interventions are reducing dependency on traditional firewood and charcoal, addressing the root causes of deforestation while providing cleaner energy alternatives. Through community-centered education, participatory land-use planning, and capacity-building activities—including the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) model—the USEMINI Project is fostering lasting knowledge-sharing networks that empower communities to take charge of sustainable practices. By aligning local development goals with ecological stewardship, the project is building sustainable and resilient communities, contributing to global environmental goals, and securing a greener future for Tanzania.