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diverse, encompassing poverty, limited alternative income sources, insufficient funds for forest extension services, outdated wood harvesting techniques, restricted access to financial services, and the use of antiquated technology like traditional earth kilns in production.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.

Project Direct Beneficiaries: 2000 households and 10000 individuals from four districts of Morogoro Region.

Local Project Partners: CODERT and MJUMITA

TRACKING PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

The USEMINI Project has demonstrated both tangible achievements and measurable impact in advancing community-led forest resource governance and sustainable livelihoods. On the ground, it has supported establishment of 8 Village Land Use Plans (VLUP) and 11 Forest Management Plans with bylaws, securing over 35,000 hectares as Village Land Forest Reserves and registering 3,150 Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCRO) to strengthen tenure security. Terminal evaluation confirmed widespread adoption, with nearly 80% of respondents acknowledging presence of VLUPs and over 86% reporting active implementation, while 83% of villages had forest management plans and 82% had bylaws in place. Community participation was robust, with more than 82% of respondents engaged in decision-making, and two-thirds noting reduced land use conflicts—clear evidence of improved governance and accountability.

At the livelihood level, the project’s holistic approach has empowered communities through agroecology, financial inclusion, and renewable energy. It established 180 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) reaching 4,407 members, most of them women, while also supporting 30 tree nurseries, planting over one million trees, and supporting access of 173 beehives. Terminal Evaluation data confirmed these successes: 76% of respondents practiced agroforestry (up from 52% at baseline), with 60% reporting higher incomes, while 31% engaged in beekeeping and 84% reported increased honey production and market access. In renewable energy, 12 marketing centres and 6 production units for sustainable charcoal and briquettes were established, reducing reliance on traditional fuels, with 26% of respondents engaged in briquette production and nearly half reporting increased output.

Finally, the project’s investment in institutions— strengthening supporting Local Service Providers, Community Resource Persons, producer groups, and MSMEs—has created 275 green jobs and strengthened local service delivery systems. Together, these achievements and evaluation findings illustrate how USEMINI has not only reduced conflicts and improved forest resources governance but also fostered thriving, sustainable livelihoods rooted in forest conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience, contributing to Tanzania’s greener future and global environmental goals