Lessons Learnt on Forestry as an Instrument to Reduce Impacts of Climate Change in Tanzania: A Review

Abstract

This paper presents the role and contribution of forest in controlling
climate change in Tanzania and globally. Apart from climate change control, forests contribute to the survival of the human being; they provide shelter for wildlife and food for people, fodder to livestock, water, medicinal plants and fuel as well as other indirect benefits. Indirect benefits include regulating climate, attracting rainfall, soil erosion control and provide shade. Despite these benefits, evidence shows that some of the most adverse effects of climate change are in developing countries, where populations are most vulnerable and least likely to easily adapt to climate change. However, climate change will continue affecting the development efforts in developing countries. Climate change is happening and is increasingly affecting the poor depending on nature for their survival. The negative effects of climate change are compounded by widespread poverty, diseases and population increase. These effects are obvious to Tanzania in particular. Literature has shown that climate change would double the demand for food; water and livestock forage within the next 30 years. Tanzanian is advised to use forest resources sustainably, protect forests and plant trees as they are very important for human life. Above all, forest is an important sink for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Forests or vegetations absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and release oxygen to the atmosphere.

Key words: Forestry, Climate change, Vulnerability, Tanzania