The Silviculture of Woodlots of Smallholder Forest Producers in Mufindi District, Tanzania: Knowledge and Treatments

Abstract

Smallholder forestry is experiencing many challenges like limited understanding of silvicultural treatments to impact the quality and performance of woodlots. This study determined the silvicultural treatments of smallholders in Mufindi district by interviewing 78 respondents then assessing the silviculture of 78 woodlots in 13 sampled villages.  The study found out that more than 80% of smallholders had a certain level of understanding of some treatments like weeding and pruning. A major source of knowledge was personal experiences from fellow farmers and Sao Hill Forest Plantation. Based on market demand, P. patula and E. grandis were the most planted species in the woodlots. Smallholders reported planting trees at a spacing of 3 x 3 m without clear knowledge on factors to consider for initial spacing. Also, reported harvesting trees for sawn timber at 8 - 13 years and transmission poles at 6 - 8 years. Contrary to knowledge, the assessment found out that majority of woodlots had a spacing of 2.5 x 2.5 m. Many woodlots were poorly pruned and surrounded by shrubs which affected timber quality. Generally, woodlots management was unsatisfactory due to insufficient technical knowledge. Thus, more training is needed to strengthen smallholder forestry to ensure sustainable tree farming.