Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation

An exploration of honeybees’ threats in Tanzania: Implication for conservation

Kashumba, F.M. — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pollinators, including honeybees, contribute significantly to livelihood improvement as well as socio-economic and environmental conservation, a fact that is globally undisputed. However, their survival is not guaranteed due to increasing rate of habitat degradation. This review intends to harmonize the uneven understanding of honeybees’ threats and their sources in Tanzania so as to develop their conservation plans and strategies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Model was adopted in selection of relevant literature. The Metadata was analyzed using Aggregative Synthesis Approach (ASA) and coded based on the content analysis of the related honeybees’ threats. The review found that pesticide use, counterfeiting and inadequate knowledge and skills among farmers on pesticide application and management were major threats to honeybees. Additionally, insufficient knowledge among beekeepers on apiary management was identified as another key threat. Other threats include continuous use of traditional beekeeping technologies, invasive pests and predators, climate variability, and a lack of coordinated effort across sectors on forest conservation. These findings emphasize the need for more efforts and studies to update and mitigate the impacts caused by the aforementioned honeybees’ threats for sustainable conservation of honeybees in Tanzania.

Effects of human activities on Kahe I forest reserve in Moshi rural district, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

Mhache, E.P. — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of human activities on Kahe 1 Forest Reserve located in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Specifically aimed to (i) identify human activities performed in Kahe 1 Forest Reserve, ii) determine effects of human activities on the condition of Kahe 1 Forest Reserve, and iii) assess measures to address challenges facing Kahe 1 Forest Reserve. Data were collected using households survey, Focus Group Discussions, naturalistic observations and transect walk. A total of 75 head of households and forest officers answered the questionnaires. Results showed that human activities performed in the forest include illegal logging, cutting trees for firewood and charcoal making contribute to habitat loss, land degradation and deforestation. Suggested measures to address the challenges include prohibiting the unauthorized activities, regulating the activities and conduct monitoring using authorities like Tanzania Forest Services Agency and Village Environmental Committees. The study recommends involving communities in protecting forests and conduct periodic audits of the forest for strengthening the conservation and sustainable management of the forest. These results will contribute in laying down proper strategies to stop the ongoing encroachments and restore the degraded areas in Kahe 1 Forest Reserve.

Impact of Heteropsylla cubana infestation on Leucaena leucocephala in Morogoro and Tanga regions, Tanzania

Lyimo, P.J. — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Heteropsylla cubana has damaged Leucaena leucocephala in Tanzania since its 1992 outbreak while its impacts remain unclear to date. This study aimed to assess the impact of Heteropsylla cubana on L. leucocephala, a valuable multi-purpose tree in Tanzania. Using the Point Centre Quarter method, the study observed L. leucocephala in Morogoro and Tanga regions to determine the population density of H. cubana, infestation density, and shoot health. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the frequency and mean population density of H. cubana, infestation density, and shoot health. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the mean population density of H. cubana among different diameter at breast height (dbh) classes and crown parts. The findings show that the population density of eggs of H. cubana differed significantly among crown levels in Morogoro, but not in Tanga. There was no significant difference in nymph and adult population density among crown levels or dbh classes in both regions. The infestation density and shoot damage were slightly higher in Morogoro than in Tanga, but both regions had good shoot health. Farmers can safely plant L. leucocephala without fear of H. cubana, as its population is below injury level in the study areas.