Traditional methods of natural resource conservation have generally been ignored in most parts of the world, in favor of "top-down", government formulated rules and regulations. Over the past ten to fifteen years, however, there has been a growing awareness of the role that traditional resource management may play in helping to conserve natural resources, at least on a local level. Traditional Forest* Reserves (TFR) are one form of traditional resource conservation. During a brief survey carried out in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, southwestern Tanzania during 1994, 94 TFR were identified. These reserves are used for a variety of purposes, though some may no longer be in active use. The Tanzanian government, either at the national or local level, may have a role to play in encouraging the continuation and preservation of TFR.
*The term forest includes woodland and other similar vegetation formations.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Uncontrolled deforestation, of both forests and woodlands, is a major issue of concern in Tanzania (NEMC, 1994). Reliance by both local and national governments on rules and regulations to protect and enhance forest resources in Tanzania has proved inadequate. As a result, the Tanzanian national government has recognized that 'local people' have a role to play in managing natural resources.
Examples from many parts of the world have shown that local management of natural resources can sometimes ensure the maintenance and enhancement of these resources far better than can governments (e.g. Reij, 1991; Lynch, 1992; Center for International Development and Environment, 1994). In Tanzania, the government recently released a long-term plan for sustainable development which included discussions of local/traditional management of natural resources. One section of the document states: "traditional conservation measures were practiced to protect wildlife, forests and fishing stocks. In several parts of the country, for example, villagers on their own initiative, identify certain forests as sacred areas and forbid tree cutting, grazing and even bush-fires in these areas". It continues: "These beliefs, passed on from one generation to another, help to conserve the environment in the locality for many years, often until someone comes to the area with 'modern' ideas" (NEMC, 1994).
There is, however, little information in print on the topic of traditional management of natural resources, including forest resources, in Tanzania. As part of increasing this limited knowledge base, a brief survey of Traditional Forest Reserves (TFR) was carried out.
2.0 GOAL OF THE SURVEY
The broad objective of this survey was to investigate an interesting
system of traditional forest conservation: Traditional Forest Reserves (TFR).This
survey also aimed, specifically, to help develop a better understanding
of:
It should be noted that, due to its limited nature, this survey did not specifically investigate potential gender issues related to TFR. This was rather unfortunate.
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF RUNGWE DISTRICT
Rungwe District is located in Mbeya Region, southwestern Tanzania. The district seat, Tukuyu, is located, roughly, in the center of the district, on the summit of an extinct volcano. Rungwe District occupies an area of approximately 2,400 sq km. The district contains a variety of topographical features, including: high volcanic mountains to the north, steeply dissected escarpments to the east and west, and undulating terraces leading to almost level ground in the south. Elevations range from 2,900 masl to less than 600 masl, with higher elevations predominating.
Rungwe District is one of the more densely populated districts in Mbeya Region (approximately 100 to 134 people/sq km in the late 1980s). The climate, except at lower elevations, is usually relatively cool, with abundant rain during the months of October to June/July/August (1500-2000+ mm/yr).
A wide variety of subsistence and cash crops are produced in the district, including: maize, beans, bananas, Irish potatoes, tea and pyrethrum. There are commercial plantations of tea, in addition to the small holders who produce this crop. Soils in the district vary from fairly recent, volcanic soils (Andosols) to older, more weathered soils, (including Nitosols). These soils are often of medium to high fertility.
The 'natural' vegetation in the district varies from upper montane forest at higher elevations to wet woodland ('Miombo') at lower elevations. Much of the 'natural' vegetation has been cleared/transformed for agriculture and habitat. Most of the remaining 'natural' vegetation is found in government forest reserves and in locally protected areas, though even these areas have been subjected to varying degrees of people driven disturbances. (McKone and Walzem, 1994; Rungwe District, various dates).
4.0 A STUDY OF TFR IN RUNGWE DISTRICT
4.1 Methods
The methods used in gathering information on TFR included: a survey of existing socio-anthropological literature, a seminar with concerned district foresters, visits to selected TFR (15 TFR in Rungwe District were visited) and informal discussions with local elders, and both traditional and government leaders. The survey included all parts of Rungwe District. The total time spent carrying out the survey, including the seminar, was approximately 10 days (19 April-29 April, 1994).
4.2 Definition of a TFR
The following definition of a TFR was used for the purposes of this survey: A forested area, not less than approximately 0.04 ha (400 sq m), which is protected by the residents of the adjacent area in accordance with their customary laws. The creation of TFR has its roots in the local community and is in no way based on government laws. (This definition is based on Gerden and Mtallo, 1990). In Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania, TFR are referred to as Misitu ya Jadi; in Kinyakusa, one of the main 'local' languages of Rungwe District, they are called Isieto.
4.3 History of TFR in Rungwe District
TFR appear to have existed in the Rungwe area since prior to the 'Colonial era' (late 1800s to 1961). This was reported to be the case by a wide variety of local people, during the course of the survey. In addition, a British geographer, D. Kerr-Cross, stated that during his visit to the Rungwe area in 1893, he saw: "In various parts of the country, and often on the crests of rounded mounds of considerable size are to be seen clumps of thick forest. There are their (sic) 'isyeta' or sacred groves, or burial-places of their ancestors." (Kerr-Cross, 1895). TFR and their histories, purposes, etc. are also discussed by Wilson (1959).
4.4 Categories of TFR in Rungwe District
Based on the results of the survey, TFR in Rungwe District were divided into 9 categories:
(see Table 1.).
Table 1. Categories of TFR reported in Rungwe District (provisional)
| 1. Worship/Prayer | ||
| 2. Burial | ||
| 3.Worship/Prayer/Burial | ||
| 4. Rain | ||
| 5. Worship/Prayer/Rain | ||
| 6. Slaughter | ||
| 7. Conservation | ||
| 8. Worship/Prayer/Conservation | ||
| 9. Unknown | ||
| Total: |
4.4 Explanation of the categories of TFR
Table 2. Explanation of the categories of TFR:
| 1. Worship/Prayer | Used primarily as a place of prayer and/or worship of ancestors/spirits during times of famine, sickness, drought, etc. |
| 2. Burial | Used primarily as a place of burial for village chiefs or other 'important' people from a village. |
| 3. Worship/Prayer/Burial | Used for a combination of the above two categories. |
| 4. Rain | Used primarily to help bring rain (because of the presence of trees). |
| 5. Worship/Prayer/Rain | Used for categories 1 and 4. |
| 6. Slaughter | Used primarily for slaughter of animals to be used for ceremonies in nearby, more important TFR. Only one TFR in this category visited or reported; reported to be no longer be in use. |
| 7. Conservation | Exists primarily as a place to conserve existing vegetation. |
| 8. Worship/Prayer/Conservation | Combination of 1 and 7. |
| 9. Unknown | Primary purpose of TFR is unknown. |
It should be noted that the categories used for TFR are somewhat arbitrary. Most TFR probably have multiple uses that make the above designations less than absolute. These categories are meant only as a rough means of comparison. It should also be pointed out that, in addition to the uses outlined above, almost all TFR are also used for gathering traditional medicines, food, fuelwood, etc. These may actually be the primary function of many of the TFR. Finally, some of the TFR are no longer actively maintained or used; in fact, this may be the case with many TFR. It is not possible, based on the results of the survey, to quantify how many of the TFR not visited are still being maintained/used. There are strong pressures to open any available land to cultivation in much of Rungwe District. This adds increased pressure against the continued existence of TFR.
The vegetation found in the TFR includes upper montane/montane forest remnants (where people driven impacts are less obvious), secondary vegetation-including secondary upper montane/montane forests, planted forests, and woodland.
A discussion of the customary rules and regulations governing the preservation of TFR and the recent socio-political factors that have affected TFR is beyond the scope of this report.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The TFR of Rungwe District are an example of a working indigenous conservation system, albeit probably to a much less extent than in the past. Many of the reserves are in poor condition and not being maintained. This a function of the changes that have taken place, over the past 100 years, in the structure of government and society in Rungwe District. There are, however, a number of TFR still being maintained and respected, not just by village elders, but also by younger people (both those who have opted to stay in their villages and by those who have migrated to towns and cities).
The Tanzanian government, at both the local and national level, should
do what it can to help preserve this tradition. Laws that provide legal
sanction for TFR, but that will not supersede customary laws, may help to
ensure the continued existence of TFR in Rungwe District. Measures taken
to assist in the preservation of this tradition should be carried out only
after consultations with those responsible for maintaining the TFR. They
are the ones who, ultimately, will determine whether or not TFR will continue
to exist.
Bibliography
Center for International Development and Environment. 1994. Traditional Property Rights and Natural Resource Management: Empowering Forest Dwellers. (Paper). World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
Gerden, C. and S. Mtallo. 1990. Traditional Forest Reserves In Babati District, Tanzania: A study in human ecology. Working Paper 128, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, IRDC, Uppsala.
Kerr-Cross, D. 1895. "Crater-Lakes North of Lake Nyasa, with a Suggestion as to the Origin of Central African Lakes." The Geographical Journal, February, 112-124.
Lynch, O. 1992. "Securing Community-Based Tenurial Rights in the Tropical Forests of Asia: An Overview of current and prospective Strategies." Issues in Development, World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
McKone, D. and Walzem, V. 1994. A Brief Survey of Mbeya Region Catchment Forest Reserves. Government of Tanzania/EEC Agroforestry, Soil and Water Conservation Project/Regional Natural Resources Office, Mbeya.
National Environmental Management Council, Tanzania. 1994. National Conservation Strategy for Sustainable Development. Dar es Salaam.
Reij, C. 1991. Indigenous Soil and Water Conservation in Africa. IIED Gatekeeper Series No. 27. IIED, London.
Rungwe District. Various dates. District Records. District Offices, Tukuyu.
Wilson, M. 1959. Communal Rituals of the Nyakusa. Oxford University Press, London.
TFR information:
Key: purpose of Traditional Forest Reserves
| W/P=Worship/Prayer B=Burial W/P/B= Worship/Prayer/Burial R=Rain W/P/R=Worship/Prayer/Rain S=Slaughter of animals for ceremonies C=Conservation W/P/C=Worship/Prayer/Conservation ----- =Unknown |
* = TFR that were visited
Note: Sizes of TFR, in most cases, are only estimates.
Rungwe District structure is: District<==Division<==Ward<==Village.
There are 3 Divisions in Rungwe District: Busekelo, Pakate, and Ukukwe.
Information in the following lists is provisional and possibly erroneous in some cases.
See working copy of TFR location
map #1. Note: the number before the TFR name on the list below corresponds
to approximate location on map. Also available is a color TFR
location map #2, which is also a rough working copy.
My apologies for the temporary working maps- they are pretty rough.
See also temporary location
map for Rungwe District. I plan on expanding this report so that it
includes more detailed information on the reserves that were visited.
# = not on map; -- = unknown
Click on links below to see photos of some of the TFR.
Division: Busekelo
Ward......... Village..................TFR Name ..........Purpose
...........Size(ha)
Itete ................------ ..........................1. Busekele ................W/P/B
.........................--
........................Kibole..........................2. Kibole .......................--
.............................--
Kabula* ..........Kapyu .........................3. Kapyu*
.................W/P/B .........................0.5
........................Kitema ........................4. Lubaga .......................R
.............................--
Kandete* ........Ndala(Bujingijila)..........5. Ihobe*
...................W/P/B .........................1.5
........................Ipelo ...........................6. Mwakajwesya
........W/P/B .........................1.0
........................Ipelo............................7. Ipyana ....................W/P/B
.........................1.0
.......................------ ...........................8. Mwela ....................W/P/B
.........................1.0
Lufilyo ............Kipyola ........................9. Mwambebule#.............B
.............................--
.......................Kikuba .......................10. Mwakatungila# ............B.............................
--
.......................Kikuba .......................11. Mwaijande# ................B
.............................--
.......................Kikapa .......................12. Mwandosya# ..............B
.............................--
Lupata ...........------ ..........................13. Bwibika# .................W/P
...........................0.4
.......................Nsoso(Kikulumba) ......14. Kikulumba ...............W/P
...........................0.4
.......................Lupata ........................15. Ipinda .........................B..............................--
.......................Mpanda? ....................16. Lubaga .....................W/P............................--
Luteba* ..........Ipuguso ......................17. Ilongelo* .................W/P/B
.........................4.5
.......................Ipuguso ......................18. Bunyakalambo* ........W/P
...........................0.15
.......................Kilasi ..........................19. Mwakifumwba
.........W/P/B .........................--
.......................Isale ............................20. Mwakajwanga
.........W/P/B .........................--
.......................Isale ............................21. Hende ......................W/P/B
.........................--
.......................Isale ............................22. Mbengwe ................W/P/B
..........................--
Lwangwa .......Ikamambande ..............23. Ikamambande ..............B
.............................--
.......................Lupaso ........................24. Banyasabala ................B
..............................--
.......................Lupaso ........................25. Magila .........................B...............................--
Mpombo ........Ijoka ...........................26. Mwabulili .................W/P/B.........................
--
.......................Nkalisi .........................27. Ipyana .....................W/P/B..........................--
Division: Pakati
Ward........... Village..................TFR Name ..........Purpose ...........Size(ha)
Bujela ................Katundulu ...................28. Kinyangwa .............W/P/R
.........................--
Ilima ..................Katundulu ...................29. Lugombo ....................B
.............................--
..........................Ilima ...........................30. Ntitu(Nsitakujoba)
..W/P/R .........................--
Kambasegela ....Kambasegela ...............31. Kambasegela ..............B
............................0.4
.........................Mbambo ......................32. Mbambo .....................B
............................0.4
.........................Kapulampunguti ...........33. ------# ......................W/P
..........................0.4
Kisiba ..............Mbaka .........................34. London ........................B.............................--
.........................Isabula .........................35. Isabula ........................--
.............................--
.........................Busisya ........................36. Mbwigu .......................R
...........................>1.0
.........................Isabula .........................37. Katubwi ......................R
...........................>1.0
Kisondela* ......Mpuga ..........................38. Mwajombili*
..........W/P/B ..........................0.2
Masoko ..........Bujesi ............................39. Ikuyu .......................W/P
.............................--
........................Bujesi ............................40. Ibungu .....................W/P
.............................--
........................Bulongwe ......................41. Ngaseke ....................B
................................--
........................Lupando .......................42. Mbwata .....................B
................................--
........................Lupando .......................43. Isumba ......................--
................................--
........................Nsasya .........................44. Kikuku .......................R
.............................>1.0
Masukulu* ......Ijigha ............................45. Ijigha*
....................W/P/B ..........................0.075
.......................Mpakani .......................46. Mlima
Ngunguru* ......W/P ...........................10.0
.......................Mpakani .......................47. ------ ...........................--
............................<0.5
.......................Mpakani .......................48. ------ ...........................--
............................<0.5
Mpuguso .......Mibula ...........................49. Igembe? .......................B
...............................--
......................Mibula ...........................50. Kilonganongwa?
...........B ..............................0.25
Division: Ukukwe
Ward......... Village..................TFR Name ..........Purpose
...........Size(ha)
Ikuti ................Ibungu ........................51. Kasonde ..................--
..........................5.0
........................Ibungu ........................52. Kipanya ...................--
.......................>5.0?
........................Ibungu ........................53. Mfungwe ..................--
........................0.4
........................Ikuti ...........................54. Kagisa ......................--
.........................2.5
........................Ikuti ...........................55. Ibugu ........................--
.........................2.0
........................Ikuti ...........................56. Mabale .....................--
.......................>1.0
........................Ikuti ...........................57. Logelo ......................--
.........................1.5
........................Ikuti ...........................58. Itima .........................--
.........................2.0
........................Ikuti ...........................59. Mwakapemba
..........-- ..........................0.4
........................Ikuti ...........................60. Jutai .........................--
..........................0.4
........................Ikuti ...........................61. Kyangala .................--
..........................0.4
........................Ikuti ...........................62. Malema ...................--
..........................0.4
........................Kyoba .......................63. Kabeta (Igembe)
.....-- ..........................1.0
........................Lupepo ......................64. Kigugu ....................--
..........................1.0
........................Lyenje .......................65. Kabaka ...................--
........................>5.0?
........................Lyenje .......................66. Mbega .....................--
........................>5.0?
........................Mboyo ......................67. Kikuyu .....................--
.........................2.5
Isongole* ........Idweli (Isongole) ........68. Ndele*
..................... C .........................2.0
........................Mbeye ......................69. Mbeye*
...................W/P .....................10.0
Kinyala* ..........Igembe .....................70. Kapilimka ...............
W/P/B ....................--
........................Igembe ......................71. Kanjelu ...................W/P/B
................... --
........................Igembe ......................72. Kipili .........................W/P
.....................--
........................Lukata .......................73. Lukata* .....................W/P
....................0.25
........................Swaya .......................74. Mwangajile ..................B
.......................--
Kiwira* ..........Kikota ........................75. Ibasa*
......................W/P .....................2.5
.......................Ilolo ............................76. Ijaasa ........................W/P
....................0.8
.......................Ilolo ............................77. Ulinzi ..........................--
........................--
.......................Ilundo .........................78. ------ ........................W/P
......................--
Lufingo ...........Lugombo ....................79. Ibaga ............................B
.......................--
Malindo* .......Ibungila ........................80. Mwanunu* ................W/P
.....................0.3
......................Kapugi .........................81. Kapugi ........................B
.......................0.05
Suma* ..........Nditu ............................82. Lukingi ......................W/P
...................<0.4
.....................Nditu .............................83. Maasa .....................W/P/C
.................<0.4
.....................Nduti..............................84. Bulongwe ..................W/P
...................<0.4
.....................Kabale ..........................85. Kafwandilo
(Kabula)* ..S .......................0.1
.....................Kabale ..........................86. Kabale*
.....................W/P ...................10.0
.....................Kabale ..........................87. Igirimo* .......................B
......................0.05
.....................Busona ..........................88. Bulyaga ......................W/P
..................<0.4
.....................Ibumba ..........................89. Njisi ...........................W/P
..................<0.4
.....................Kituli .............................90. Kasyuto (Lota)
...........W/P ..................<0.4
.....................Masebe .........................91. Masebe .......................--
.....................<0.4
.....................Masebe .........................92. Mpafu .........................--
.....................<0.4
.....................Masebe .........................93. Mwasumbi ..................--
.....................<0.4
.....................Suma .............................94. Itende .........................--
.......................1.8
Kapyu TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer/Burial
Appears to be secondary montane forest, with some planted trees, including exotics. Tree and shrub species include:
Anthocleista grandiflora (Mpugupugu), Bombax sp. (Msufi), Bridelia sp. (Mwisya), Dracaena sp., Ensete ventricosum (Mabangala), Ficus spp. (Mpanadapanda, Mkuyu or Ndola), Harungana sp., Macaranga sp. (Mjembejembe), Maesa lanceolata (M/Nkuti), Trichilia sp. (I/Msuinguti), and Vitex sp.(Mfuru). Exotics include Cupressus lusitanica and Persea americana (Avacado).
Above: Village officials and the ward forester inside Kapyu TFR.
Above: Outside Kapyu TFR
Ihobe TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer/Burial
Appears to be secondary montane forest. Tree and shrub species include:
Albizia gummifera (Mtangasale), Aphloia theiformis (Msangavale), Bridelia sp. (Mwisya), Diospyros whyteana (Nyantito), Ensete ventricosum (Mabangala), Ficus spp. (Mpanadapanda, Mkuyu or Ndola), Harungana sp., Ilex mitis (I/Mfandilo), Macaranga sp. (Msengela or Mjembejembe), Maesa lanceolata (M/Nkuti or Likuti), Mytianthus holstii (Mswisya), Myrica salicifolia (Msibsibi), and Polyscias fulva (Mpembati).
Above: Village elders, other village residents and ward foresters inside Ihobe TFR.
Above: Ihobe TFR is visible on the hill in the background.
Mwajombili TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer/Burial
Secondary forest patch. Tree and shrub species include (many have been planted over time):
Anthocleista grandiflora (Mpugupugu), Bombax sp., Ficus spp. (Mpanadapanda, Mkuyu or Ndola), and Macaranga sp. (Mjembejembe).
Above: Village elders, other village residents and the ward forester in front of Mwajobili TFR.
Ijigha TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer/Burial
Broken patches of trees, possibly secondary montane forest remnants, with some exotics. Tree and shrub species include:
Albizia sp., Anthocleista grandiflora (Mpugupugu), Bombax sp., Bridelia sp. (Mwisya), Maesa lanceolata (M/Nkuti or Likuti), and Trema orientalis (Mpehwe).
Above: Inside Ijigha TFR
Mlima Ngurunguru TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer
'Miombo' woodland; located on a hill. Tree and shrub species include:
Annona senegalensis (Nyele), Bauhinia thonningii (Ntungutu), Brachystegia beohmii, B. allenii, Combretum spp. (Kasebwe), Isoberlinia angolensis (Mtondo), Uapaca kirkiana (Mkuhu), and Vitex sp. (Mfuru).
Above: Village officials, other village residents and the ward forester in front of Mlima Ngurunguru TFR.
Above: Mlima Ngurunguru TFR
Ndele TFR
Purpose: Conservation
Secondary Upper Montane Forest (there may be some primary elements present), located on an extinct volcanic cone. There are a few exotics planted on edges of TFR. Tree and shrub species include:
Allophylus sp. (Mlendeti), Bersama abyssinica (Pafwa), Casearia battiscombei (Ihoma), Cornus volkensii (Veregati), Ensete ventricosum (Mkoko), Ficus thonningii (Ivumo), Hagenia abyssinica (Mturunga), Ilex mitis (Msangati), Macaranga sp. (Msenga), Maesa lanceolata (Tigipwa), Nuxia congesta (Msongole), Ocotea usambarensis (Muheti), Polyscias fulva (Mpembati), Rapanea melanophoeos (Mkwitwa), and Tecoma sp. (Twati).
Above: 'Mzee' Ngereza Mwambogoso in front of Ndele TFR. 'Mzee' Mwambogoso is responsible for the care of this TFR.
Above: Ndele TFR. The Mbeya-Uyole-Tukuyu-Kyela road is in the foreground.
Mlima Mbeye TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer
Secondary Upper Montane Forest (there may be some primary elements present), located on NW side of an extinct volcanic cone. It is located not far from Ndele TFR. There is a plantation of exotics next to this TFR. Tree and shrub species include:
Allophylus sp. (Mlendeti), Bersama abyssinica (Pafwa), Cussonia spicata (Mpombo), Dombeya sp. (Mkunywa), Ensete ventricosum (Mkoko), Ficus thonningii (Ivumo), Hagenia abyssinica (Mturunga), Maesa lanceolata (Tigipwa), Neobutonia macrocalyx (Itulo), Polyscias fulva (Mpembati), Schefflera sp. [Climber], and Tabernaemontana sp. (Manyamungo).
Above: Mlima Mbeye TFR
Above: Mlima Mbeye, showing cultivated terraces and plantation of exotics which border the TFR. The TFR is to the right.
Above: 'Mzee' Amos M. Mwaringo (right) and Mr. Mbowe [ward forester] inside Mlima Mbeye TFR. 'Mzee' Mwaringo is the Chief and village chairman of Mbeye village. He is also responsible for this TFR.
Ibasa TFR
Purpose: Worship/Prayer
Small stature secondary forest and bushland. Tree and shrub species include:
Albizia gummifera (Mtangasale), Annona senegalensis (Manyeli), Bridelia micrantha (Mwisya), Cussonia spicata (Mpombo), Erythrina abyssinica (Msebe), Ficus spp., Polyscias fulva (Mpembati), Steganotaenia araliacea (Nyongamembe), Syzigium guineense and Tecoma sp. (Mbo'jo).
Above: Village elders, other village residents and ward foresters outside Ibasa TFR.
Above: Inside a clearing in Ibasa TFR [notice the bracken! (ferns)].
Kabale TFR and Kafwandilo (Kabula) TFR
Purpose: Kabale TFR: Worship/Prayer. Kafwandilo TFR: A place to slaughter animals for ceremonies held in Kabale TFR.
Kabale TFR: Secondary Montane Forest (there may be some primary elements present). Tree and shrub species include:
Anthocleista grandiflora (Mpugupugu), Bersama abyssinica, Cussonia sp., Ficus thonningii (Ivumo), F. sur, Ilex mitis, Macaranga sp. (Msengera), Myrianthus holstii (Mswisya), and Polyscias fulva (Mpembati).
KafwandiloTFR: Secondary Montane Forest (there may be some primary elements present). Tree and shrub species include:
Albizia gummifera, Aphloia theiformia (Msangavale), Bersama abyssinica, Ficus thonningii (Ivumo), F. sur, Ilex mitis, Macaranga sp. (Msengera), Ocotea usambarensis (Muheti), Parinari excelsa (Mbula), and Syzigium guineense.
Above: Village elders, other village residents, and the ward forester in front of Kafwandilo TFR.
Above: Village elders, other village residents, and the ward foreste in front of Kabale TFR.