Research and development for sustainable management of semiarid miombo woodlands in East Africa

Abstract

MITMIOMBO Management of Indigenous Tree Species for Ecosystem Restoration and Wood Production in Semi-arid Miombo Woodlands in Eastern Africa is a two-year project partly funded by the European Commission (FP6, INCO/SSA). It has six participant organizations: Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA; FIN) (Coordination), University of Joensuu (UJOE; FIN), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU; SWE), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA; TNZ), Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI; TNZ), Tanzania Association of Foresters (TAF; TNZ). The MITMIOMBO project is a small-scale effort to explore and experiment with tools that forest research can provide for development and extension efforts in semiarid miombo woodlands. This target has been pursued through joint application of state-of-the-art research methods and the interaction and dissemination of knowledge with researchers, professionals and local stakeholders for addressing management challenges involving indigenous stands. Major results of the activities are presented in the papers included in this publication. Experiences with methodologies applied in studies based on data from the experimental plots near Morogoro, Tanzania, are presented and assessed with future applications in mind. Results on the structure and dynamics of the stands as well as tree increment and its periodicity are presented. Experiences gained through extension and interaction with representatives of local communities and stakeholders about forest management are summarized. In review papers, current issues and future pathways towards sustainable management of miombo woodlands in Tanzania and beyond are addressed, including charcoal and biofuel production, water and nutrient balances, and economics.