serikali ya mapinduzi zanzibar care tanzania and department

4.4.5 Threats to biodiversity
Some plants (Mvule, Ukindu, Mkandaa, and Mshubiri mwitu) and animals (Wildpigs,
chesi and hyraxes) were reported as either completely disappeared or remained in
small numbers. Reasons behind this were said to be over exploitation for plants and
illegal hunting for animals. Respondents declared that, before the present programme
of complete protection started, people were free to enter the forest hence did a lot of
destruction. Other reported reasons were such as weather change, sabotage while
others did not know any of the causes although declared the disappearance of some
plants and animals.
Wild pigs were reported as completely disappeared animals in Ngezi forest. The
respondents said that Wamakonde were the main poachers of these species, where
they used them as a source of food. Other respondents (2%) further reported that, wild
pigs were killed because of their destructive nature. Plants reported as completely
disappeared were mainly used for fuel wood (54%) and timber production (20%).
Some respondents felt disadvantaged as a result of total protection of Ngezi forest.
They said they lost their freedom to use the forest produce, and even in passing in the
forest. Others indicated their concerns on the loss of access to building poles and
firewood (Table 4.20). However, many respondents (33%) appeared happy with the
present protection system.
Table 4.20: The reported disadvantages experienced after the initiation of total
protection programme at Ngezi forest
Disadvantage Frequency Percentage (%)
None 66 33
Loss of freedom to use the forest for everyday needs 39 19
Lack of wild meat 5 2
Lost access to building materials and firewood 92 46
Total 202 100
Source: Field data, (January 2005)
Following the high demand of the forest products by the surrounding community, the
study predicted that if measures are not taken, then Ngezi forest would be in serious
danger in the near future. Studies by Khatibu and Suleiman, (1993); Smith and Scherr,
(2002); Ngece, (2003) also indicated the high demand of firewood and other forest
products by the community around forests. The study by Khatibu and Suleiman,
(1993) also suggested some alternative provisions to the community such as use of
efficient stoves, establishment of a programme on integrated land-use around the area,
introduction of tree planting for different purposes etc. All these ideas appear useful,
but the main problem for their implementation is the size of the land available in
relation with the population growth rate of the area. Many respondents complained
that they had small land, and the little they had was existed. What makes things worse
is the promise made by the Ministry on providing the locals with alternative land for
their basic needs. Some respondents reported this and they indicated to be unhappy
with the situation hence indicating some conflicts between the two groups.
4.4.6 Future management of Ngezi Forest Reserve
When it came to what respondents had as suggestions for harmonious conservation of
the area, many (40%) said they wanted to have an access to small uses of forest
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