Bridging the Gap: linking timber trade with infrastructural ...

policies and national strategies in Tanzania from 1996 onwards is based on learning from best practices
and use of appropriate and efficient technologies of natural resource utilisation (Anon., 1996; 1999e;
2001a,b). Tanzania has recognised the importance of creating an enabling environment for the local
community to participate effectively in national development programmes. Empowerment of grass root
institutions and communities is taken as an important policy issue for promoting democratic systems and
economic development. While gross economic growth is necessary, it is important to ensure that it is
broad-based and centred on improving the livelihoods of the poor. The revised National Forest Policy
and Tanzania Wildlife Policy proffer radical changes, including the empowerment of the local
communities to manage forest and wildlife resources in collaboration with government officials and
other stakeholders (Anon., 1998a,c).
The eradication of poverty and sound environmental conservation to enhance livelihoods are the main
national development priorities in the short and medium term. At policy level, it is acknowledged that,
the majority of Tanzanian livelihoods depend on natural resources (Anon., 2001b; Anon., 2000e).
However, proven experience has shown that the quality and quantity of natural resources, in particular
forests, is dwindling, consequently threatening living standards. At the same time, rural populations
may have a strong and positive role to play in environmental management (Anon., 2001h). The National
Environmental Action Plan (1994) and the National Environmental Policy (Anon., 1997b) identify six
categories of priority environmental problems in Tanzania: land degradation; lack of accessible good
quality water; environmental pollution; loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity; deterioration of aquatic
systems; and deforestation. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that activities to address these environmental
concerns are also addressing the main focus of the PRSP (Anon., 2001h).
Recently revised legislation regarding land acquisition, ownership and utilisation have impacts on the
environment, natural resource conservation and wise use of forest products. Land Act No 4 of 1999
defines land tenure structure in Tanzania (Anon., 1999c). It is the main implementation legal instrument
for the Land Policy of 1995. Land Act (1999) Part III, subsection 7 gives declaration to hazardous land
that provides opportunities for natural resource conservation. The main contribution of the Land Act to
management of natural resources is the definition of land tenure systems in Tanzania. However, the
majority of local communities in Tanzania are not aware of the Land Act of 1999 and how it affects their
livelihoods.
Village Land Act No. 5 of 1999 is complimentary to the Land Act No. 4 of 1999. The Village Land Act
empowers the Village Council to manage all village lands in accordance with the principles of a trustee
with the villagers being the beneficiaries (Anon., 1999d). The Village Land Act is very important to the
sustainable management of forest resources since around two-thirds of the total forest land in Tanzania is
unreserved, village land (Anon., 1998a). The Act supports wise use of village land, including the
sustainable management of natural resources. The Act also encourages a group of villages to manage
village land jointly to enhance the conservation of natural resources on a landscape level, for example
the joint management of water catchment forests or biodiversity conservation.
Whilst still in operation, the Forest Ordinance Cap. 389 of 1957, Grass Fire Control Ordinance of 1943
and Export of Timber Ordinance of 1953 are replaced by the Forest Act of 2002 (passed by Parliament in
April 2002). The latter will become fully operational once regulations are approved. The Forest Act of
2002 and the National Forest Programme (2001-2010) are the main instruments to implement the
National Forest Policy (Anon., 1998a).
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