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

The National Forest Policy (1998) states that “unregulated trade can instigate uncontrolled exploitation
and has the potential of accelerating forest destruction and degradation through loss of biodiversity”
(Anon., 1998a). Trade in forest products, in particular for timber and charcoal, has contributed to the
degradation of miombo woodlands and coastal forests that cover two-thirds of the country (Anon.,
2001b). The past decade has shown marked changes in timber trade dynamics, with a geographic shift in
supply and changes in species composition influenced by accessibility to, and abundance of, forest
resources. For example, with decreasing availability of the preferred Pterocarpus angolensis, preference
has turned to other species, notably Brachystegia speciformis and Afzelia quanzensis. Further, decline in
availability and size of targeted species such as Pterocarpus angolensis in western and central Tanzania
has led to rising exploitation of less accessible sources, including the coastal forests and miombo
woodlands of Lindi Region.
Miombo woodlands remain a vital natural resource for the country, both for economic and ecological
reasons. They make up two-thirds of Tanzania’s forests and woodlands and stretch down through Zambia
and Mozambique into Zimbabwe. These areas have a high floral diversity and concentrations of large
and, sometimes, rare mammals, many of which migrate seasonally (e.g. elephants). Miombo woodland
intergrades with coastal forests and surround some of the Eastern Arc Mountains, both areas of global
conservation value for their high levels of species richness and endemism.
Isolation of southern Tanzania miombo woodlands and coastal forests
Up until 2003, poor roads and the absence of permanent river crossings largely isolated the southern
miombo woodlands and coastal forests from Dar es Salaam. In particular, seasonal flooding across the
Rufiji River delta almost completely prevented terrestrial movements of timber and other cargo across its
banks during parts of the year (Figure 1). Before the newly constructed Mkapa Bridge was opened, only
one major ferry operated on the Rufiji River, situated at a small settlement called Ndundu, south of
Ikwiriri town.
With over 33% of the nation’s population, 75% of its industry and the highest national rate of urban
migration, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest consumer and export market for hardwood timber.
However, relative isolation has prevented the large natural stands of valuable hardwoods occurring in
miombo woodlands and coastal forests in Lindi and Mtwara Regions from the massive exploitation
witnessed in other parts of the country. Further, this isolation has left these regions with amongst the
poorest infrastructure in the country, particularly roads, power and communications. Low economic
prospects have resulted in this area being one of the nation’s poorest (Anon., 2000d).
It can be reasonably argued that economic and social progress in the area have been hindered by not fully
capitalizing on the existing development potential of natural resources from the remaining tracts of
wildnerness. On the other hand, isolation may have also prevented the likely scenario whereby outsiders 4
gain unrestricted access to, and receive most of the benefits from, these woodland and forest resources, to
the detriment of local communities who lack the capacity to ensure equitable and sustainable benefit
sharing.
4 People not from the local area, often characterized by their higher capital and capacity to trade than local
communities, but with fewer incentives for sustainable management.
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