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

However, significant changes in development and timber harvest are predicted in the future, sparked by
the construction of Mkapa Bridge across the Rufiji River 5 . Officially opened in August 2003, this bridge
creates a permanent link between Dar es Salaam and southern Tanzania. Moreover, government and
SADC level initiatives, the development of the Mtwara Development Corridor 6 (a joint undertaking of
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia) and growing private investment are likely to accelerate
development in the south. Whilst on the one hand this will improve many aspects of development in the
region, these changes will almost certainly increase pressure on the timber resources. Therefore, there is
an urgent need for effective sustainable use initiatives that help maintain the integrity of miombo
woodlands and coastal forests as well as contribute positively towards poverty alleviation strategies.
Justification for study area
This project has concentrated on the interface between development and conservation, seeking to increase
the potential for completion of the Mkapa Bridge to have a positive impact on poverty alleviation and
natural resource management in southern Tanzania.
The study area covered by this project included seven districts belonging to three regions, namely Rufiji
District (Coast Region), Lindi, Kilwa, Liwale, Ruangwa and Nachingwea Districts (Lindi Region), and
Mtwara District (Mtwara Region). This study area was selected based upon
various criteria. Firstly, these districts are in closest proximity to the Mkapa
Bridge, and are likely to be the most directly affected (positively and
negatively) in the near future. Secondly, from the national development
perspective, this area represents one of the poorest in Tanzania and most
rural livelihoods are heavily dependent upon woodland and forest resources
in the form of food, housing, fuel, medicines and income. Thirdly, from an
environmental perspective, this area contains some of the largest remaining
wild stands of miombo woodland in Africa, as well as some of the largest
areas of unprotected woodland and the highest quantities of woodland per
capita in Tanzania. Their future integrity is largely dependent upon
management by surrounding communities. These woodlands still contain
large, commercially-viable stands of many timber species, although spatial
declines have been noted for some species.
Children sitting on logs,
Kilwa Masoko.
By providing credible timber trade information on the situation in southern Tanzania before and after
completion of the Mkapa Bridge (and other associated development activities), this project provides a
unique opportunity to study and positively influence the impacts of a national development project on
both natural resource use and peoples’ livelihoods. It is hoped that this information will help future
management interventions address both sustainable utilization of miombo woodlands and national
poverty alleviation objectives during the subsequent period of economic growth and development. It is
also hoped that the same principles and approaches may be applied appropriately to other development
projects.
Credit: Simon Milledge/TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa
5 The USD 29 million project was financed by the Government of Tanzania, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic
Development, OPEC Fund for International Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.
6 The Mtwara Development Corridor initiative started in 1997 and includes the construction of the Unity Bridge
across the Ruvuma River, a 829 km Mtwara-Mbamba Bay road project, the Mchuchuma Colliery and Thermal
Power Project, in addition to various mining, oil, gas, fisheries, agriculture and fisheries initiatives.
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