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

Figure 42
Rufiji District harvest areas and volumes (m 3 ) for Trichilia emetica
3,000
2,000
1,000
1,195
454
1,037
2,075
0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Sources: District timber harvest licence records, 2001; Kibiti checkpoint statistics, 1992-2001.
Dalbergia melanoxylon (African blackwood, Mpingo) - Class I
Dalbergia melanoxylon is a small tree found in low-altitude (0-1,300 m) savannah or woodland (Mbuya
et al., 1994). The tree is well branched and slow growing, to around seven m tall with a diameter of no
more than 20-30 cm. The very hard, durable, termite-resistant, purple-black heartwood is used for
carvings and exports to make valuable musical instruments. It is the only Class I species harvested in
significant volumes from the study area.
An average of 42 m 3 was exported during 1980-1991, increasing to an annual average of 74 m 3 over the
next ten years (Marshall, 1996; Jenkins et al., 2002). Moore et al. (1987) estimated a total of 1500
carvers in Tanzania and 1500 m 3 used annually, with illegal felling accounting for one-half of all
harvesting (Gregory et al., 1999). Jenkins et al. (2001) estimated that approximately 100-200 m 3 are
currently exported as billets each year. This closely matches government records, with an average of 102
m 3 recorded between 1998 and 2000. Official exports of carvings totalled around 170 000 pieces in
1999-2000 (Jenkins et al., 2002).
Two sawmills specializing in Dalbergia melanoxylon operate in the study area, in Lindi and Ikwiriri
towns (Jenkins et al., 2001). Volumes of D. melanoxylon harvested from the study area demonstrate a
continuing pattern of decline due to overharvesting. Figure 43 shows how harvest volumes from Rufiji
District started to decline in 1994 following overexploitation, after which harvests increased in
neighbouring Kilwa District. However, harvest volumes subsequently began to decline from Kilwa
District from 1997, dropping sharply in 2000 following a brief rise in harvests.
Individual licences show how areas harvested in 1997 (Nandera, Kikole, Chumo, Nanjirinji and
Mingumbi) were no longer harvested in 2000. As demand continues to drive the search for viable stands
southwards, Nachingwea is currently the major source of D. melanoxylon although it is uncertain how
long this source will stay commercially viable (Figure 44). Jenkins et al. (2001) reported that Liwale,
Rwangwa and Nachingwea Districts were currently the main sources of D. melanoxylon in Tanzania,
especially from Lionja Forest Reserve in Nachingwea District.
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