This project was developed to disclose the facts on the ground related to how tobacco farming affects Miombo woodlands in Tabora region located in mid – western Tanzania.
According to various credible sources of information, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the report - Sustainable forest management in the Miombo woodland, Miombo covers 40% of Tanzania, in major two blocks, the drier south – east and the larger and richer area in the moist west of Tanzania, bordering the Congolian forest patches of Mahale mountains. The report shows that Miombo woodlands are threatened by deforestation and degradation driven by tobacco farming, among other factors like settlers, saw millers and charcoal producers.
Under the above noted situation, community is witnessing the effects on ecosystem whereby; for example, both saw millers and charcoal production involve cutting of trees, hence cause the loss of biodiversity. Features like wild animals and indigenous trees disappeared therefore affects benefits from ecosystem services including freshwater supply, clean air and natural replenishment of soil fertility.