Charcoal production and deforestation of Miombo woodlands: a case study of Uyui district, Tabora region

This study investigates the increase in charcoal production and its impact on depletion of Miombo woodlands in Uyui district, Tabora region Tanzania. Uyui district was chosen because it is among the districts in Tabora region with a large part of its land covered by forest, and hence the effect of Miombo woodlands depletion can be clearly determined. Attention was paid to the reasons behind increase in charcoal production and its impact on Miombo woodlands. The study also explores general effects of Miombo woodlands degradation, efforts taken to combat the problem and factors hinder those efforts. The study involved 100 respondents from two selected villages and households from urban areas. Simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample. Interviews, focus group discussions, field observation, questionnaires and documentary reviews were tools employed during data collection. The study findings showed that there had been an increase in rate of Miombo woodlands depletion in the study area. Increase in charcoal production was observed to be among the factors for that depletion. Increase in poverty was noted to be the underlying cause of increase in charcoal business to meet their daily essential needs. Timber harvesting, establishment of settlement and agriculture were noted to be other factors for Miombo woodlands fail due to increase in poverty. Based on these findings therefore, the study recommends that to manage and conserve Miombo woodlands there is need to deal with current levels of poverty amongst the communities in the study area.