Tanzania's Path to Sustainability: Balancing Forest Conservation with Economic Growth

Posted on : Friday , 1st August 2025

Tanzania is emerging as a regional example of how environmental protection can go hand-in-hand with economic opportunity. With over 48 million hectares of forest, the country is now prioritizing sustainable land use by merging conservation with community development. Recent government and partner-supported efforts are replacing harmful practices like charcoal burning and slash-and-burn farming with income-generating alternatives such as beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism sectors that not only preserve natural resources but also improve livelihoods.
 

The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has adopted a practical approach that emphasizes inclusive forest management. By involving local residents in land-use planning and decision-making, and by promoting the use of non-timber forest products such as honey and herbal plants, TFS is helping rural communities benefit directly from forest resources. The growing popularity of eco-tourism—marked by a sharp increase in visitor numbers from 41,142 in 2019 to over 257,000 in 2024 is also opening new doors for small businesses and local employment.
 

Along with this, TFS has successfully distributed millions of tree seedlings, developed community-managed woodlots, and strengthened village environmental committees. These initiatives not only support environmental goals but also build resilience against climate change and reduce dependency on unstable farming incomes. As part of its plantation strategy, TFS continues to promote agroforestry and temporary farming models, contributing to improved food security and local economic activity.
 

Tanzania’s forest and bee resource revenue has seen consistent growth—from Sh 39 billion in 2010/11 to Sh 143.5 billion in 2022/23, demonstrating the economic potential of sustainable natural resource management. A total of Sh 1.31 trillion has been generated since the establishment of TFS, part of which supports national development projects. These outcomes reflect how conservation can drive national progress when supported by structured planning and local cooperation.
 

Despite some capacity gaps in technical manpower, the country is addressing these through skills training, data-driven research, and collaborations with academic institutions. Strategic planning, combined with the empowerment of local communities, is shaping Tanzania’s forests into a model of shared responsibility and long-term sustainability. As global interest grows in nature-based solutions, Tanzania’s experience proves that safeguarding the environment can also pave the way for inclusive growth and rural transformation.