The new Forestry, Land Use, and Value Chains Development (FORLAND) project is making strides to ensure that Tanzanian farmers reap the full benefits of forestry — from planting right through to final product sales.
Funded jointly by the Tanzanian government’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Finnish government, FORLAND builds on the successes of earlier initiatives like the Participatory Plantation Forestry Programme (PFP2) and the Forest and Value Chain Development Programme (FORVAC).
At the heart of the project are goals to improve smallholder tree plantation management, strengthen forest education institutions, and foster stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders — all aimed at creating a more enabling forestry policy environment along the entire value chain.
Speaking at the closing of the Nane Nane exhibitions in Dodoma, FORLAND National Project Coordinator Emma Nzunda shared how the initiative has been warmly received by farmers, many of whom already appreciate its benefits.
“We are here at Nane Nane to raise awareness and ensure more farmers understand the importance of forestry conservation and sustainable land use,” Nzunda said.
Beyond better forest management, the project also focuses on value chain development — helping communities, tree growers, and small- and medium-sized enterprises add value to their forest products and expand income opportunities.
Nzunda explained that FORLAND aligns closely with the development priorities of both Tanzania and Finland, contributing to poverty reduction, job creation, and climate resilience.
“The project aims to build the capacity of tree growers and their organizations to manage plantations more efficiently and increase yields,” she added.
The Head of the Forest and Wood Industries Training Centre (FWITC), Bertha Nyodewa, emphasized the centre’s role in supporting FORLAND by equipping farmers with vital knowledge and technical skills.
“We need to raise awareness on quality tree seeds, sustainable forest management, land use planning, and how the forest industry and its value chain can be profitable,” Nyodewa said.
Meanwhile, Kastory Timbula, Chief Executive Director of the Tanzania Tree Growers Association (TTGAU), praised FORLAND for empowering growers with practical skills.
He highlighted the project’s success in enabling women and youth to diversify into profitable ventures such as beekeeping, basket weaving, and honey sales through value addition activities.
With its holistic approach, FORLAND is helping transform Tanzania’s forestry sector — turning trees into tangible economic opportunities for rural communities.
