Frontier Tanzania Savanna Research Programme Community use ...

Frontier Tanzania Savanna Research 

Programme 

Community use of non timber forest products 

A case study from the Kilombero Valley 

Society for Environmental Exploration 

University of Dar es Salaam 

John Chettleborough, Josepheta Lumeta, Simon Magesa 

Frontier Tanzania 

2000 

i

Suggested report citation 

Frontier Tanzania (2000) Chettleborough, J., Lumeta, J, Magesa, S. Community use of non timber 

forest products: A case study from the Kilombero Valley. Kilombero Valley Integrated Environmental 

Management Programme. Unpublished Report The Society for Environmental Exploration, UK &The 

University of Dar es Salaam. 

© Frontier-Tanzania

PREFACE 

This section outlines the responsibilities and objectives of those bodies involved in the 

Kilombero Valley Integrated Environmental Management Programme (KVIEMP). 

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) 

The University of Dar es Salaam was established in July 1970 as a centre of learning and 

research in the arts and the physical, natural, earth, marine, medical and human sciences. The 

Faculty of Sciences within the University surveys and maps the flora and fauna of Tanzania 

and conducts research into the maintenance and improvement of the environment and the 

sustainable exploitation of Tanzania’s natural resources. 

The Society for Environmental Exploration (SEE) 

The Society is a non-profit making com pany limited by guarantee and was formed in 1989. 

The Society’s objectives are to advance field research into environmental issues and 

implement practical projects contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Projects 

organised by The Society are joint initiatives developed in collaboration with national 

research agencies in co-operating countries. 

Frontier-Tanzania 

The Society and the University have been conducting collaborative research into 

environmental issues since July 1989 under the banner of Frontier-Tanzania Research 

Programmes. Over 11 years, more than 2,000 international volunteers have participated in 

these programmes working alongside Tanzanian Catchment Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife 

Officers and students to map the biodiversity of Tanzania. 

Funding bodies 

Funding for KVIEMP comes from SEE, and the National Lottery Charities 

Board (UK). 

Society for Environmental Exploration 

University of Dar es Salaam 

For more information: 

Frontier Tanzania: PO Box 9473, Dar es Salaam. frontier@twiga.com 

University of Dar es Salaam: Dept. of Zoology and Marine Biology. PO Box 35064. 

zoology@twiga.com 

Society for Environmental Exploration: 50-52 Rivington Street, London. EC2A 3QP. UK. 

info@frontier.ac.uk

Kilombero Valley Integrated Environmental Management Programme 

Community use of non timber forest products, September 2000 

ACKNOWLEDMENTS 

This report is the culmination of the advice, co-operation, hard work and exterise of many 

people. In particular acknowledgments are due to the following: 

TUSONGE MBELE ITETE (TUMI): Local Community based organisation 

Ethnobotanist: 

Ms. Josephata Lumeta 

Chairman: 

Mr. Thabit Mbasa 

Secretary: 

Ms. Yusta Mballa 

VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES 

Chairman Njiwa: 

Mr. Aquilino Sautanga 

Secretary Njiwa: 

Mr. Juma Fikirini Mgwalu 

ULANGA DISTRICT COUNCIL: 

District Natural Resources Officer: 

Technical Advisor, Irish Aid: 

the late Mr. Mkombachepa 

Dr. Philomena Tuite 

MINISTRY OF NATUIRAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM 

WILDLIFE DIVISION 

Game Guards: 

Mr. Edward Mlaponi, Mr. Salum Musa, Mr. Peter 

Msangameno and Mr. Jacob Ndimbo. 

FORESTRY AND BEEKEEPING DIVISON 

Catchment Forestry Officers: 

Ulanga District: 

Mr. Faya & Mr. Octavian Ngawamba 

Morogoro Region: 

Mr. Mayuma 

Dar es Salaam: 

Mr. Dallu 

UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM 

FT Co-ordinators: 

Prof. K.M. Howell & Dr. M. Muruke 

Botanical Technician: Mr. H.O. Suleiman 

SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION 

Managing Director: 

Ms. Eibleis Fanning 

Development Manager: Ms. Elizabeth Humphries 

Research Manager: 

Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith 

Operations Manager: Mr. Matthew Willson 

FRONTIER TANZANIA: 

Savanna Research Programme Staff 

Project Co-ordinator: Mr. John. Chettleborough 

Research Co-ordinator: Dr. Richard Jenkins 

Ass. Research Co-ordinators: Mr. Graham Corti, & Ms. Kirsten Roettcher 

Liaison Officer: 

Mr. Simon Magesa 

Logistics Managers: Mr. Michael Case 

Mechanic/ Driver: 

Mr. Francis Mhaiki 

Field Assistants: 

Ms. Hadija Kilamiti, Ms. Anselimina Laso. 

Special thanks to the people of Itete Ward for their co-operation during the survey. 

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CONTENTS 

1. Introduction 

2. Aims and Objectives of Survey 

3. Methods 

4. Results 

4.1 Introduction 

4.2 NTFP types 

4.3 Firewood 

4.3.1 Firewood preferences 

4.3.2 Resource availability 

4.3.3 Collection materials 

4.4 Building 

4.5 Medicine 

4.5.1 Frequency of resource use 

4.6 Food 

4.7 Multi purpose trees and shrubs 

5. Discussion 

5.1 The importance of woodland and forest around Itete 

5.2 Species preferences 

5.3 Resource scarity 

5.4 Implications for management 

Appendix 1 Firewood species 

Appendix 2 Medicinal uses of local trees and plants 

Appendix 3 Food from woodland and forest areas 

Appendix 4 Species used for building materials 

Appendix 5 Multi purpose trees 

Appendix 6 Utensils 

Appendix 7 Ranking exercise 

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1. INTRODUCTION 

A considerable amount of research has been carried out in Africa and other parts of 

the tropics examining the community use of "non timber forest products" (NTFPs). In 

areas such as southern Tanzania, where the dominant vegetation type is miombo, the 

use of the word forest in this acronym can be assumed to encompass woodland 

habitats as well. NTFPs are any products, excluding commercial timber which 

originate from trees and shrubs or from wooded areas. Typically they include 

resources directly obtained from trees such as fuelwood, fruits, fodder and traditional 

medicine but can also include resources indirectly obtained from trees such as honey, 

bushmeat and fungi. 

NTFPS are, almost by definition, primarily used by the local communities that 

surround wooded areas. Resource use tends to be low intensity and rarely provides a 

significant income. Instead NTFPs tend to provide an important non - financial 

supplement to the livelihoods of rural people. They are particularly important during 

periods of poor crop yields. Exceptions to this rule do exist and they tend to be 

represented by people with specific skills enabling them to fill a particular 

commercial niche. An obvious example of this is honey collection from ‘local’ hives. 

This form of resource use is highly specialised, methods of manufacture are a closely 

guarded secret (as experienced by KVIEMP staff when trying to interview honey 

makers !). Honey can be a valuable economic resource especially when transport and 

market factors are favourable. 

There is considerable potential for the economic development of the use of NTFPs 

and this strategy has been used by numerous rural development projects to divert 

dependence away from agriculture, to increase the income of women and to facilitate 

the conservation of natural resources. 

Two of the key aims in the one year plan of Tusonge Mbele Itete (TUMI) are, the 

planning of land use around Itete and the development of a community forest. In order 

to provide KVIEMP with a full perspective of the issues involved in these activities a 

short research programme examining community woodland resource use was 

instigated. Three approaches were used in this programme. Firstly a local villager 

(female) was trained in the use of questionaires and then proceeded to interview 

household heads in Itete. Secondly KVIEMP staff ran group meetings with a variety 

of resource user groups. Lastly interviews and field trips were carried out with people 

who held specialised information such as herbalists. These three approaches yielded 

different types of information, although with a certain amount of crossover, much of 

which provides useful insights into the issues surrounding woodland issues in Itete. 

2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SURVEY 

Aim: To provide an assessment of the value of the wooded areas around Itete to the 

local community 

Objectives: 

• To identify Non Timber Forest Products known and used by local people. 

• To provide an assessment of resource use patterns including frequency of use, 

collection methods and preferences. 

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• To assess the contribution of NTFPs to livelihood strategies and to incomes. 

• To provide an assessment of resource availability and factors effecting change. 

3. METHODS 

A preliminary investigation was used to identify general resource patterns and 

potential key informants. The findings from this were used to plan the main part of the 

research. For instance women were identified as the primary fuelwood collectors and 

so were targeted in much of the subsequent research. 

Following this three approaches were used : 

(i) 

Group discussions 

Discussions with the following five groups were held : 

Group 1 : Itete women. 15 persons 

Group 2 : Mixed group of community representatives, Itete. 14 persons 

Group 3 : Itete men, all over 50 years old. 9 persons. 

Group 4 : Mtimbira women. 12 persons 

Group 5 : Itete women, 4 persons 

All of these were run using standard participatory research techniques principally 

semi structured interviews and matrix ranking exercises and were facilitated by the 

KVIEMP Local Coordinator and the KVIEMP Project Coordinator. 

These meetings helped build up an inventory of the uses of miombo woodland 

resources known to local people and the preferences exhibited. 

(ii) 

Individual interviews and guided walks (using KVIEMP staff) 

Individual interviews were carried out with a representative from the Mission Health 

Clinic and local herbalists (both male and female). These were carried out by a variety 

of people including local Forest Officers and the KVIEMP Project Coordinator. 

Work with herbalists took the form of 'guided walks' led by the herbalist. During the 

walks the herbalist would explain the medicinal uses of plants encountered. 

These interviews were used to gain more specific information relating to specific uses 

or issues. 

(iii) 

Individual interviews carried out by a village researcher 

One female villager from Itete was provided with training in the design and use of 

simple questionnaires by the KVIEMP Local Coordinator. This was done in order to 

reduce outsider bias in interviews. A questionnaire was then designed and developed 

after a few practise runs. A questionnaire was considered suitable because of the 

nature of the data required (quantifiable) and the fact that it requires less 

understanding than methods such as semi – structured interviews. Simple ranking 

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exercises involving a straight 1-2-3 preference were incorporated into the 

questionnaire. 

In total the village researcher carried out 44 interviews with senior females in 

households. The households represented by these informants came to a total of 273 

people with an average family size of 6.2 persons. They had been in Itete for an 

average of 28.4 years. 

These interviews were used to obtain more quantifiable information on the frequency 

of use and the reasons for the use of particular resources. The interviews were also 

used to obtain more information from the point of view of the women of Itete. All of 

the informants were women. 

All of the work was carried out in Kiswahili using vernacular names for plant species. 

The identification of most of the species named by informants was confirmed by a 

botanist from the University of Dar es Salaam and a local Forest Officer. 

4. RESULTS 

4.1 Introduction 

Some vernacular names have not been identified. Although most of these comprise 

non - woody plants such as tubers and fungi, some may represent other tree species, 

or even different names for already identified trees. Their inclusion here provides an 

opportunity for knowledgeable botanists to assist us with their identification. 

4.2 NTFP types 

People in the Itete area obtain the following items from the surrounding wooded areas 

: 

• Fuel 

• Food 

• Building materials 

• Implements / utensils 

• Canoes 

• Traditional medicines 

• Fibres 

In the group meetings participants ranked these resource types in order of their 

importance to local households. The order given was remarkably universal and 

consisted of the following : 

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Table 1: Importance of different classes of resource use (group meetings) 

Ranking Resource type No. of named 

species * 

1 Firewood 32 (27) 

2 Building 12 (11) 

3 Medicine 160 (149) 

4 Food 27 (14) 

5 Utensils 

6 Other 

* named by informants, figure in brackets represented species successfully identified. 

4.3 Firewood 

Everyone spoken to, in both the group meetings and the individual interviews, used 

wood as their principal fuel source. When questioned informants pointed out that 

alternatives such as kerosene stoves were used by a few people but the constant cost 

involved prohibited their general adoption. 

In total 32 species of tree were named in the group meetings as being of use for 

firewood. Of these 27 have been identified (see Appendix 1). 

In the individual questionaires 17 species were named by informants. 

4.3.1. Firewood preferences 

Preferences for the firewood species named in the group meetings were assessed 

using a standard pair wise ranking method (see Appendix 7). The results of this 

showed considerable uniformity. The top six ranked trees are shown in Table 2. 

Table 2 : Firewood preferences revealed by pairwise ranking in group meetings 

Local name Latin name Average rank * * total ranked scores divided by 

five (the number of meetings) 

Muwanga Pericopsis angolensis 1 

Miombo Brachystegia spiciformis 2 

Mpingo Dalbergia melanoxylon 3.6 

Mpapa Brachystegia spp 4.3 

Mnamata Pseudarthia hookeri 4.6 

Msegese Bauhinia thonningi 6.3 

Pericopsis angolensis and Brachystegia spiciformis were the number one and two 

firewood types respectively according to everyone spoken to. Preference for lower 

ranked species is not so consistent. 

Preferences for the firewood species revealed in the individual questionaires were 

assessed using a straight forward first preference, second preference, third preference 

method. Again a certain amount of uniformity was present. 

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Table 3 : Firewood preferences as revealed in individual questionaires using a village researcher. 

F= Frequency cited as particular preference 

Preference 1 F Preference 2 F Preference 3 F 

Miombo 27 Mnamata 8 Msekesi 15 

Mwanga 6 Mwanga 7 Mwanga 5 

Mtalula 2 Mtalula 6 Mnamata 3 

Msekesi 2 Miombo 5 Mndopeta 1 

Mndopeta 1 Msekesi 4 Miombo 1 

Mnamata 1 Mgeligeli 4 Mpingo 1 

Chigutua 1 Mkalanga 2 Mkuyu 1 

Mtogo 2 Msembisembi 1 

Mkuyu 1 Mpapa 1 

Msolu 1 Chikwambi 1 

Chigozi 1 

Vikwambikambi 1 

Mzauzau 1 

4.3.2. Resource availability 

The questionaire included a question asking ‘which firewood species is it now 

difficult to find’. The responses to this question are shown in the table below : 

Table 4 : Firewood species difficult to find (from individual questionaires) 

Species Frequency cited 

Mwanga 32 

Mpingo 19 

Msekesi 19 

Mtalula 16 

Miombo 10 

Mnamata 6 

Msembisembi 2 

Mlama 1 

Mkalanga 1 

Mlama 1 

Informants in the group meetings stated that they must now walk over 3 km in search 

of firewood. 

According to participants in the group meetings this is having the following impacts 

on local people: 

• It limits the time women can spend on childcare and restricts activities such as the 

boiling of drinking water. 

• It restricts womens involvement in income generation activities such as their own 

farms and crafts. 

• Women increasingly have less time for recreation or extended family duties. 

4.3.3. Collection methods: 

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Both the group meetings and the questionnaire confirmed that wood is universally 

collected by women and children. Generally people in Itete make two big collection 

trips a week. 

Numerous informants stated that previously only dead wood was taken for fuel. 

However some informants in the group meetings claimed that collection methods 

used in the area now included : ring barking trees; the cutting of live trees; the setting 

of fires to kill and dry out trees. 

4.4 Building 

The only informants asked about building species were those in the group meetings. 

Twelve species were noted by informants as being used in the building of houses. Of 

these eleven were successfully identified. These are all presented in the table below. 

Table 5 : Species used for building (group meetings) 

Vernacular 

Chingunguta 

Mawele ganafunda 

Mhukutotu 

Miombo 

Mkala madunda 

Mkalati 

Mpingo 

Msembi 

Mtalula 

Mtwangu 

Muwanga 

Mvule 

Mkurungu 

Latin 

Dichrostachys cinera 

Harrisonia abyssinica 

Rothmannia spp. 

Brachystegia spiciformis 

Markhamia spp. 

Burkea africana 

Dalbergia melanoxylon 

Dyospyros visicosa 

Acacia spp. 

Miletia spp. 

Pericopsis angolensis 

Miletia excelsa 

Tree products are principally used for roofing materials and species preference is 

dependent on the resistance of the wood to termite attack. 

4.5 Medicine 

A cumulative total of 149 vegetative species (including grasses and herbs as well as 

trees and shrubs) were named as having medicinal qualities (see Appendix 2). These 

results come from all of the groups but the bulk of the species were found out by the 

interviews with the herbalists. A lot of medicinal usage is a very specialist thing and it 

is only the herbalists who can reveal information 

The range of local medicines is very extensive. They include treatments for: stomach 

illnesses; scabies; boils; bone fractures; mental problems; pregnancy problems; 

impotency and virility; female infertility; abortion; epilepsy; rheumatism; ulcers; 

spleen inflammations; tooth and ear pain; wounds; back problems; pneumonia, 

malaria; bilharzia; hernias; gonorrhoea ; snakebites. Treatments utilise the roots, bark, 

leaves and fruits of plants. They are applied in a variety of ways, usually as drinks and 

food but even as baths. 

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4.5.1. Frequency of resource use 

In this survey traditional medicine was defined as anything coming from plants or 

animals and not purchased or obtained through a pharmacy. Modern medicine was 

defined as that which had to be bought or obtained from either a pharmacy or a duka. 

In the group meetings every informant stated that they used traditional medicines at 

various times. The most commonly used were stomach medicines. Medicines are 

generally obtained from a herbalist although some households have sufficient 

knowledge to obtain their own treatments. A herbalist is only paid if the treatment is 

successful and as a result of this most people stated that they will always try 

traditional medicine first. If this treatment is not successful then they will go to a 

modern pharmacy or visit the clinic. 

More detailed information was obtained from the questionaires. The interviewees 

were asked a number of questions designed to find out their preferences in terms of 

type of medicine and the degree to which their household has used both over the last 

month. The results are presented in the table below. 

Table Five : Medicinal Use over last month revealed in questionaires (total of 44 informants) 

Numbers who are prepared to use traditional medicine 43 

Numbers who are prepared to use modern medicine 44 

Numbers that have used traditional medicine over last month 19 

Numbers that have used modern medicine over last month 38 

Number of actual cases involving traditional medicine 37 

Number of actual cases involving modern medicine 76 

Average number of times households used traditional medicine 0.8 

Average number of times households used modern Medicine 1.7 

The variety of illnesses treated by the different forms of medicine is presented below. 

Table Six : Illnesses treated by different medicines as revealed in questionaires (44 informants) 

Traditional medicine 

Modern medicine 

Illness Frequency Illness Frequency 

Stomach 6 Fever 26 

Epilepsy 6 Chest 12 

Ear problems 2 Stomach 7 

Chest 1 Burns 2 

Fever 1 Toothache 2 

Male potency 1 Sores 2 

Burns 1 Shingles 1 

Bilharzia 1 Swollen leg 1 

Spleen 1 Surgery (womb) 1 

Eyes 1 

*stomach illnesses refer to diahraea, dysentery, abdominal complaints etc 

*chest illnesses refer to pneumonia, coughs, chest complaints 

As with the group meeting participants most informants got their traditional medicine 

from a ‘bush doctor’ and approximately half claimed not to know the ingredients of 

the medicine they took. 

The remaining people, who knew the contents of the traditional medicine they had 

taken, revealed the species they had used over the last month. 

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Table Seven : Traditional Medicines used over last month (from questionaires) 

Stomach Epilepsy Ear / 

Tooth 

Mnamata 

Mpera 

Mkwaju 

Mlunganu 

Namavi 

Msekesi 

Kilemandembu 

Chihegihegi 

Chikwambi 

– kwambi 

Mikuyu 

Chest Potency Burns Bilharzia Spleen 

Mzauzau 

Namandwendi 

Chingunguta 

Kilemandembu 

Lisapi 

flowers 

Chiwondoka 

Kuchanda 

A comparison of the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the two medicine 

types was obtained. This is produced below. 

Table Eight: Comparison of modern and traditional medicine (from questionaires) 

Modern 

Traditional 

Benefits Disadvantages Benefits Disadvantages 

An efficient dose 

Good equipment 

Easily available 

Cheap 

Long queues 

High cost 

Transport to clinic difficult to get 

Corrupt officials make life 

difficult 

No proper dosage 

given – relies on 

guesswork ! 

Bush doctors often keep 

you waiting 

4.6. Food 

A total of 27 vernacular names for different food types were found. Of these only 14 

were identified. The large number of unknowns reflects the fact that food types 

include a large number of fungi, grains and tubers. The food types from trees come 

mainly in the form of fruits and include wild custard apple (Annona senegalensis) and 

tamarind (Tamarindus indica) (full list in Appendix 3). 

More detailed information was obtained from the questionaires where informants 

were asked which forest food species were available at the time of questioning 

(November / December). The list produced over the course of 43 questionaires is 

presented below : 

Table Nine : Forest food available in November and December 

Local name 

Kapungulu 

Uyoga 

Mbilipizi 

Liwowo 

Mbigipingi 

Livuguia 

Madaki 

Libwaga 

Mahuku 

Lichulu 

Lundini 

Magama 

Fulu 

Mndopeta 

Ulima 

Mbwegele 

Nzaya 

Magombi 

Kabelege 

Latin name / characteristics 

Vegetable 

Mushroom 

Fruit 

Vegetable 

Fruit 

Vegetable 

Fruit, like banana 

Rice 

Fruit 

Vegetable 

Like finger millet 

Fruit, like mango 

Vitex doniana (small black fruit) 

Annona senegalensis (wild custard apple) 

Like sweet potato 

Fruit, like mango 

Type of ugali 

Fruit 

Vegetable 

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Litamba 

Lilungupemba 

Magulugulu 

Chambombo 

Vgetable 

Similar to sorghum 

Fruit 

Vegetable, like leaves of sweet potato 

Every household, with the exception of one, said that they used forest food. The 

period of highest frequency of use was the January – March period, typically a 

“hungry period” awaiting the first harvest of the year. 

4.7. Multi - purpose trees and shrubs 

The inventory obtained from all of the work revealed that many miombo and forest 

species found in the local area have a multitude of uses. The table below illustrates the 

different uses of some of these species (see Appendix 5 for full list). 

Table Ten : Multi purpose trees and shrubs 

Vernacular Latin No. Uses Type of use 

Makala madunda Markhamia spp. 4 M / U / FW / B 

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica 4 M / U / FW / F 

Mnopeta Annona senegalensis 4 M / U / FW / F 

Chingunguta Dichrostachys cinera 3 B / M / FW 

Embe Mangifera indica 3 M / FW / F 

Matongatonga Strychnos madagascarensis 3 M / FW / F 

Mawele ganafunda Harrisonia abyssinica 3 M / FW / B 

Mfulu Vitex doniana 3 M / FW / F 

Mpingo Dalbergia melanoxylon 3 M / FW / U 

Msembi Diospyros visicosa 3 M / FW / B 

Mtaula Acacia spp 3 FW / B / M 

Muwanga Pericopsis angolensis 3 FW / B / M 

Mvule Milletia excelsa 3 FW / B / U 

Key : Med : medicine U : utensils (hoes / axes / beds / rope) FW : fuelwood 

F : food 

B : building 

5. DISCUSSION 

5.1. The importance of woodland and forest around Itete 

The results serve to emphasise the importance of the wooded areas around Itete to 

local people. The use of these resources illustrates an important livelihood strategy. 

This is indicated by the fact that the cost of ‘modern’ substitutes is cited as a reason 

for the use of both firewood and traditional medicine and that forest food is used by 

almost everyone in the period of food shortages. 

The almost universal usage of these resources emphasises the need to conserve 

indigenous trees. In addition the results suggest a case for the conservation of ‘blocks’ 

of natural woodland and forest in their natural state as opposed to a management 

policy relying purely on tree planting to compensate for woodland loss. It is arguable 

that the large diversity of medicinal species and the majority of the food species, 

which are not actually trees but are other vegetation types associated with wooded 

areas, will only be found in natural woodland and forest. It is difficult to see how 

active management would reproduce the diversity necessary to provide these 

resources. 

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5.2. Species preferences 

Non timber forest products are species specific. Not every tree provides good 

firewood. Food is only found on certain species and every tree is not necessarily good 

for building a house. Local people's preferences for species reflect this. Firewood is 

chosen for the heat that the wood emits, the quantity of soot and smoke given off, the 

ease of lighting when wet, and the magnitude of the light given off (Dalbergia 

melanoxyla, mpingo, for instance burns very brightly and can be used to light up a 

room). 

Wood for building is selected for its strength and most importantly, for its resistance 

to termite attack. 

5.3. Resource scarcity 

Patterns of resource use and scarcity follow a distinct pattern. A woodland or a forest 

is not a homogenous entity, either in the species found or in the value given to it by 

local people. Local people target certain preferred species and when these species are 

no longer present they either walk further away or start using less preferred species. 

As the process continues villagers use species which are more and more inferior in 

terms of their use. An interesting area for future research will be to assess how far 

people must walk, in search of preferred species, before they give up and start using 

inferior varieties. 

Another aspect of this process is collection methods. Traditional resource use is 

sustainable and in the case of firewood this means only collecting dead wood. As 

dead wood becomes increasingly scarce people will eventually resort to taking live 

trees. 

The first signs of this process therefore are: a decline in the availability of preferred 

species; the use of destructive resource collection methods; villagers walking a long 

way to collect resources. All of these signs are present in Itete. Muwanga is the 

preferred firewood of most people and is a common miombo woodland tree, yet it is 

considered the most difficult firewood species to find. The fact that ring barking and 

the setting of fires was cited as one resource collection method is a cause for concern 

as well although this does require cross – checking. 

This situation illustrates that resource scarcity occurs well before you see the obvious 

signs of deforestation and that management solutions in Itete need to be applied 

sooner rather than later. 

5.4. Implications for management 

The characteristics of different species and the subsequent preferences exhibited by 

local people means that reforestation efforts must be species and resource - use 

specific. It cannot be assumed that fast growing species are the answer to every 

situation. Teak, for example, may be fast growing but it will not help an area short of 

firewood because it does not burn efficiently. 

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The importance of firewood to local people and the fact that one of the most preferred 

species is considered scarce suggests that firewood species should be targeted in 

reforestation efforts 

Species with multiple uses should also be a target for reforestation activities. It is 

arguable that no one but a herbalist will want to plant a tree purely for its medicinal 

qualities. However if that tree has other uses then it will be a an attractive option for a 

wider variety of people. An example is mkwaju (Tamarindus indica) an important 

stomach medicine, but also a firewood and a source of food. 

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Appendix 1 : Firewood Species 

Local name 

chingunguta 

mawelganafunda 

mbwegele 

mdopeta 

mfukululu 

mfulu 

mfungutua 

mgama / msaula 

mgeligeli 

miombo / mkondo 

mkahgalashingozi 

mkala madunda 

mkalanga 

mkuyu 

mkwaju 

mnamata 

mpapa 

mputi 

msekese 

msembisembi 

msese 

msonobali 

mtalula 

mtogo 

mtongatonga 

muwanga 

mvule 

mwembe 

Scientific name 


Harrisonia abysinica 

Schlericaria birrea 

Anona senegalensis 

Dombeya sensinata 

Vitex doniana 

Kigelia africania 

Ozoroa insignis 

Brachystegia 


Harrisonia abysinnia 

Marhamia spp 

Pterocarpus spp 

Fiscus sycomorus 

Tamarindus indica 

Pseudarthia hookeri 

Bracystegia 

Markhamia spp. 

Bauhinia thonningi 

Drosperus visicosa 

Pilliostigma thoningii 

Senna siamea 

Accacia spp 

Diplorhinchus condylocarpon 

Strychnos cocculoides 


Milecsa excelsa 

Mangofera indica 

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Appendix 2 : Medicinal uses of local trees and plants 

Local name Scientific name Ailment 

Bugubugu Panicum maximum Toothache 

Chepechepe Justicia flava Children’s stomach problems 

Chihenjihenji Paurosa spp Eclampsia 

Chijangajanga Capsicum frutescens Pneumonia 

Chilebeti Acokanthera schimperi Hernia 

Chimemenambela Diospyros spp Pregnancy problems 

Chinguluka Tapinanthus pennatulus Convulsions, headache 

Chingunguta Dichrostachys cinerea Body aches and pains 

Chitakata Anona squamosa Scabies 

Chitwata Acalypha fruticosa Bone fractures 

Embe dodo Mangifera indica Dysentry 

Findikanguo Zingibar officinalis Mental disorder 

Kalivumbura Salacia lehmbachii General pain 

Kalumatika Desmodium spp Pneumonia 

Karangapori i.e. Indigofera spp Delivery / labour problems 

Kasuku Sida acuta Swelling of fingers 

Kidevu cha mbuzi Cyperus spp Nausea, fever, sore throat 

Kifa uongo / kikomaga Biophytum sensitivum Dizziness 

Kifungang'ombe Sporobolus pyramidalis Headache / sore throat 

Kihondoka Rubeaceae spp Gonorrhoea 

Kikonge Sensevieria spp Fever, stomach pains, diarrhoea 

Kikwambikwambi Flueggea virosa Chest pain 

Kilemandembo Gardenia voleancii Coughs, chest pain 

Kilingilingi Arisaema spp. Boils 

Kiotawatwa Pappea capensis Body aches and pains 

Kitakata Antidesma venosum Headache, stomach, body wounds 

Kitemalumba Scleria parvula Boils 

Kitukutungonda Vernonia hildebranditii Wind / stomach gasses 

Kunde pori Eriosema psoralioides Bilharzia 

Libetamtui Momordia bovinii Nausea 

Lifungufungu Digera Muricata For women who have children and 

then become infertile 

Liganigani Galinsoga parviflora Morning sickness 

Likolowoga Commelina spp Sty on eyes 

Lipelegi Aloe spp Birth wounds 

Lipyapya Leersia lexandra Upele 

Litamba Rhoicisses spp Constipation 

Litutu (male) Asparagus spp Constipation 

Livugua Asystasia charmian Post - delivery stomach pains 

Liwingamlungu Triapsis mozambica Stroke 

Lubani Bersama mossambiensis Rib pains 

Ludili Cissampelos paviera Snakebite / high blood pressure 

Luhomanga Hygrophila auriculata Coughing 

Lukwangasali Similax anceps Sore throat 

Lungumbu Adenia spp Stomach pains 

Lututu (female) Asparagus spp Stomach pains 

Luvumbeza Ocimum suave Birth problems with placenta 

Majani ya mboga / nyungu Cucurbita maxima Birth problems with placenta 

16



Makojakoja Satyrium cheirophorum Piles 

Malumbula Rytigynia spp Stomach ulcers, back pain, 

snakebite 

Maweliganafunda Harrisonia abbyssinica Stomach ulcer, back problems, 

snakebites 

Mbarikilampandi / mninga maji Afzelia quanzesis Headache, back and pelvic pains 

Mbongoloma Erythrina abysinnica Spleen inflammation 

Mbuyu Adamsonia digitata For weak babies at birth 

Mbwegeli Sclerocarya birrea Tooth ache 

Mchaichai Cymbogon citratus Malaria 

Mchuhungu Terminalia spp Dysentery 

Mchunga Sonchus spp Ear pains 

Mdengi Arundinaria alpina Joint pains 

Mfukululu Dombea rotundiforia Malaria, wounds 

Mfungulu Lonchocarpus capassa Infertility in women 

Mfuru Vitex doniana Nausea and dizziness 

Mgama / Mkrati Ozoroa insignis Anal wounds 

Mgangi Majidea zanguebarica High fever 

Mgudi/Mtutuma Sterculia appendiculata General pains 

Mhekela Terminalia serecea Bilharzia 

Midela Ipomea batatas Paralysis 

Mjambapori Indigofera volkensii Fever 

Mkangalaliundi (pogoro) Pterocarpus spp Dysentery 

Mkomambanga Kapaca kiakiana Dysentery, 

Mkorosho Anacardium occidentale Tooth ache 

Mkulukuti/ Nakatitu 

Marukara zanzibarensis 

Mkulungaliwa Ficus spp Back pain 

Mkusi Albizzia schimperiana Body aches 

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus Lactation problems 

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica Female infertility, diarrhoea 

Mlandala Cassia abbreviata Snake bite 

Mlehani Ocimum kilimandscharicum Malaria 

Mlengalenga Albizzia amara Cough 

Mlengamachi 

Syzyguim cordatum 

Mlongi Moringa oleifera Swelling caused by ulcer / infection 

Mlundu (Papilioneceae) Tape worm 

Mlungulungu Zanthoxylum usambarenses Head / tooth ache 

Mndimu Citrus aurantium Constipation / difficult to urinate 

Mndopeta Anona squamosa Boils 

Mnepa (Combreteceae) Headache 

Mngulungua Strychnos innoccoa For the early stages of mental 

disorder 

Mninga / Mtumbati / Mtwangio Pterocarpus angolensis For prolonged periods 

Mnungamo Harungana Birth problems 

Mpapai Carica papaya For family planning 

Mpapala Ficus spp Malaria 

Mpengu Clematis spp Inflammation of leg or arm 

Mpera Psidium guajava Diarrhoea 

Mpingipingi Ximenia americana General 

Mpingo Dalbergia melanoxylon Aphrodisiac 

Mpira Saba florida Aphrodisiac 

Mpotolo Steganotaenia avaliacea Birth problems 

Mpuga Bridelia spp Bone pains 

Mpugupugu Markhamia lutea Fever, stomach pains, tape worm 

17



Mpululu (male) (Combreteceae) Fever 

Mpumbunyama (Rubbiacea) Prevention of miscarriage 

Mpupulu Comretum paniculutum Hiccups 

Msangulakaya Indigofera schimperi Hiccups 

Msekese Bauhinia thonningii Coughing 

Msekuseku Ormorcarpum kirkii Rheumatism 

Msembisembi Acalypha subsessilis Post - delivery problems 

Msolopondu Maytenus undata Fever 

Mswini Cassia abbriviata Slipped disc 

Mtalawanda Markhamia zanzibarica Stomach / rib pains 

Mtambalambwezu Growia forbesii Pneumonia 

Mtogo Diplorhynchus mossabicensis Hernia 

Mtonahimba Ziziphus mucronata Headache, 

Mtondo Brachestagia spicifomis Eye problems 

Mtongatonga Strychnos cocculoides Fever 

Muhembeti Sterculia guinguloba Malaria 

Muhiji Combretum schumannii Malaria 

Muholohongwa Leonotis nepetifolia Nausea, sinus problems 

Muhukutoto Terminalia brownii Oedema (too much water 

Muwanga Pericopis angolensis Pelvis pains, headache 

Muweriweri Baissea myrtifolia Extreme swelling of testicles 

Muyegeya (Kingindo) Ficus capreifolia Fever 

Muyombo Brachistagia bussei Female infertility 

Mviru Vangueria tomentosa Pelvic pains, hernia 

Mvungwa Kigelia africana Worms 

Mwija Bridelia spp Post delivery bleeding 

Mwongoloma Cursonia kirkii Spleen 

Mzambarao Syzygium guineese Rib / backbone pains 

Mzauzau Albizzia anthelmintica Coughing 

Mzengezenge Annona spp Female infertility 

Nakaberegi Meyna tetraphylla Snake bites 

Nakachechema Dissotis/Melastomastrum spp Hiccups 

Nakadokola Deinbollia borbonica Hiccups / wounds 

Nakalyeli Abrus precatorius Nausea , boils 

Nakandumba Euphorbia hirta Eye problems 

Nakatetete Pluchea dioscoridis For STDs 

Nakatogo Hunteria zeglanica Male infertility 

Nakatutu Indigofera spp Female infertility 

Nakatwata Acalypha spp Headache 

Nakayoka Astrochlaena hyoscyamoides Stomach problems 

Nakayoka Ipomoea spp Tape worms 

Nakazizima Cremaspora africana Mental disorders 

Naupiyu Clerodendrum spp Nausea, dizziness 

Ndulele/nyanyapori Solanum incunum Stomach pain, spleen problems in 

children 

Ngalichitepo Scutya spp Mental disorders 

Shigoyi Glycine wightii Convulsions 

Umua Commiphora africana Boils 

Utondolu Arisaema Ear pains 

Zizine Osyris lanceolata Headache / stomach pains 

18



Appendix 3 : Food from woodland and forest areas 

Item Scientific name Characteristics 

Trees 

Mabungu Saba comorensis yellow fruit 

Mwaya Trichilia africana seeds also used like groundnuts, can be used to make a 

type of ugali 

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica fruit edible and tamarind juice also use 

Mtopeta Annona senegalensis Wild custard apple 

Mahuku Rothmania spp. berry like fruit 

Mbwegeli Sclerocarya birrea small yellow fruit 

Mpilipisi 

Sorindea madagascarensis 

Mzambarau Syzygium cumini cultivated for fruit 

Matongatonga Strychnos madascarensis fruit pulp is eaten 

Fulu Vitex doniana black fruit 

Migama 

Mibisi 

Mngutungulu 

Roots 

Mpama 

Yam like 

Ulima 

Similar to sweet potato 

Unyanya 

Carrot like 

Ndengendi 

Yam like 

Msomo 

Yam like 

Vinyafuli 

Sweet potato 

Grains 

Misapi wild rice Wild rice 

Lundindi like finger millet Like finger millet 

Unanga 

Mushrooms 

Uyonga 

like finger millet – found in 

ponds 

Like finger millet - found in ponds 

The Swahili name for mushrooms 

19



Appendix 4 : Species used for building materials 

Local name 

Chingunguta 

Mawele ganafunda 

Mhukutotu 

Miombo 

Mkala madunda 

Mkalati 

Mpingo 

Msembi 

Mtalula 

Mtwangu 

Muwanga 

Mvule 

Mkurungu 

Scientific name 


Harrsonia abysinnica 

Rothmania spp 


Markhamia spp 

Burkea africana 

Dalbergia melonoxylon 

Dyosperus visicosa 

Accacia spp. 

Melitia spp 


Milecsa excelsa 

Appendix 5 : Multi – purpose trees 

Local name Scientific name Uses 

Makala madunda Markhamia spp Medicine / Utensils / Fuelwood / Building 

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica Medicine / Utensils / Fuelwood / Food 

Mnopeta Annona senegalensis Medicine / Utensils / Fuelwood / Food 

Chingunguta Dichrostachys cinera Building / Medicine / Fuelwood 

Embe dodo Mangifera indica Food / Fuelwood / Medicine 

Matongatonga Strychnus madagascarensis Food / Fuelwod / Medicine 

Mawele ganafunda Harrisonia abysinica Medicine / Fuelwood / Building 

Mfulu Vitex doniana Food / Fuelwood / Medicine 

Mpingo Dalbergia melonoxylon Medicine / Fuelwood / Utensils 

Msembi Diospyros visicosa Fuelwood / Building / Medicine 

Mtalula Accacia spp. Fuelwood / Building / Medicine 

Muwanga Pericopsis angolensis Fuelwood, Building, Medicine 

Mvule Milecsa excelsa Building / Utensils / Firewood 

20



Appendix 6 : Utensils 

Cups: meanze, murija (varnishing) 

Mortar: mninga, mkuya, mfungwa 

Pestle: Mtwangu, Mkoku, Mgangi, Mpingo, Mnyenye, Mkangele, Chipozi 

Chairs / tables: mninga, mvule, mzazawe, mninga maji, mkangazi 

Beds: mdopeta, msegese, mkomanjiku, maziwa ya mgoli 

Spoons: Mputi, Mkonmanjiku, Mtopeta 

Rope: miombo, Mfuti, Lujwana, mkuya, chikupi 

Hoes: Mputi, Mdopeta, Navyaya, Mkuta, Mtanga, Mkwaju 

Canoe: Mvule, msufi pori, Mlenda, Mninga maji, Mgwina, Mkuyu 

21



Appendix 7 – Ranking exercises 

Pair wise ranking 

Informants make a list of all the species they use for firewood. This list is then 

put into a simple matrix – table. 

Example : 

Mpingo 

Mp Mw Mi Mp 

Mvule Mn Mw Mi 

Miombo Mi Mw 

Mwanga 

Mw 

Mninga 

Mn Mw Mi Mv Mp 

Every species is then compared to every other species with simple direct comparison. 

For example “ do you prefer Mpingo or Mvule “. The response is then added to the 

table. In the tabl;e above Mpingo is favoured to Mvule. 

The table above gives a score to each species allowing the degree of preference to be 

expressed. 

Scores : 

Mpingo – 4 

Miombo – 3 

Mpingo – 2 

Mninga – 1 

Mvule – 0 

Simple direct ranking 

Informants provide a list of species. The interviewer asks which is their 

favourite, their second favourite, their third favourite etc. 

This method is appropriate when the list of species is very long. In such cases pair – 

wise ranking would take an exceptionally long time and would lead to fatigue. For the 

same reasons preferences should only be work out for a simple number (e.g. 10). 

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