BRIEFING
The conflicts were addressed under the supervision of an eight-minister committee led by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, following Cabinet resolutions to resolve land disputes across 975 villages nationwide.
DODOMA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has successfully resolved 423 out of 438 forest-related conflicts, achieving a 96 percent implementation rate of government directives aimed at ending long-standing land disputes in protected forest areas.
This impressive record was announced over the weekend by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji.
She was speaking during the inauguration of the TFS Ministerial Advisory Board, praising the agency for what she described as a significant milestone.
“I commend TFS for the progress achieved. This is a very important step forward,” Dr. Kijaji stated.
The conflicts were addressed under the supervision of an eight-minister committee led by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, following Cabinet resolutions to resolve land disputes across 975 villages nationwide.
While acknowledging the achievement, Dr. Kijaji directed the newly appointed board to strengthen the protection of forest reserves to prevent renewed encroachment and degradation.
She cited research indicating that forest loss increased from 372,816 hectares in 2015 to 469,420 hectares in 2017—a 25.9% rise in woodland degradation—underscoring the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures.
The minister instructed the board to accelerate forest plantation development, improve reserve management, and deepen collaboration with the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) to support national environmental restoration goals.
She also called for expanded use of modern surveillance technologies, including satellite systems, ICT, and drones, to enhance monitoring and combat illegal activities within forest reserves.
On economic growth, Dr. Kijaji urged the agency to unlock the potential of the forest and beekeeping sectors, emphasizing opportunities in honey and beeswax production to boost community incomes while reducing pressure on natural forests.
Regarding tourism, she directed TFS to upgrade infrastructure in forest attractions and outline its contribution toward the national target of attracting eight million tourists by 2030.
She noted that only 10% of the country’s natural attractions have been effectively marketed.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Director of Administration and Human Resources Mr. Bernard Marcelline stated that the newly inaugurated board comprises five members, chaired by Retired Lieutenant Chiku Galawa, with TFS Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo serving as Secretary.
In her remarks, Board Chairperson Ms. Galawa assured the Minister that the directives would be fully implemented.
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