25 Kibwe/Kingalu Road, Forest Hill Area, P.O. Box 6053, 67109 Morogoro, Tanzania eamcef@easternarc.or.tz

Community-Led Forest Conservation in Kwa Doli and Msindo Restores Trust and Protects Mkingu and Chome Reserves

Community-led forest conservation in Kwa Doli and Msindo is proving to be a powerful force in protecting the Mkingu and Chome Nature Forest Reserves. These forests are vital to the well-being of local communities, offering clean water, fresh air, and income from eco-tourism. However, increasing threats such as illegal logging and encroachment made it clear that immediate, grassroots action was needed.

To respond, community-led forest conservation in Kwa Doli and Msindo began with the formation of local environmental committees. Initially, these groups—especially female members like Halima M. Mbiki—struggled to gain villagers’ trust. Without uniforms or formal recognition, committee members were often overlooked, and women faced skepticism in a role traditionally seen as male.

EAMCEF stepped in with support that transformed the initiative. Through the provision of uniforms, boots, and professional training, the committees gained legitimacy and strength. Community members could now identify and respect their local guardians of the forest. The result: more effective patrols, better enforcement, and rising community support. Education campaigns led by committee members helped people understand the tangible benefits of conservation, such as access to clean water and eco-tourism opportunities.

Women like Halima are now seen as leaders in community-led forest conservation in Kwa Doli and Msindo, inspiring others to join the movement. Today, the Mkingu and Chome reserves stand as models of how empowered communities can protect natural resources. With EAMCEF’s help, over 15 villages have established similar committees, proving that community-led forest conservation in Kwa Doli and Msindo is not just effective—it’s a model for long-term environmental stewardship.

Story Details

  • Location:
     Kwa Doli Village, Mvomero District, and Msindo Village, Same District
  • District Surrounding Forest:
    Mkingu and Chome Nature Forest Reserves

KEY DATA

  • 169 VNRCs were supported.
  • 4,032 community members were employed as casual labour.
  • 745 km of nature and drive trails were maintained.
  • 210 km of fire lines were established and maintained.
  • 90% reduction in forest fire incidences was achieved.
  • 3,437 km of forest boundaries were maintained.
  • TZS 1.419 billion was paid to community members as compensation.
  • 169 village by-laws were formulated and enforced.
  • 4,714 patrols were conducted.
  • 90% decline in illegal activities was recorded.

The committee’s job is to fight against forest crime. As a committee, we hold meetings every week to plan patrols, so we have a patrol every week. At first, we used to go informally, but now we have guidelines that we follow even when we catch a criminal. When we catch a criminal, we report them to the ward office, and they are held accountable and fined. If we face significant challenges, the guidelines allow us to collaborate with SUMA-JKT to control emerging crime. Through the patrols we conduct, God is helping our forest, and it is now in good condition due to the work we do. We are grateful to the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) for providing us with equipment. At first, we were unknown, you could pass through a place and tell someone you are an environmental committee, but they will ignore you. But through EAMCEF funding, we are grateful because now everyone recognizes us as a committee. We educate the community about recklessly burning the forest, which has consequences for future generations, so we visit their villages and hold meetings to educate them.

Emmanuel Joseph

As is customary, our village is among those on the outskirts of the Chome Nature Forest Reserve. The uniforms provided to our environmental committee helps a lot. The community did not recognize them, although they know each other in their neighborhood. Now, when they wear these uniforms, it becomes easy to understand the work they do. We thank the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) for their funding.

Gidioni Ally Mahuna

Criminals used to despise us because they saw us as equals, but now that we have uniforms, we are easily recognizable and even when they see us, they are afraid. So, we are very grateful for the uniforms we have been given. With the uniforms you gave us, you have given us a valuable asset that is good; we are recognized wherever we go. In the past, we used to wear ordinary shoes, meaning we could be pricked by thorns, but now when we step on anything, we feel powerful because we have been given suitable shoes for the job.

Janeth Eliamini Luhwa

With EAMCEF’s training, we established by-laws, received uniforms, and reduced illegal activities in Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve. We now educate the community on the forest’s benefits, like clean water and eco-tourism. Thanks to EAMCEF, the forest is safer, and the community values its importance.

Japhet Yusuph

At first, villagers doubted my role as a woman in conservation, but EAMCEF’s training and support boosted my confidence and earned me respect. With uniforms and equipment, we now patrol 3-4 times a week and effectively reduce illegal activities. I also educate other women about forest conservation, proving that women can lead in protecting our environment.

Halima M. Mbiki

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