Traditional Forest Reserves (TFR) Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Traditional methods of natural resource conservation have generally been ignored in most parts of the world, in favor of "top-down", government formulated rules and regulations. Over the past ten to fifteen years, however, there has been a growing awareness of the role that traditional resource management may play in helping to conserve natural resources, at least on a local level. Traditional Forest* Reserves (TFR) are one form of traditional resource conservation. During a brief survey carried out in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, southwestern Tanzania during 1994, 94 TFR were identified. These reserves are used for a variety of purposes, though some may no longer be in active use. The Tanzanian government, either at the national or local level, may have a role to play in encouraging the continuation and preservation of TFR.