Problem Statement:

South Nguru mountain forests are among the biodiversity richest hotspots in the Eastern Arc eco-region. However, studies by PEMA, TFCG and others shows that the resource rich forests are increasingly facing degradation caused by agricultural encroachment, logging and cutting of poles and bush fires. As a result of increased pressure on forest resources and climate change, the following effects are emerging:-

? Decreased availability and increased demand of water resources due to the drying up of most of water sources. Since households cannot go without water, it is women and children who are forced to spend more time looking for water instead of going to school or attend to other productive activities
? Lower incomes, hunger and poverty due to reduction of crop yields and livestock survival rates
? Migration with people fleeing to the remaining mountain forests where there is more moisture
? Displacement and conflicts mainly between indigenous Nguu farmers and immigrant pastoralists
? Forest destruction by both farmers and pastoralists

This project attempts to address these environmental challenges by promoting participatory forest management in order to control deforestation and wider adoption of reduced risk farming techniques such as agro-forestry and conservation agriculture.

About the Proponent:

Social and Economic Empowerment (SEE) was established in 2008 and registered as an NGO in 2010. Its main objective is to contribute to raising the standard of living of the poor communities in Tanzania with emphasis on women and youth through provision of various support services including training, education, financial and materials support and building entrepreneurial skills. Through its four years of work experience on the ground, SEE has collaborated with a number of CBOs, NGOs, Training and Research Institutions in carrying forward its agenda. Among Institutions that have worked with SEE include: IRA, University of Zomba in Malawi; IRA, University of Dar es Salaam; Christian Aid, UK; MVIWATA and others. In the proposed project, the proponent intends to work with three CBOs that are based adjacent to Nguru South Mountain. The proponent will also work with Mvomero District Council.

Project objective:

To increase the adaptive capacity of poor communities in the three villages of Nguru South Landscape to the impacts of climate change through education and awareness raising, promotion of resilient livelihood options and natural resource management.

Implementation Strategy:

? Imparting knowledge and skills on climate change and its impacts on forest degradation
? Increasing the variety and volume of forest resources available in villages so that they improve local livelihoods
? Developing alternative livelihood activities and income generating opportunities for forest dependent households particularly women
? Adopt appropriate technologies for household energy generation in order to reduce consumption of forest goods