Context:
The Swagaswaga Game Reserve (SGR) which has an areas of about 871 km2 and the Doyo-Sogolo-Munzaree is Community Conservation areas are located on the south-wester part of the SGR and has the size of 10 times SGR. SGR and Songolo-Doyo-Munzaree Indigenous Conservation areas located in the south-western parts of Kondoa District, an area that borders Hanang and Singida districts. The area combines the former Songa Forest Reserve (187km2) and Simbo, Swagaswaga forests (400km2) and other forest areas adjacent to these forests. Other important Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas include Doyo Mountain, Mologa mountain, Guguse, Mountain, Munzaree plains and open woodland.

There are several indigenous community conservation groups within the proposed project area that the main activity is hunters and gathering as well as livestock keeping. However, most groups are not registered and almost all of the group members have never been trained on proper management and conservation of the conservation areas. This Project proposal seeks to establish and strengthen at least one community conservation group in each of the 20 villages in the project area.

About the proponent:
UMAKWA is CBO based in Chemba district registered to promote the rights of hunters and gatherers. It promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage protection. It has implemented numbers of conservation programme with Care International in Tanzania, Tanzania Natural resources Forum, and World vision Tanzania and Chembe district council

Project?s Primary Objective:

Improved livelihood of Communities in Chemba district through sustainable use of Forest and cultural heritage resource within ICCAs.
Implementation Strategies:
Implementation approach will include mobilization and awareness creation in village meetings where target beneficiaries will be informed about the project. These meetings will be followed by identification and or establishment of youth and women groups. Village/community leaders and group leaders will be trained on forest management best practices, policies and laws governing the forest management and conservation. Group members will be trained on bee keeping and utilization of other non-wood forest products. Groups and schools will be facilitated to establish tree nurseries and establish wood lots. Local artisan groups will be facilitated to fabricate bee hives and energy efficient stoves for sustainably fabricate and sell to the members of the communities.