Wood continues to stand as one of the most reliable and accessible natural resources for millions of households across Tanzania, offering not only a dependable source of energy but also serving as a critical material that sustains livelihoods and supports day to day survival in both rural and urban settings. Regional Prisons Commander Raymond Mwampashe explained that in the past, institutions relied heavily on firewood, which provided affordable cooking and heating, ensuring that even low-income communities could meet their needs without depending on costly alternatives.
Beyond household energy, wood plays a significant role in creating economic opportunities, especially in rural areas where harvesting, processing, and transporting firewood and timber provide jobs and income for many families. Head of Ruanda Prison in Mbeya City, Christopher Fungo, noted that informal wood markets have thrived as local enterprises, empowering small-scale traders, farmers, and youth to participate in an economic activity that strengthens community resilience and drives grassroots growth.
When used responsibly, wood can be a renewable resource that contributes directly to environmental sustainability through community-driven reforestation and tree-planting initiatives. Speaking on behalf of Mbeya Regional Commissioner Beno Malisa, District Executive Director Erica Yegella emphasized that planting trees not only improves lives but also ensures that future generations continue to benefit from wood resources, while helping restore degraded lands and safeguard biodiversity.
The advancement of modern wood technologies has further amplified its positive impact, enabling households to use wood more efficiently and safely. Director of the Tanzania Women Empowerment Network (TAWEN), Florence Masunga, highlighted that improved cooking stoves and innovations in wood use reduce smoke emissions, lower health risks, and minimize the quantity of fuel required, striking a balance between tradition and innovation while ensuring wood remains relevant in daily life.
Culturally, wood holds deep significance in Tanzanian households, not just as a source of energy but also as a foundation for traditions. Local resident Christopher Temu explained that firewood remains central to family life, where large households gather around cooking fires, share meals, and preserve cultural practices that strengthen community ties, making wood a bridge between past traditions and sustainable practices for the future.
Most importantly, wood continues to demonstrate its resilience as a resource that adapts to diverse community needs, extending beyond cooking to construction, furniture-making, and craft industries that showcase creativity and local talent. Engineer Collins Mwapwele from the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) affirmed that with responsible use and sustainable management, wood remains at the heart of development in regions like Mbeya, combining environmental protection with economic empowerment and underscoring its enduring value for livelihoods and culture.
