The Untold Effects of Tobacco Farming on Biodiversity in Miombo Woodlands in Tabora and Kigoma Regions in Tanzania.

Abstract

This article focuses on the untold effects of tobacco farming on biodiversity in miombo woodlands in the Tabora and Kigoma Regions in Tanzania. Commercial tobacco farming has both positive and negative effects on the biodiversity in the selected regions. The study is exploratory designed to uncover the effects of tobacco farming on the miombo woodlands in the regions under investigation. The paper responds to three specific objectives including the identification of the tree species used for tobacco curing, an exploration of the effects of tobacco farming on miombo woodlands, and an investigation into the strategies established to conserve biodiversity in the miombo woodlands. The study was conducted in Kaliua District in the Tabora Region and Kasulu District in Kigoma Region. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires, interviews, Focus Group Discussions and observations. The FGD recording was transcribed to produce verbatim text while notes from the observation sessions were compiled in an organized manner. A total of 336 questionnaires were administered to tobacco farmers, while 8 and 7 interviews were conducted with agronomists and field technicians, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics where SPSS and MS Excel handled quantitative data, while content analysis handled qualitative data. Results were presented in narratives, frequencies and percentages. The findings showed that species preferred for tobacco curing, include Brachystegia, Pterocarpus-angolensis and Combretum-silicides. Effects of tobacco farming on biodiversity included deforestation, emerging of exotic species and the disappearance of indigenous species/ trees. However, strategies established to conserve biodiversity in the study districts include tree planting, afforestation and using efficient tobacco barns. In conclusion, tobacco farming contributed to biodiversity loss as farmers cleared forests to make land available for growing tobacco and used wood for curing the tobacco leaves.