Presentation short abstract

The green growth model is crucial for Tanzania's forest sector, linking economic progress and environmental sustainability to prevent resource depletion. Communities view afforestation as key to livelihood, but implementation is hindered by issues like overlapping management.

Presentation long abstract

The green growth model is becoming relevant in Tanzania’s forest value chain as the forest sector is key in contributing to the country’s sustainable economic growth and zeal to promote environmental sustainability. Adoption of the green growth model in the forestry sector in Tanzania is predicated on the fact that the socio-economic activities undertaken in the sector are crucial in enhancing livelihood and economic growth need to be sustainably executed to escape forest resources extinction. This article examines the role of forests in the transition to a green growth model in Tanzania using Mafinga Town Council as a case study. The article adopted a qualitative research design to obtain data through open-ended questions. The findings have shown that forests dependent communities perceive forests farming significant for economic growth and livelihood improvements which can be sustainably ensured through adoption of green growth practices. Execution of green growth practices in the forestry sector in Mafinga is hampered by overlapping forests management, deforestation and forests degradation, excessive and premature forest harvesting just to mention a few.