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Our Community
Community-led forest and farm solutions generating climate finance, supporting biodiversity, and resilient livelihoods

Community Overview

Working with communities across rural and forest landscapes in Tanzania, the Village Climate Solutions (VCSL) project supports inclusive development, sustainable forest management, and climate resilience.

Project Coverage

Nachingwea, Mtama, Morogoro, Kilosa, Mvomero, Liwale district councils and Lindi Municipality.

Landscape Context

Coastal forests, miombo woodlands, and agricultural systems supporting biodiversity and livelihoods.

Ethnic Groups

Wamwera dominant in Lindi; also Wamakonde, Wandendeule, Wayao. Kilosa: Sagara, Kaguru, Maasai, Gogo, Vidunda, Hehe. Morogoro: Luguru.

Population

The project area serves a large and growing rural population with strong links to forest resources and livelihoods.

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Households

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Total Population

100,185 female • 92,346 male

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Adults

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Working Population

49% of total population

A significant proportion of households live near Village Land Forest Reserves, reflecting strong dependence on forest resources for livelihoods and daily needs.

Governance and Institutions

Village Assembly

  • All adults
  • Top decision body
  • Approves forest, land and financial decisions

Village Councils

  • 15–25 members
  • 40% women
  • The legal corporate body

VNRCs

  • ≥12 members
  • 33% women
  • Responsible for forest management

Benefit Committees

  • ≥12 members
  • 50% women
  • Oversee carbon benefit distribution

Community Coverage

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Village Councils

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Community-Based Organizations

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Sub-villages

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Local Authority Forest Reserves

Community participation is inclusive, with all sub-villages actively engaged in governance and monitoring.

Livelihoods and Socio-Economic Context

Livelihoods

  • Majority rely on subsistence farming (maize staple)
  • Cash crops include sesame and cashew
  • Very limited participation in trade
  • Dependence on forest products

Agriculture

  • Limited use of inputs (fertilizers, improved seeds, machinery)
  • Limited finance and no insurance
  • High demand for extension services
  • Low adoption of climate-smart practices

Social Inclusion

  • Youth
  • Women
  • Elderly
  • Persons with disabilities

Women’s Participation

  • 40% in Village Councils
  • 33% in VNRCs
  • 50% in Benefit Committees

Land Tenure

  • <10% of households have CCROs
  • Land tenure widely perceived as secure
  • Deforestation sometimes used to claim land rights

Health

  • Limited access to health services in remote villages
  • Only 3% of households have health insurance
  • Common illnesses: malaria and waterborne diseases

Education

  • Primary enrolment: 94% (near gender parity)
  • Secondary enrolment: 27%
  • Post-secondary transition: 2%

Constraints include distance, cost, and infrastructure gaps.

Water

  • 22% of households have piped water
  • Reliance on wells, rivers, and rainwater
  • Water availability remains inconsistent