This progress was highlighted in Parliament in Dodoma by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, while responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Kasulu Rural, Edibil Kazala Kinyoma. The legislator had sought clarification on the extent to which local communities are benefiting from the Makere Forest Reserve investment.
Annual Community Development Funds Strengthen Local Projects
In her detailed response, Minister Kijaji affirmed that communities in Kasulu Rural continue to benefit from a structured financial arrangement that ensures the allocation of over TZS 12 million annually. These funds are provided by the investor specifically to support community development initiatives in villages surrounding the reserve.
The funding model reflects a growing commitment by the government and private investors to ensure that conservation efforts go hand-in-hand with community empowerment. Rather than isolating local populations from natural resources, the Makere Forest Reserve initiative integrates them into the broader economic ecosystem, ensuring they receive direct and measurable benefits.
According to the Minister, during the 2024/2025 financial year, three villages—Kagera Nkanda, Chekenya, and Kabulanzwili—each received TZS 4,356,435.67. These funds were distributed based on locally identified priorities, ensuring that the projects implemented directly address the pressing needs of each community.
“This approach ensures that development is not imposed from above, but rather driven by the communities themselves,” Minister Kijaji explained. “It strengthens ownership, accountability, and sustainability of projects.”
Revenue Sharing Through Wildlife Hunting Fees
Beyond direct contributions from the investor, communities also benefit from a revenue-sharing mechanism tied to wildlife utilization within the reserve. Specifically, 25 percent of fees collected from wildlife hunting activities are redistributed to local government authorities, in accordance with Section 137 of the Finance Act of 2025.
Minister Kijaji elaborated that these funds are further divided to maximize impact. Sixty percent is allocated to development projects, while the remaining 40 percent supports conservation activities in villages surrounding the reserve.
This dual allocation model ensures that while communities benefit economically, they also remain actively engaged in protecting the natural environment that sustains these benefits. It reinforces the principle that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary objectives.
Strategic Partnership with TAWA Enhances Impact
The investor’s contributions have been further amplified through collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), a key government agency responsible for wildlife conservation and management.
Through this partnership, significant investments have been made in social infrastructure and essential services. Between the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years, projects worth TZS 166,475,000 were implemented to improve the quality of life for residents in Kasulu Rural.
These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to development, addressing critical sectors such as health, education, and water access—areas that directly influence community well-being and long-term development outcomes.
Transforming Healthcare: Eye Treatment Camps
One of the standout interventions has been the organization of eye care medical camps within Kasulu District Council. These camps have provided much-needed services to residents who previously had limited access to specialized healthcare.
The initiative has not only restored vision for many individuals but also improved productivity and quality of life. For communities that rely heavily on agriculture and manual labor, access to eye care is particularly crucial.
Residents have expressed gratitude for the program, noting that it has reduced the need to travel long distances for treatment, thereby saving both time and money.
Investing in Education: Desks for Primary Schools
Education has also received a significant boost through the provision of 100 desks distributed across several primary schools. Beneficiary institutions include Chekenya Primary School (25 desks), Nyakasanda Primary School (25 desks), and Nyantuku Primary School (50 desks).
The addition of desks addresses a longstanding challenge in many rural schools, where students often lack adequate seating and learning facilities. Improved classroom environments are expected to enhance student concentration, participation, and overall academic performance.
Teachers in the affected schools have welcomed the intervention, describing it as a critical step toward creating a more conducive learning atmosphere.
Expanding Access to Clean Water
Access to safe and reliable water sources remains a key development priority in many rural areas, and the Makere Forest Reserve initiative has made notable strides in this regard.
A total of six water wells have been drilled in strategic locations, including Kamganza, Kasasa, Mwitiri, Chekenya, and Nyantuki primary schools, as well as Kagerankanda Health Center.
These water projects are expected to significantly reduce the burden on women and children, who often travel long distances to fetch water. Additionally, improved water access contributes to better hygiene and sanitation, thereby reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The Makere Forest Reserve investment exemplifies how natural resource management can be leveraged to drive inclusive development. By integrating community needs into conservation strategies, the initiative has created a win-win scenario where both people and the environment benefit.
Minister Kijaji emphasized that such models are central to the government’s broader vision for sustainable development. “We are committed to ensuring that communities living near protected areas are not left behind. They must be active participants and beneficiaries of conservation efforts,” she stated.
Community Voices and Future Prospects
Local leaders and residents have echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the positive changes brought about by the investment. From improved infrastructure to enhanced social services, the impact is both visible and transformative.
However, stakeholders also acknowledge the need for continued collaboration and transparency to sustain these gains. Ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and equitably remains a top priority.
Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the scope of projects, with a focus on income-generating activities, environmental education, and further infrastructure development. These efforts aim to build resilience and empower communities to take charge of their own development.
Conclusion
The Makere Forest Reserve initiative stands as a compelling example of how strategic investment, guided by strong policy frameworks and community engagement, can drive meaningful development. Through consistent financial contributions, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and targeted social projects, residents of Kasulu Rural are experiencing real and lasting benefits.
As Tanzania continues to explore innovative approaches to natural resource management, the success of Makere Forest Reserve offers valuable lessons. It underscores the importance of balancing conservation with community development, ensuring that progress is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
In a world where the pressure on natural resources is ever-increasing, such models provide a blueprint for achieving harmony between people, profit, and the planet.
Abdul B Ramadhani Tanzania
