TAFORI and the Plant Collection
The Tanzania Forest Research Institute (TAFORI) in Lushoto district is home to a remarkable herbarium with a vast collection of plants recorded in Tanzania from 1901 to the present day. The institute’s mission is to conduct research and promote the conservation of Tanzania’s forest resources in cooperation with the Tanzania Forest Fund (TAFF). The herbarium at TAFORI serves as a valuable resource for scientists and researchers to study and understand the diverse flora of the region.
Holding a file is Mr. Bomani a staff at TAFORI Lushoto speaking with his guest at the Herbarium Prof. Yonika Ngaga from the department of Forest and Environmental Economics and Dr. Samora Macrice from University of Dar es salaam during their visit at the institute
In photo, Researchers from SUA with Mr. Bomani from TAFORI Lushototaking a look at plant collection from Mwalimu Nyerere Hydropower project
Photos showing stunning welcoming environment at TAFORI Lushoto
Stiegler’s Gorge and the Hydropower Project
Stiegler’s Gorge, locally known as Mwalimu Nyerere Hydropower Project, is a hydroelectric dam under construction across the Rufiji River in eastern Tanzania. The project aims to solve the electricity problem in Tanzania by generating 2,100 MW of power. The construction of the dam has led to the clearing of a large portion of the forest, and plant samples have been taken for records. The collected plant samples are preserved in the herbarium at TAFORI, providing valuable information about the flora of the region and helping to inform future conservation efforts.
In photo is Mwalimu Nyerere hydropower project
The Seed Laboratory at TAFORI
The seed laboratory at TAFORI is involved in research related to seed quality and control. The laboratory ensures that trees with the best genotype and phenotype are planted for better performance in plantations and biodiversity restoration sites. This research contributes to the overall goal of sustainable forest management and conservation in Tanzania.
SUA researchers getting some information on seed extractions from cones at TAFORI Lushoto
Botany Courses at Sokoine University of Agriculture
For those interested in studying botany, Tanzania offers botany courses taught by Tanzanian botanist under the lead of Professor R.P.C. Temu at the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation at Sokoine University of Agriculture. These courses prepare forestry students to be competent in plant taxonomy and provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of Tanzania’s rich plant biodiversity.
In photo is a plant pressing exercise by Forestry students at the department of Ecosystem and conservation
The herbarium at TAFORI and the botany courses at Sokoine University of Agriculture all play crucial roles in the conservation and management of Tanzania’s forest resources. These efforts help to ensure the preservation of the country’s diverse plant species and contribute to the sustainable development of Tanzania’s economy and environment.
For related information please visit the links below;
Forest Botany Field practical at SUA Training Forest, Olmotonyi-Arusha 2021
Forest Botany Field Practical at SUA Edward Moringe Campus-Morogoro 2023
For more information please contact
dec@sua.ac.tz +255 752581069
rpctemu@sua.ac.tz +255 658 372 925
Department of Ecosystems and Conservation,
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism,
PO Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
