Abstract:
A Study on the changes in vegetation cover and tree biodiversity of the wetland
ecosystems of Ngumburuni forest reserve in Rufiji district was carried out during the
period of September 2006 to March 2007 to determine the status of vegetation cover,
underlying causes upon its changes and appropriate measures which could be used to
stop further degradation of the tree biodiversity within wetland ecosystems. The
study was conducted in three closest villages to the forest namely: Umwe north,
Mkupuka and Mangwi, whereby sociological information pertaining to uses and
threats of forest resources were obtained by using structured questionnaires and
focused group interviews. Trees inventory data was collected from a total of 44
sampling plots laid on wetland patches. Finally, a trend of changes in vegetation
cover was determined by using Landsand TM satellite images of the years: 1985,
1995 and 2004. The results from this study revealed that the major causes of changes
in vegetation cover and tree biodiversity in Ngumburuni forest reserve were the
existence of several forest management practices such as shifting cultivation, logging
and charcoaling. Similarly, forest inventory data indicated that, there is imbalance of
trees species diversity between undisturbed and disturbed forest areas. The results of
GIS analysis revealed that there is vegetation cover change in Ngumburuni forest
reserve. The changes were more pronounced in the period 1995 to 2004 compared to
the period 1985 to 1995. To reduce further degradation of the tree biodiversity within
the wetland ecosystem, several measures were suggested such as: command and
control approach, establishment of alternative income generating activities and
community awareness. In addition to this, it is recommended that, further studies
ii
should be carried out to determine alternative means of household income to
community members instead of the current dependence on forest products and
cashewnut crop.
