TFS produces 167 million seedlings to boost tree-planting drive
DODOMA: THE Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) has surpassed its annual target by producing 167 million tree seedlings, as the government intensifies efforts to ensure the country is covered by more than 61 billion trees over the next decade.
Briefing reporters in Dodoma yesterday, TFS Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Forest Resources, Dr Zainabu Bungwa, said that in the 2025/26 financial year, the agency had planned to produce 130 million seedlings, meaning actual production exceeded the target by about 28.5 per cent.
“From the beginning of 2025/26 to date, TFS has produced over 115.9 tonnes of tree seeds, enabling the production of more than 167 million seedlings,” Dr Bungwa said.
She said the seedlings include fruit and shade trees, medicinal species and trees suitable for water source conservation.
Dr Bungwa was speaking on the sidelines of a treeplanting event at the Mtumba Government City Garden in Dodoma, where more than 600 trees were planted to mark President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s birthday.
The environmentally friendly 50-hectare garden was inaugurated by President Samia during her tenure as Vice-President.
The species planted included Tamarind (144), Rauvolfia (100), Acacia nilotica (135), Khaya (70) and Trichilia (234), bringing the total to 683 trees. Dr Bungwa said TFS will continue implementing a robust public awareness strategy alongside the free distribution of seedlings nationwide.
She added that TFS currently manages 465 forests across the country, of which 25 have been upgraded to natural environmental reserve status, while 365 forests have undergone professional vegetation restoration.
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“We have also implemented a special reforestation campaign through which 26 previously degraded areas have been restored,” she said.
As a result of these efforts, Tanzania is now among 36 countries worldwide with areas hosting unique fauna and flora species.
Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr Festo Dugange, commended President Samia for revitalising the national tree-planting drive.
“As we celebrate the President’s birthday by planting trees, it is important for all Tanzanians to embrace a culture of tree planting,” he said, directing leaders at all levels to mobilise support for the campaign.
TFS Deputy Conservation Commissioner Senior Emmanuel Kiboko said the agency has put in place strategies to further expand tree seed and seedling production.
