The Dilemma of Deforestation: Can TZ balance economic growth and environmental conservation?

TANZANIA, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, stands at a crossroads. On one hand, its forests covering about 48 million hectares—are vital for combating climate change, preserving wildlife and supporting local livelihoods.

On the other hand, the demand for agricultural land, timber and infrastructure development continues to drive deforestation at an alarming rate.

The central question is whether Tanzania can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, or if the pursuit of development will come at the cost of irreversible ecological damage. The economic imperative Tanzania’s economy relies heavily on land-based activities.

Agriculture contributes nearly 25 per cent of GDP and employs over 65 per cent of the workforce. As the population grows expected to double by 2050 the pressure to clear forests for farmland intensifies.

Additionally, logging, both legal and illegal, fuels the timber industry, which supplies domestic and international markets.

Infrastructure projects, such as roads and hydropower dams, further encroach on forested areas in the name of progress. The government has promoted initiatives like the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) to boost food production and attract investment. While these projects promise jobs and economic growth, they often lead to large-scale deforestation.

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The short-term economic gains are undeniable, but the long-term consequences—soil degradation, loss of water sources and reduced biodiversity—pose a serious threat to sustainable development. The environmental cost Tanzania’s forests are not just trees; they are lifelines.

The Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests are global biodiversity hotspots, home to endangered species like the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the African violet. Forests also act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change impacts that Tanzania is already experiencing through erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts. Deforestation disrupts water cycles, leading to reduced river flows and threatening hydropower generation—a key energy source for the country.

Soil erosion from cleared land silts up rivers and lakes, affecting fisheries and irrigation. Furthermore, forest-dependent communities, including indigenous groups like the Hadzabe and Maasai, lose their traditional ways of life when their habitats are destroyed.

Policy and enforcement challenges Tanzania has strong environmental laws on paper, including the National Forest Policy (1998) and the Forest Act (2002), which emphasise sustainable forest management.

The country has also committed to international agreements like the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program, which offers financial incentives for conservation.

However, enforcement remains weak. Illegal logging is rampant, with corrupt officials often turning a blind eye.

Community-based forest management (CBFM) programmes, which empower locals to protect forests, have shown success in some areas but lack sufficient funding and government support. Meanwhile, largescale agricultural investors sometimes bypass environmental assessments, leaving ecosystems vulnerable. The tension between development and conservation is not unique to Tanzania, but the country’s choices will have far-reaching consequences.

Some solutions could include: Sustainable Agriculture – Promoting agroforestry and climate-smart farming techniques can increase yields without expanding into forests. Eco-Tourism and Carbon Credits – Investing in naturebased tourism and carbon offset programmes can generate revenue while preserving forests.

Strengthening Governance – Cracking down on illegal logging, supporting CBFM initiatives and ensuring environmental impact assessments are mandatory for all projects. Alternative Livelihoods – Providing forest-adjacent communities with economic alternatives, such as beekeeping or sustainable crafts, reduces reliance on deforestation.

Tanzania’s future depends on finding a middle ground. Sacrificing forests for short-term economic gains will lead to ecological collapse, but halting development entirely is unrealistic. The solution lies in policies that prioritise sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth.

If Tanzania can harness its natural resources responsibly, it can achieve both prosperity and environmental preservation—setting an example for other developing nations facing the same dilemma.