The role of the Non-Wood Food Forest products (NWFFP) on
community livelihoods was investigated in the southern coastal areas of
Tanzania particularly in three districts of Mtwara region namely Mtwara
Rural and Tandahimba. The villages involved were four including namely,
Mtiniko and Malamba in Mtwara Rural; Lyenje and Mahoha in
Tandahimba districts. Data collection methods used included Literature
review, Participatory Rural Appraisal through discussion with key
informants, focus group discussions, households’ interviews and transect
walks. The criteria used to select the villages were that i) village
communities uses different forms of NWFFP; ii) the villages are located at
different distances from the market centre and main road to urban centres.
Results indicate that in both villages, large proportions of communities
depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Major cash crops grown include
cashew and cassava while food crops include sorghum and cowpea. The
second main source of livelihoods is the exploitation of NWFFP for both
food and income. A number of NWFFP has been identified and categorized
into staple food, fruits and relishes. The most popular NWFFP is Dioscorea
hirtiflora (ming’oko) and this used in different forms and it contributes
significantly in addressing food insecurity caused by drought. There is
great gender division with regards to exploitation on NWFFP and women
are more engaged. This concludes that the exploitation on NWFFP tends
should not be considered to be the only way of addressing food insecurity
in study villages due to diminishing NWFFP. More effort needs to be put in
promoting the production of cashew, cassava, sorghum for food as well as
cowpea and pigeon peas.