Where are MJUMITA members found

MJUMITA’s members are present in 12 regions, 23 districts, 450 villages and representing around 500 user groups or VNRCs involved in participatory forest management countrywide. The total number of MJUMITA members is approximately 15,000 people.

MJUMITA operates in 6 geographical zones which are the Eastern and Coastal zone, Central Zone, Southern Highlands zone, Northern zone, Southern zone and the Western zone.
MJUMITA has the potential to be a powerful voice for the rural poor of Tanzania and has already had considerable success in negotiating for improved forest governance. Building on its success, the network is ready to engage proactively in advocating for greater accountability at all levels of government in relation to forest governance.

MJUMITA’s main role is to promote networking and cooperation processes aiming to improve the capacity of her network members to engage in a meaningful way with management and conservation of natural forests, advocate for increased ownership and utilization of land and forest for improved livelihood of the people.

MJUMITA is governed by a Board comprised of community representatives from the six geographical zones. The Board is elected by MJUMITA members after every three years in the MJUMITA Annual General Meeting.

MJUMITA membership

Since its inception MJUMITA has worked closely with other civil societies engaging in environmental issues particular Participatory Forest Management and is also a member of the Tanzania Forest working Group (TFWG) and Climate Change Forum (Forum CC). MJUMITA also works closely with Local Government Authorities in districts where MJUMITA networks are present.

There are three types of membership

  1. Ordinary membership
    Ordinary members are all members living adjacent to forests and who have followed the procedures of registration as shown in the MJUMITA constitution.
  2. Corporate membership
    Corporate members shall include any person other than ordinary and honorarium members. This kind of membership shall be acquired upon being recommended by the Board and approved by the Annual General Meeting.
  3. Honorary membership
    Honorary Members shall include reputable persons as approved by the Annual General Meeting after having been proposed by the Board.

The Core Objectives of MJUMITA

  • To recognize and help communities living adjacent to the forests and natural reserves to improve their livelihood through several support programs.
  • To sensitize sustainable development and management of forests in Tanzania Mainland through research, training, advocacy, networking and developing the capacities of MJUMITA members and other stakeholders.
  • To provide opportunities for MJUMITA members to exchange ideas, experiences on various issues related to sustainable forest management in Tanzania Mainland.
  •  To support MJUMITA members to work and make meaningful decisions regarding their roles in Participatory Forest Management (PFM) and increase the capacity of Tanzanian citizens living adjacent to forests.
  • To seek for funds and other resources for implementing her core objectives and other interventions aiming to help MJUMITA to move toward the realization of her Vision.
  • To build the capacity of local communities to engage meaningfully in the decision-making processes for sustainable national conserved and non-conserved forests.

How can you support MJUMITA?
MJUMITA depends on grants and contributions from Development Partners, individuals, private sector and different institutions to continue to build the capacity of its members to participate effectively in Participatory Forest Management and improve their livelihoods. Please support MJUMITA so that we can bring a difference in the forest sector.