What we do

At MJUMITA, we know that forests flourish when local communities lead. Our work begins with people, supporting them to secure their rights, govern their resources, and build lasting solutions that benefit nature and livelihoods.

Our five core initiatives are deeply interconnected, combining legal empowerment, strong local governance, sustainable enterprise, climate resilience, and grassroots advocacy. Together, they form a powerful model for community-driven forest conservation—one where local people have a voice, real authority, and tangible benefits from the forests they protect.

Our Work

Securing Community Rights to Forests

Forests thrive when communities have the legal power to protect them. We support villages in securing land and forest rights through participatory land-use planning, establishing Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs), and acquiring Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCROs). These legal tools give communities lasting control over natural resources and the authority to manage them sustainably.

Strengthening Forest Governance

Conservation depends on strong, transparent, and inclusive governance. We invest in building village- and district-level institutions that can manage forests equitably. We help communities form local forest committees, train leaders in forest laws and financial accountability, and facilitate participatory systems for decision-making and conflict resolution.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Enterprise Development

Forests cannot be protected if local people are struggling to survive. We support the development of sustainable, forest-friendly enterprises that generate income while conserving critical resources. We work with communities on beekeeping, butterfly farming, conservation agriculture, and sustainable charcoal production, generating over $500,000 in 30 villages, funding local schools, water infrastructure, and other priorities.

Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Services

Climate change is a growing threat to Tanzania’s forests and those who depend on them. We integrate climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration into all aspects of our work—from reforestation and land rehabilitation to climate-smart agriculture and community-led disaster planning.

10 years of impact

1.8 million

hectares of forest under sustainable community management

15000+

members organized through 132 Community-Based Organizations

504

villages across 16 regions

$1 million +

in benefits from sustainable enterprises

51

Village Land Forest Reserves were legally established

"Our work is far from over. I therefore invite you all to actively engage with us as we move forward with this our new strategic plan. Whether you are a partner, a donor, a community member, or a supporter, your role is invaluable to the success of this strategic vision. We look forward to working with all of you as we embark on this new chapter, deepening our commitment to the sustainable development of Tanzania’s forest sector, and ensuring that our future generations inherit a planet that is both prosperous and sustainable."

Rahima Njaidi, Executive Director

2025-2029 Strategic Plan

Forests flourish when local communities lead