Ukerewe District is set to benefit from new employment opportunities and economic growth following the strengthening of a public-private partnership in the management of the 1,050-hectare Rubya Plantation, with the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency taking a leading role in strategic planning for sustainable production and conservation.
The planning session, held at the office of the Ukerewe District Commissioner, was hailed as a strategic initiative aimed at transforming forest resources into drivers of economic development while safeguarding the environment and water sources surrounding Lake Victoria.
Speaking during the meeting, District Commissioner Hon. Christopher Ngubiagai lauded TFS for its significant contribution to environmental protection and community welfare.
He underscored that the partnership would enhance resource productivity and create opportunities for youth employment.
“This partnership addresses two critical challenges at once: environmental conservation and youth employment. It represents a major opportunity for Ukerewe,” Hon. Ngubiagai said.
Under the resolutions adopted at the meeting, TFS will chair the partnership for the next three years, a move expected to improve the management and implementation of activities at the plantation.
The role will be held by Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Acting Director of Resource Management at TFS, Dr. Zainabu Shaban Bungwa.
From the local government side, the Acting Chairperson will be the Head of the Department of Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, Mr. Goodluck Mtigandi, representing the District Executive Director (DED). Other stakeholders include forestry and resource management specialists.
Other attendees included Rubya Plantation Conservator Festo Chaula, Lake Zone Commander from TFS Senior Assistant Commissioner Ebrantino Mgiye, and TFS Head Office Plantations Manager Noel Maeda.
The partnership is expected to boost forest product yields, strengthen environmental conservation, increase district revenues, and provide employment for hundreds of local youth.
The initiative also supports the implementation of national policies on forest conservation and sustainable use, positioning Ukerewe as a model for integrating environmental stewardship with economic development.
