The Tanzania Prisons Force has issued a strong warning to members of the public engaging in bush burning within prison owned forests and tree plantations, saying such actions destroy the environment and threaten significant government investments made in those areas.
Speaking on the matter, the Acting Officer in Charge of Isupilo Prison, ASP Anyosisye Mwashitete, said one of the major challenges they face is individuals who enter the area to hunt wild animals and end up causing fires that destroy trees and other planted resources developed through substantial effort.
Despite the challenge, he noted that the force continues to educate surrounding communities about the negative impacts of bush burning.
He added that these efforts are gradually yielding positive results, as some residents have begun to understand and cooperate in protecting the resources.
On production, ASP Mwashitete explained that Isupilo Prison is actively engaged in tree farming, with the trees used for producing timber and utility poles important materials for economic development.
He said the process begins in nurseries, where inmates work closely with officers to nurture seedlings before they are transplanted and maintained to maturity.
“Inmates are fully involved in all stages of tree production, from nursery preparation to planting and maintenance. These skills help them reintegrate into society by enabling them to seek employment or start their own activities in forestry and environmental conservation,” he said.
In addition to tree farming, the prison also runs livestock projects. ASP Mwashitete stated that they keep improved dairy cattle breeds such as Friesian, Ayrshire, and Jersey, alongside local crossbreeds.
He explained that the livestock program aims to provide inmates with better nutrition while equipping them with modern livestock management skills.
Inmates actively participate in grazing, caring for, and even treating the animals under professional supervision.
Furthermore, inmates are trained in manual milking techniques so that when they complete their sentences and return to society, they can apply the knowledge practically and confidently.
Overall, the Tanzania Prisons Force continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in protecting the environment and development projects, while also strengthening its mission of equipping inmates with practical skills for self-reliance and positive reintegration into society.
