A policy seminar aimed at getting feedback on a draft policy brief ‘Getting smallholder tree growers out of poverty’ was conducted on 3rd July 2020 at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The policy seminar was organized by the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) in collaboration with the Timber Rush Project, a DANIDA funded research project implemented in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The policy seminar was attended by a total of 18 participants from various academic departments of SUA. photo was taken by Daniel Masunzu
In the front row, the first from left is Prof. S.Z.K. Mvena, who moderatorated the seminar. On his left is Prof. D. L. Mwaseba, the coordinator of TR project. Next to him in red hijab, is Dr. Fatihiya Massawe, the Head of Department of Policy Planning and Management (PPM), also represented the Principal of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH). Next to Dr. Fatihiya is Respikius Martin, a PhD student under the Department of PPM, followed by Dr. Suzana S. Nyanda, Prof. David Mhando and lastly Prof. Yonika Ngaga from the Forest Economics Department, photo was taken by Daniel Masunzu
In her opening remarks, the Guest of Honour Dr. Fatihiya Massawe, informed the seminar participants that the CSSH is mandated by the University to play a leading role with regard to policy issues pertaining to the National Development Strategies. Dr. F. Massawe viewed the policy seminar as a step towards fulfilling its mandate. She further commended the good initiative by the project team to develop the policy brief for communicating research findings to policy makers, an aspect that has not been addressed by various SUA-based research projects. Building on the remarks by the Guest of Honour, Prof. Dismas Mwaseba, the Coordinator of the Timber Rush Project, gave a short presentation on the project.
Prof. Dismas Mwaseba, giving a short presentation on the project
In his presentation, Prof. D. Mwaseba shared the overall aim of the research project that is vying to contribute to a more equitable distribution of benefits from private plantations on village land through evidence-based policy making. In addition, Prof. D. Mwaseba also informed the invited participants that the project is now in its final year of its implementation. He went on to inform the seminar participants that the policy brief to be presented is on the value chain; pointing out key policy related findings on how smallholder tree growers can benefit more along the timber value chain so as to get out of poverty.
Prof. David Mhando presenting key findings for the policy brief ,photo was taken by Daniel Masunzu
Pertinent contributions were made by the participants. In his closing remarks, the Timber Rush Project Coordinator commended the inputs provided by the participants and he said these will be considered in the course of revising the policy brief for clarity.
Policy brief seminar participants following up the presentation, photo was taken by Daniel Masunzu