Tree Species Diversity and Their Potential Uses in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Tree species diversity and their potential uses were assessed in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Muheza District. Household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interview and tree diversity surveys were used during data collection. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Tree species diversity was computed using Shannon-Wiener diversity index. A total of 32 tree species from 20 families with different uses were identified. The most dominant tree species identified was Albizzia antihelmintica which contributed 19.83% of all tree species. The forest is a potential source for timber, charcoal, firewood, fodder, medicinal plants/trees and poles. Small diameter class trees (≤ 15cm) contributed 63.1% of all standing trees. The forest had stem density of 434 stems Ha-1 and Shannon-Winner Diversity Index of 2.2717 which were biologically within the normal tree diversity status. Majority (70%) of the respondents were aware of types of tree species available in the forest. The index obtained showed a relative achievement of forest policy of improved forest quality and stable forest community. However, more attention is needed to make sure that the forest is not degraded.