Principle Socio-Economic Issues in Utilization of

The dynamics of miombo woodlands are essentially driven by among others socio-economic activi-ties. Socio-economic activities in miombo woodlands vary depending local conditions, culture, and market. In poor developing economies majority of rural population are poverty stricken, and natu-ral resources outskirting them act as safety net for their wellbeing in most of time. Socio-economic issues have close connection with miombo woodland development as well as rural development. However, many important gaps remain in our understanding of the influence of socio-economic fac-tors and the available policy options and their impact on the development of miombo woodlands. The aim of this paper is to review principle socio-economic issues in utilization of miombo wood-lands of selected areas in Tanzania focusing on Tabora and Iringa regions which are typical miombo areas. Main socio-economic activities in these areas were subsistence food and cash crops; livestock keeping, beekeeping, and charcoal making. Unsustainable operations/harvests for most livelihood activities were the main socio-economic issue influencing the miombo woodlands. Proper land use planning and restoration of the degraded area is crucial. Marketing and channel of distribution need to be established for various socio-economic products from miombo. Also, it is important to empha-size on efficiency utilization of inputs from miombo.