Tree Species Preferences on Urban Area’s Residential Plots of Morogoro and Kinondoni Municipalities, Tanzania

Abstract

The study was conducted in Morogoro and Kinondoni municipalities to identify tree species planted in urban area on residential plots and investigate reasons compelled urban dwellers to plant trees on their homesteads. The study was a cross-sectional and data were collected from 120 plots. Structured questionnaires’ survey, focused group discussion coupled with researcher’s observations was the methods for data collection. Multistage sampling technique was employed in this study and household-heads were interviewed. Data were analysed using SPSS computer programme. Cross tabulations and Chi-square test were employed to demonstrate the presence or absence of relationships among variables (P< 0.05). Study show that there were 51 tree species on residential plots of the two municipalities. The identified species were listed in ascending order of preferences for overall and for each municipality. In overall Azadirachta indica, Senna siamea, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Cocos nucifera, Citrus aurantium, Terminalia spp, Annona reticulate, Dovyalis caffra and Psidium guajava were the top 10 most preferred species in the municipalities while Pterocarpus tinctorius and Dracaena spp, were some of least preferred species. Reasons underlying people’s choices on type of trees to establish on their homesteads were also reported by the study. More than half 63 (52.5%) of plots were planted with Azadirachta indica and there was a significant difference at p<0.05 on planting this tree in the two municipalities. Main reasons compelled urban dwellers to plant trees on their residential plots were identified as shade provision (30.8%); supply of food or fruits to people (25.3%); area beautification (17.8%) and wind breaks (10.6%). The study recommended amendment of National Forest Policy (1998) and National Forest Programme (2001-2010) to rationalize urban forestry and urban greening issues. The study recommended for development of master plans and guidelines for tree planting in Morogoro municipality and Dar es Salaam City.