The Kilimanjaro region is located in the Northeastern part of mainland Tanzania including the famous Mount Kilimanjaro . The region has an area of 137,209sq.km, with population of about (census 2002) 1,281,149, which gives a population density of 83.9. The majority of the population (75%) resides in rural areas while the remaining part is found in urban centers.

The increasing population is exerting pressure upon the region, forcing the disintegration of the environment as people continue to cut trees in order to meet their fuel and construction-based needs. In so doing this has adversely affected weather conditions and cannot be disputed (citing an example of year 1996 when the region faced prolong periods of droughts and even shortages of water in towns).

The situation necessities the government to encourage its institutions, community-based organizations (CBOs) as well as individuals to salvage the situation so that both the still-available, but scarce land and water is conserved.

It is this reason that, this group of KIWAMA has devised a proposal of conservation of land and water through self-initiative programs.

The project's goal is to enroll members who are committed to environment conservation and, moreover, who are willing to devote their time and wealth to ensure the program's success. It is of this view that any environmental enthusiast who comes into contact with this project is requested to assist for the benefit of the region as well as its next generation.

Volunteers roles

As a volunteer, you will work with KIWAMA, a community-based group dedicated to the conservation of forests. However, you will mostly work in a nursery which aims to produce indigenous tree species. Volunteers' work include:

•  Prepare nursery beds
•  Sow seeds
•  Weed
•  Trim
•  Prune
•  Thin various indigenous tree species
•  Distribute tree seeds to villagers
•  Other additional tasks may include: planting, collecting seeds, replanting, eliminating diseased tress and inventorying of fauna and flora depending on the season

Volunteers work with local community members who also work in the nursery.

Skills/Qualifications Needed

There is no need for specific qualifications for the conservation project in Tanzania . However, volunteers interested in work in this project should have a love for the nature. Additionally, volunteers should be aware that this particular conservation project's work is physically demanding.

Location Descriptions

In Tanzania , the conserved environment is located in Moshi (1 hour drive from Arusha) in the Kilimanjaro region. However, the language program is located in Dar Es Salaam . Serving as both the capital and as a also a major port city, Dar Es Salaam is the natural starting point for volunteer experiences in Tanzania . Located near Mount Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Zanzibar , Dar boasts numerous, beautiful beaches which are usually easily accessible from the city, namely Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Magi.

Arusha is one of the bigger cities in the north of Tanzania  at the base of Mt. Meru , not far from the border with Kenya . It is well known as an African congress center containing the site for the International Tribunal for the Rwandese Genocide. Safari tours to the Serengeti, N'gorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire usually begin in Arusha. The city is also an excellent base for visiting the Arusha National Park , where volunteers can experience a wide range of habitats: from the lakes which serve as a gathering point for a kaleidoscope of waterfowl, to the highland montane forests, all the way up to the imposing summit of Mt. Meru . Moshi is approximately an hour-and-a-half (90 minutes) drive from Arusha.