CCSLI — Community Conservation & Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative

Helping households in Idodi and Mapogoro villages transition away from charcoal production through savings groups, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable energy.

Overview

The Ruaha Community Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative (RCCSLI) addresses one of the most significant environmental challenges facing communities surrounding Ruaha National Park: dependence on charcoal production and the resulting loss of forest resources.

The project seeks to address the root causes of deforestation by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthening community financial capacity, promoting alternative energy solutions, improving local natural resource governance, and supporting community participation in conservation.

Objectives

Reduce household dependence on charcoal production as a primary income source.
Strengthen community financial resilience through savings and loan associations.
Expand access to sustainable, alternative livelihood opportunities.
Promote clean energy alternatives to reduce pressure on forests.
Generate evidence and lessons to support landscape-scale conservation planning.

Progress to Date

Since March 2026, preliminary assessments have been conducted in Idodi and Mapogoro villages, the areas where charcoal production is most intense.
32 households were visited — 16 in Idodi and 16 in Mapogoro — to learn about cooking energy use and identify charcoal producers; 17 households openly admitted to cutting trees and burning charcoal to earn money for daily needs.
All households involved in charcoal production expressed willingness to stop if supported with capital, market training, financial education, and vocational skills.
Two savings and loan groups have been established, one in each village, with 10 members each among households previously involved in charcoal production.

Impact Stories

When offered alternatives like poultry farming, small businesses, and cash crops, households previously producing charcoal expressed willingness to stop — with the right support, families are ready to embrace sustainable livelihoods.

Household consultations, Idodi & Mapogoro villages