Indeed, he earned a lot of money through this business, but the forests in his village were rapidly depleting. The areas where he and his friends had cut trees were now barren due to their lack of conservation education and the importance of forests. “I never thought about forest conservation, and there were times we would run and abandon our bicycles if we saw a Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) vehicle. Our bicycles and firewood would be confiscated, and retrieving them required a lot of money, which made me live in constant fear,” said Mr. Mrisho.

The situation in the village was dire. The depletion of forests was not only affecting the environment but also the community's way of life. With fewer trees, there was less shade and a noticeable change in the local climate. The soil, once rich and fertile, was turning to dust due to erosion, and the once-abundant wildlife was disappearing. This environmental degradation was also making it harder to sustain the tobacco business that so many families, like Mrisho's, depended on.

However, through radio programs and public education and extension services provided by TFS, Mr. Mrisho learned about the importance of forest conservation and the best ways to use clean energy for cooking. Now, he no longer cuts trees for cooking or curing tobacco but uses efficient stoves for cooking and eco-friendly white charcoal as a substitute for curing tobacco.

These efficient stoves and eco-friendly charcoal have revolutionized Mr. Mrisho's daily life. Mr. Mrisho explains the importance of efficient stoves in helping him and his wife cook, as she can now cook quickly and manage other tasks like laundry and dishwashing, unlike before when she had to stay by the firewood stove to keep the fire burning well. The efficient stoves are not only time-savers but also cost-effective. They require less fuel, which means that the money once spent on procuring firewood can now be used for other essential family needs.

Regarding the efficient charcoal used for curing tobacco, he received education on its use to reduce tree cutting, as the Tabora region heavily relies on firewood for tobacco curing. Tobacco-buying companies introduced this alternative to help Mr. Mrisho reduce tree cutting by informing him that using this charcoal would eliminate the need for firewood, thus conserving the village’s trees. This eco-friendly charcoal burns more efficiently and produces less smoke, creating a healthier environment for those working in the tobacco curing process.

Additionally, natural resource committees in collaboration with TFS have significantly contributed to educating other villagers like Mr. Mrisho, who used to cut trees, through public meetings. These committees have been instrumental in spreading awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of forest conservation. They have organized workshops, demonstrations, and community discussions to show the long-term advantages of sustainable practices.

"Now, I enjoy using efficient stoves and eco-friendly charcoal to ensure I protect and conserve the environment and forests. I have become a good ambassador for forest conservation. I advise my fellow villagers in Mbola to protect forests because they are valuable resources," said Mr. Mrisho. His transformation from a tree cutter to a conservation advocate is inspiring many others in the village to follow suit.

During a ground-truthing and forest mapping activity in Uyui District, Tabora, Mr. Mrisho saw a vehicle with a panda logo and wondered who these visitors were and why they had come to the village, as it had been a long time since a vehicle had come there due to its difficult accessibility. He felt at ease when he saw the visitors accompanied by the village executive officer and introduced themselves as WWF representatives. They had come to conduct ground-truthing and forest mapping activities and provided Mr. Mrisho with additional education on forest conservation and the use of clean cooking energy through the TFWVC project funded by the European Union.

The WWF representatives were impressed with the changes Mr. Mrisho had made. They highlighted his story as an example of how individuals can make a significant impact on conservation efforts. They explained that such grassroots initiatives are crucial for the success of larger conservation projects and that Mr. Mrisho's efforts would contribute to broader environmental goals.

Through his journey, Mr. Mrisho has not only improved his own life but also set a powerful example for his community. His story underscores the importance of education and the positive changes that can result from embracing sustainable practices. As more villagers adopt these methods, the forests around Uyui District are beginning to recover, promising a better future for the next generation. Mr. Mrisho’s transformation demonstrates that even in the face of hardship, positive change is possible with the right knowledge and support.