Public Defense: PhD
Candidate: Fortunate Stephen Senya
Fortunate is employed by the Government of Tanzania and is currently working with the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS) as an Acting Seed Source Manager. She registered with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in November, 2021 to pursue PhD studies in the Department of Forest and Environmental Economics (DFEE), College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism (CFWT).
Thesis Title: Investment Potential and Profitability in the Production of Tectona Grandis and Pinus Patula Seeds in Tanzania.
Supervisors: 1. Dr. Greyson Zabron Nyamoga
Date and time: 30th April, 2025 at 10:00 Hrs
Venue: CFWT Coffee Room
Mode: Face to Face/Online
Google Meet
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ihs-hhik-ghx
Code: 487 938 070
Summary of main findings
Investing in high-quality tree seeds production is crucial for the growth of Tanzania’s forest sector and its associated industries. This kind of investments not only brings capital but also facilitate technologies transfer, enhances organizational and managerial skills as well as providing access to international markets. The success of forest plantations relies heavily on the availability of high-quality seed sources to ensure a sufficient supply of superior seeds in the Country.
The study found that the weight of seeds from orchards and plantations were different for Pinus patula Tectona grandis. The germination capacity of seeds collected from Pinus patula na Tectona grandis Orchards stands was significantly higher than those from plantations stands. The average germination capacity of Pinus patula na Tectona grandis seeds from young stand was significantly higher than those from mature stand. The total production cost was lower in Pinus patula compared to Tectona grandis seeds. However, Tectona grandis seeds production is profitable with the highest Net Present Value (NPV) and the Return on Investment (ROI) despite having higher production costs than Pinus patula seeds. However, the production of Pinus patula seeds were observed to be unprofitable with negative NPV and ROI. Weeding constituted the highest cost element of the total costs of producing Pinus patula na Tectona grandis seeds. The availability of market information and favourable Government policy and regulation are among the factors which attract investors while restrictive Government policy and long-time nature of tree seeds investment are among the factors discouraging investors to engage themselves in the tree seeds industry.
In view of the above, the study concludes that Tectona grandis seeds were produced in greater quantities in seed orchards and showed positive Net Present Value (NPV) and Return on Investment (ROI), indicating a profitable and viable business while the opposite is true for Pinus patula seeds. In addition, effective seed stands management tend to enhance seed quality, quantity, and profitability. Mtibwa Seed Orchard has the potential to become the Africa’s leading site for commercial Tectona grandis seeds production due to its exceptional site suitability and high seeds yield. Further, to attract investors in Tectona grandis and Pinus patula seeds industry, fiscal incentives, credits, and financial support are essential.