Medicinal plants are globally valuable resources that play a vital role in health care and livelihoods. More than 85% of traditional herbal medicines come from medicinal plants, which provide affordable treatment options and income for millions of people—especially in Tanzania.

The Threat to Medicinal Plants

Today, medicinal plants are disappearing at an alarming rate—100 to 1000 times faster than natural extinction rates. The rapid growth of human population and the rising demand for natural medicine have intensified this crisis, leading to species loss and habitat destruction worldwide.

Without urgent action, many of these plants—and the cultural knowledge tied to them—may vanish forever.

TUFOI’s Project in Meru District Council

The Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants Project is designed to protect 20 key medicinal plant species in Tanzania’s Meru District Council.

Project Goals

Conserve Endangered Medicinal Plants : safeguard species commonly used in traditional health care.

Promote Sustainable Use :     can continue benefiting from medicinal plants without depleting resources.

Support Local Livelihoods :    provide alternative income opportunities through cultivation and conservation.

Strengthen Biodiversity :         ecosystems where medicinal plants thrive.

Project Budget

The total budget for this initiative is:

TZS 7,461,000 (approx. USD 2,985)

This funding will support:

Identification and conservation of priority medicinal plants.

Establishment of community nurseries and demonstration plots.

Training for local communities on sustainable harvesting and cultivation.

Awareness campaigns on biodiversity conservation.

Why Your Support Matters

Protect Health & Culture – Medicinal plants are the backbone of traditional medicine.
Safeguard Biodiversity – Conserving plants helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
Support Communities – Local people rely on these plants for both income and healthcare.

By supporting this project, you are helping preserve Tanzania’s natural heritage while empowering communities with sustainable solutions.