Dar es Salaam, March 19 -- MUFINDI residents have every reason to smile, as hard work in conserving Uzungwa Scarp pays handsomely.

The villagers around the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve (USNFR), have, since 2013 initiated economic activities to earn a living and stop encroachment in the nature reserve forest for hunting and gathering.

Instead, they have since been engaging in economic activities, such as avocado and timber trees growing as well as beekeeping outside USNFR.

Speaking at Kipanga Village on Saturday, Mufindi District Agricultural Officer, Mr Vasco Mbuchi, said the district could now say openly that the project is paying off.

Mr Mbuchi who is also Fruits Growing Coordinator under the support of the Eastern Arc Montai...