Plantation forests, also referred to as commercial forests are trees that are intentionally planted and managed for specific purposes, such as timber production, pulp and paper manufacturing, or other commercial uses. Plantations may consist of a single tree species or a limited number of species.

They often involve the clearing of land, sometimes including natural forests, to establish a stand of trees with uniform characteristics.

Plantation forests generally have lower biodiversity compared to natural forests. They often feature a limited range of species, which can result in a simplified ecosystem structure.

Among TFS’ mandates is to establish, manage and conserve Plantation Forests under the Central Government. Since the establishment of this agency in 2011 the number of forest plantations has increased from to 23(24?) which were first managed under Forestry and Beekeeping Division (FBD) to 23 in 15 regions throughout the country. 

The main objective of establishing forest plantations is to restore the deforested and degraded Forest Reserves and to supply wood products in Tanzania and beyond. 

TFS manages 24 forest plantations for the supply of industrial raw materials for timber products. These plantations supply an average of 1 million cubic meters of timber per year whereas The most planted species are pines (Pinus patula, P. elliottii and P. caribaea), cypress, eucalyptus and teak.

Forest plantations are important because they supply sufficient and quality forest products to local, national and international communities. They also supply wood raw materials to forestry-based industries. 

Plantations also serve as meaningful employment opportunities to a wide range of Tanzanians while at the same time providing specific forest products needed by surrounding communities. They assume the role of environmental custodian where they safeguard the environment and preserve biodiversity during their cultivation and management. 

These forest plantations are found across the country. Some of these forest plantations include Buhigwe- Makere located in Kigoma with the area coverage of 65,174 ha, Buhindi Forest Plantation in Mwanza with the area coverage of 21,880 ha, Iyondo Msimwa Forest Plantation in Songwe with the area coverage of 418.455. 

Other forest plantations are Mbizi forest plantation situated in Rukwa with the area coverage of 23,467, Sao Hill Forest Plantation which is in Iringa with the area coverage of 135,903, Wino Forest Plantation located in Ruvuma with the area coverage of 39,718.4.