Tanzania is known for its rich biodiversity, beautiful range lands, for wildlife and fertile plains for agriculture. However, these natural systems are threatened by hundreds of invasive species that affect livelihoods of people. To address the threat and the need to find solutions, the Government of Tanzania formed a National Task Force to Manage Invasive Species. The Task Force was inaugurated by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu.

The Woody Weeds project has worked in Amani, Tanga Region, and Kahe, Kilimanjaro Region, since 2015 to manage invasive woody species and mitigate their negative impact on livelihoods, biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project has a significant contribution in providing information necessary for management of invasive species in Tanzania. Three members of the Woody Weeds project (Dr. John R. Mbwambo, Dr. Charles J. Kilawe and Dr. Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa) are members of the National Task Force which the Government formed. The Woody Weeds project is working with the Government through research and training institutions to generate information necessary for decision making in combating invasive species.