Natural resources sector is comprised of various sub-sectors including forestry, fisheries, bee-keeping and wildlife. The sector is very important in the contribution to social and economic development of the district. According to the 2002 Population and Housing Census Mpwapwa District Profile, the sector provides employment to about 0.5 percent of the total labour force in the district.
Apart from economic gains, the sector also plays an important role in the maintenance of climate stability, conservation of water sources, soil fertility, controlling land erosion, and providing source of wood fuel, industrial materials and non wood products such as honey and bee-wax.
