The montane forest zone from 1,600 to 2,800 meters in elevation is the last major region of human development.   A half mile forest strip exists between the plantation belt and the forest reserve on Kilimanjaro, providing firewood from pines and cypress.   Since the 1950’s, approximately 12% of the forest reserve has been taken for this purpose.   This zone is also home to the Shamba type of agriculture, where crops are planted among tree seedlings.   Crops such as potatoes carrots and cabbage are planted using this method.   These areas generally remain productive for approximately 3 years, after which the trees block out the sun.   The farmers then move to another plot, if it is available.