The long rains are upon us, and have been for a while fortunately, so tree planting has been in full swing. With Earth Day 2010 looming, this seems like a good time to talk about the multi purposes and endless benefits of trees in Tanzania.
First, the macro benefit. Simply put, trees breathe in carbon dioxide, which poisons the air and contributes to global warming, and breathe out oxygen which is essential for life. It thus makes good sense to plant trees and use them responsibly.
Popular trees around here include fruit trees like guava and papaya which contribute to a healthier diet. Cassia trees provide shade and firewood, and serve as a windbreaker to control soil erosion. They beautify the environment with their bright yellow flowers.
Croton Megalocarpus provide building materials, live fencing, firewood, fodder, shade and medicine. Their leaves enrich the soil.
Grevillea Robusta are widely used among farmers for agroforestry because they grow fast, help control soil erosion, don't compete against food crops for nutrients and sunlight, and their leaves help to replenish the soil. They also attract bees. Other uses include firewood and timber.
The Acacia family is amazing. Acacia Drepanolobium, the mbalimbali tree, supplies firewood, fencing material, goat feed and is used to construct toilets. Acacia Xanthophloea, also known as the fever tree, is a source of building materials, live fencing, fencing posts, firewood, fodder, soil improvement through nitrogen fixing, and medicine. Acacia Tortillis, the umbrella thorn, is great for hosting bee hives, live fencing, fibre (rope), firewood, construction of furniture, tool handles, needles and even dye.
Manihot Glaziovii is a drought resistant species that provides shade and serves up vegetables during the lean season.
First, the macro benefit. Simply put, trees breathe in carbon dioxide, which poisons the air and contributes to global warming, and breathe out oxygen which is essential for life. It thus makes good sense to plant trees and use them responsibly.
Popular trees around here include fruit trees like guava and papaya which contribute to a healthier diet. Cassia trees provide shade and firewood, and serve as a windbreaker to control soil erosion. They beautify the environment with their bright yellow flowers.
Croton Megalocarpus provide building materials, live fencing, firewood, fodder, shade and medicine. Their leaves enrich the soil.
Grevillea Robusta are widely used among farmers for agroforestry because they grow fast, help control soil erosion, don't compete against food crops for nutrients and sunlight, and their leaves help to replenish the soil. They also attract bees. Other uses include firewood and timber.
The Acacia family is amazing. Acacia Drepanolobium, the mbalimbali tree, supplies firewood, fencing material, goat feed and is used to construct toilets. Acacia Xanthophloea, also known as the fever tree, is a source of building materials, live fencing, fencing posts, firewood, fodder, soil improvement through nitrogen fixing, and medicine. Acacia Tortillis, the umbrella thorn, is great for hosting bee hives, live fencing, fibre (rope), firewood, construction of furniture, tool handles, needles and even dye.
Manihot Glaziovii is a drought resistant species that provides shade and serves up vegetables during the lean season.
The Neem tree in addition to providing magnificent shade is used as a natural pesticide and has multiple medicinal uses.
Firewood is the main source of energy in rural households so ongoing tree planting is vital. People understand that. There is a big demand for seedlings. We have a tree nursery in our office compound which is becoming increasingly popular.
