mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
IT is often said that until you dig a hole, plant a tree, water it, and make it live, you have not understood the true meaning of life.
That very life is currently under threat due to the devastating effects of climate change.
As a strategy to mitigate the effects of global warming and ensure food and nutrition security, communities have been strongly urged to turn to fruit tree production.
By planting fruit trees, communities can venture into fruit trading which can be a reliable source of income. Fruit trees are more resilient to harsh weather conditions compared to traditional crops.
Forests and trees provide a wide range of products, services and goods that are crucial to human survival and climate regulation. Besides timber and wood products, forests also provide a wide range of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) which support livelihoods.
Unfortunately, due to exploitation, Zimbabwe is losing 262 349 hectares of forest land to deforestation each year. Deforestation and subsequent land degradation are a threat to millions of people in Zimbabwe and around the world, affecting livelihoods, well-being, food security, water security, and energy security.
The major drivers of deforestation are clearing land for agriculture, settlement expansion, wood energy, mining activities, veld fires and illegal logging activities.
Deforestation at this rate demands massive tree planting by all stakeholders. People can participate in reforestation and afforestation by planting trees, which is seen as a very engaging and environmentally friendly activity.
To reverse the impacts of deforestation in Zimbabwe, we need to plant at least 25 million trees annually. Tree planting should also be complemented by sustainable utilisation of indigenous forests, allowing degraded forests to naturally regenerate. In time, the forest cover will improve.
Planting trees can be done at any time, but the rainy season is the best as it provides the natural moisture necessary for the seedlings to thrive and mature into big trees and forests.
Zimbabwe has set aside National Tree-Planting Day on the first Saturday of every December.
The day is set aside to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, to enlighten the nation on the importance of forests and to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This year, the National Tree Planting Day theme was “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods”.
Speaking at the Gwanda 2024 National Tree Planting Day held at Mtshabezi High School, Gwanda District Development Coordinator, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, said the prevailing climate change phenomenon requires communities to be educated and adopt adaptive measures.
The Gwanda tree planting launch programme was held in conjunction with Brethren-in-Christ Compassionate and Development Services (BIC-CDS) through its programme, Locally Led Indigenous Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe (LINCZ).
“Trees play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also contribute to water cycle regulation, soil conservation and biodiversity. Gwanda is situated in a semi-arid region and is susceptible to droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.
“If we plant fruit trees, we can enhance food security and diversify livelihoods. Fruit trees are more resilient to harsh weather conditions than traditional crops, providing a reliable source of nutrition and income,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu urged communities to appreciate the crucial role that forests play in disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation. She said there is a need for the involvement of various stakeholders in the preservation and restoration of forests and adopt sustainable environmental practices.
Ms Ndlovu urged farmers to integrate tree production into their agricultural systems to improve soil fertility, conserve water and enhance biodiversity.
“The Government’s focus on agroforestry is a step in the right direction. This day reminds us of our collective responsibility to plant trees and protect our environment. Agroforestry practices such as the planting of fruit trees and nitrogen-fixing trees can significantly boost agricultural productivity and resilience.
“Planting trees and caring for our forests is a crucial step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu urged authorities, businesses, the traditional leadership and NGOs to join hands with the Forestry Commission, law enforcement and environmental protection agencies to educate the community on the disadvantages of forest degradation and to bring unrepentant transgressors of these anti-forest activities to book.
Forestry Commission Matabeleland South manager, Mr Bekezela Tshuma, said early this year, they launched a revitalised school tree planting programme aimed at establishing orchards, enhancing school aesthetics with ornamental trees and creating windbreaks to mitigate the impact of whirlwinds.
He said to date, 1 459 trees have been planted in 13 schools in Gwanda District.
“As we move forward, we are committed to building on this success through initiatives like school tree care competitions and tree-growing competitions. These initiatives will not only foster environmental stewardship but also empower young people to become active participants in creating a greener and more sustainable future,” he said.
Mr Tshuma encouraged everyone to step up and plant at least one tree.
He said the Forestry Commission recognises the importance of community-based tree-planting initiatives. These efforts balance ecological, social and economic benefits, ensuring local communities have ownership and control over their forest resources.
Also speaking at the same event, Brethren-in-Christ Compassionate and Development Services programme manager, Mr Ndabenhle Ncube, said the LINCZ project seeks to combat the effects of climate change through various activities.
He said the ultimate goal of the LINCZ project is to enhance climate change adaptation of communities in Gwanda District through the implementation of nature-based solutions with biodiversity co-benefits.
Farmers have been capacitated through beekeeping, sustainable harvesting of mopane worms/amacimbi, promotion of small grains in conservation agriculture, farmer-managed natural regeneration and promoting agroforestry and tree planting.
“Tree planting is one of the nature-based solutions meant to fight climate change, hence that is why we are here today having partnered with Mtshabezi High School, Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. We don’t only target farmers but school children as well, as we seek to invest in the future.
“The younger generation must be empowered to understand the value of trees. Children must be helped to understand the financial and environmental benefits of trees and forests. By doing so, we will be cultivating a generation of responsible stewards of our planet,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
