Planting trees of hope in Tanzania, Africa: The Kwimba Reforestation Project Case Study Click on the following links for further information about this case study: Teacher's Notes Student Activities Introduction The Wasukuma people of Kwimba, near Lake Victoria in Tanzania, are mainly farmers and cattle and goat herders. They also grow food crops for themselves as well as cash crops such as cotton. The people need good rainfall over a six-month period to survive the periods without rain (often up to six months). Similar styled houses are found throughout the Kwimba region.   Until a few years ago, the people were living in a 'savanna' type region - a place where there are very few trees. The soil had become worn out from the farming and the trampling of animals. It was fine and loose because there were no tree roots to hold it together. There were few fallen leaves to return nutrients to the soil or protect it. During windstorms, the soil would blow away. During heavy rains, it would wash away. The land was becoming less able to grow crops to feed the people and animals, as well as provide a home for native plants and animals. The mango tree The main surviving trees were mango trees. The mango trees had been saved and looked after because of their fruit. It is yellowish red with a firm skin, has a hard stone, is juicy and smells sweet. The mango tree has been an important part of Kwimba society for a long time and is discussed in many traditional stories. One such story is about the King of Persia, his four sons and their search for the mango tree. The King sent each son, one after another, to find the tree and return with its description. The first son returned with a description of a golden tree because, for a period every year, the leaves turn golden. The second son returned with a description of a magnificent white tree because, for a period every year, the tree is covered in white blossom. The third son returned with a description of a magnificent green tree because, for most of the year, the tree is covered in green leaves. The fourth son returned with a description of a wonderful tree both green and yellowish red in color, laden with fruit. As the people of Kwimba say, all found the same tree but did not know it. Deforestation There are many reasons for the disappearance of other trees over the past century: Much of the timber has been cut for fuelwood, for cooking and heating. (Women and children are the traditional collectors of wood. As the population has grown, women and children have needed to cut more wood and walk longer distances to find it) Some people believe that evil spirits live in birds, such as owls, or in the trees themselves. Therefore, the people believe that removing trees keeps the evil spirits away. (The people of Kwimba do not plant a tree that has a nutritious purple fruit because of the belief that the tree's evil spirits cause children picking the fruit to fall and hurt themselves) Landowners cut trees so there is more land on which to grow food and cash crops Native trees attract birds that eat food and cash crops. Some farmers cut trees so birds stay away The tsetse fly used to be common and cause 'sleeping sickness'. Many trees were cut so the fly would not have a breeding ground In the past, vegetation was cleared so that surprise attacks by other cattle herding people could be spotted before the enemies reached the area. The Kwimba reforestation project Since 1991, more than 6.4 million trees, including fast-growing Australian eucalypts, have been planted in forty villages through the Kwimba Reforestation Project funded by the Australian Government's Overseas Aid Program. At all times, the Australian project staff have worked as partners with the people of Kwimba, working together equally for the best possible future for the region. The project has helped the people of Kwimba in many ways: Men and women have learned forestry through workshops and reading and picture materials. They have planted and cared for the trees and seen their work as important for their survival today and for their children's future Tree nurseries are now operated by different community groups, such as church and youth groups, and primary schools Wells have been built near schools to supply water for the nurseries A planting on community land adjacent to a granite outcrop.   Women, who do all the cooking, have worked to design new pottery and mud outdoor stoves that use less wood Women and children now have more wood to collect and do not need to walk so far. They have built up reserves in preparation for the drought years. They now have more time to spend on other important things, such as caring for themselves and their families, going to school for longer and learning how to read and write, as well as learning about good health. They are working with each other to help Tanzanian girls and women enjoy the same rights as the boys and men Villagers have discovered medicines and veterinary products in the new trees. They have also found that burning the eucalyptus leaves keeps mosquitoes away Some farmers have turned to growing tree seedlings and selling them; others are selling timber for poles, building material and furniture. A certificate of tree ownership given to all villagers who carefully plant and maintain their own trees. It has made people more interested in growing trees and given them a feeling that they really own the trees.   There are plans to encourage the growing of fruit trees. The successes of the Kwimba Reforestation Project have also encouraged interest among other communities wanting to do the same for themselves and can only help provide a better life for the people and their environment.   Top © Commonwealth of Australia