Bulilima plants 200 trees in climate change initiative

Moreblessing Phiri, Chronicle Writer

BULILIMA District in Matabeleland South Province has planted 200 trees over the past month as part of the national tree planting initiative, which supports global climate change adaptation efforts.

The district hosted its tree planting day last week at Makumbi Primary School. Since 1980, the Government has set aside every first Saturday of December as the National Tree Planting Day, aimed improving the ecosystem and air quality. 

This year’s programme runs under the theme: “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.’The event is spearheaded by the Forestry Commission and aims to encourage every Zimbabwean to plant trees and maintain environmental beauty. 

This year’s focus is the quinine tree, also known as umhlambamanzi, which was selected due to its medicinal properties. Forestry Commission district extension officer, Ms Faith Ngute, said the Quinine tree’s bark is believed to treat various ailments, including fever, swelling, rheumatism, and stomach pains.

“The El-Nino-induced drought adversely impacted our district’s main livelihood source as woodlands became safety nets, with communities resorting to forestry-based livelihoods such as brick-moulding and firewood sales,” she said. 

“In addition to that, productivity and recovery of our woodlands were impacted negatively by El-Nino induced as shortage of water discouraged farmers from considering planting trees in the previous tree planting season. 

“All this exacerbated the deforestation rate. Tree health is a product of conducive environmental conditions. The common condition is adequate rainfall. However, with the El-Nino-induced drought on health or productivity of trees was severely affected as evidenced by low biomass, poor rangeland performance, and poor yields of non-timber forest products such as fruits, honey, and mopane worms,” said Ms Ngute. 

As part of the Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods (CARL) project, 200 trees have been planted in Bulilima District over the past month. The project, implemented by the Forestry Commission and Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC) Organization, seeks to diversify livelihoods and preserve the ecosystem by planting trees.

The project also aims to create awareness of the importance of enhancing nutrition and improving the growth and development of children. 

Each school in the district, including Makumbi Primary School, received 40 grafted trees, including paw-paw, naartjies, oranges, mango, lemons, and indigenous trees.Other schools that benefited from the CARL project include Nyabane Primary School, Sinotsi Primary School, Hingwe Primary School, and Siyaphambili Secondary School.

Mr Nyasha Majonga, principal administrative officer in the office of the DDC, who represented the guest of honour, Mr Onismo Zogara, emphasised the importance of adapting to climate change. 

“Climate change is not a scientific gimmick, as evidenced by significant changes in weather patterns across the world,” he said. 

“Our district experiences recurring droughts, floods, human-wildlife conflict, heatwaves, and hail storms. At this juncture, the only option is to adapt and mitigate climate change. Therefore, tree planting is key in our adaptation and mitigation efforts,” Mr Zogara said.

He encouraged the community to plant as many trees as possible, emphasizing the importance of traditional leaders and community leadership in prioritizing tree planting and sustainable forest management.

“Let us prioritise tree planting and forest management to restore the value and beauty of our environment. Our district tree planting inventory is key in determining our tree planting efforts and informing development priorities,’ said Mr Zogara.