APOPO HeroTREEs - a Climate-Smart Solution

July to September 2019 was another busy quarter for our farmers. Whilst they had a break from planting seedlings this was by no means an easy quarter as many attended training and prepared nurseries ready for new seedlings. 

Around 90 farmers received training on nursey management and GPS survey methods in order to accurately measure their plots to ensure efficient use of the land for plantations. 20 farmers attended from Ruvuma, 20 from Mgambazi, 20 from Tulo, 20 from Choma, and 10 from Kisosa.

In addition to training, a group of farmers from Kisosa also established a new nursery with indigenous tree species including Bridelia Micrantha, Syzigium Guineeense, and Ficus Sycomorus.

The focus of Q4 will be as follows:

• The continuing development of a carbon curriculum
• Establishment of new seedlings with Choma group (spice and fruit trees)
• Internal inspection by group members in November
• External inspection by Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania in December
• Follow up on tree management in the field
• Nursery establishment at Kisosa (for indigenous species)
• Follow up on nursery management (Choma group)
• Pricking out the indigenous seedlings tested in an open nursey
• Measuring farmers plots (with a GPS)

As a busy quarter awaits us, we wish to thank you for your continued support. With each seedling planted you are developing local farmers, inspiring young people and helping the environment, one leaf at a time.

Welcome to your quarterly project update - it's our pleasure to bring you the following information directly from the field:
 

Total number of trees planted:

1020

The following species were planted:

200 x Bridelia micrantha (Misumba) 

166 x Acrocarpus

140 x Cinnamon

107 x Accacia

100 x Pinus

100 x Sedrela

65 x Syzigium guineense (Mizambarau Mwitu) 

39 x Avocado

30 x Clove

23 x Khaya anthotheca (Mikangazi)

20 x Teak

20 x Ficus sycomorus (Mikuyu)

10 x Jackfruit

The number of farmers who received training:

20 farmers in Ruvuma

20 farmers in Mgambazi

20 farmers in Tulo

20 farmers in Choma

10 farmers in Kisosa

The training provided to these farmers covered the collection of more indigenous seeds and seedlings, plucking them out into polythene bags or planting them directly into the field. Training also covered the testing of indigenous species purchased from farmers at Bustani ya Tushikamane in open nurseries, in addition to the transplantation of seedlings and the establishment of new seedlings.

Plans for the next quarter:

- Identification of more indigenous seeds or seedlings to establish in nurseries.

- Measuring the size of farmers' plots using GPS and an evaluation of their progress.

- Development of a new carbon curriculum. 

- Establishment of new spice and fruit tree seedlings with farmers from Choma.

- Plucking out indigenous seedlings following testing in the open nursery in Bustani ya Tushikamane.

To you, a huge thank you:

With your support this scheme has motivated farmers from all 5 areas to plant an incredible number of trees, safeguarding the forests of the Uluguru mountains. Your continued support for this project will help us continue in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, in addition to reducing poverty for local farmers, ensuring greater economic security.