Back to Index

For every child a tree
Tree Africa
January 16, 2003

The year 2002 saw the successful launch of the Tree Africa campaign by Nelson Mandela (former South Africa president) and Charlene Hewat (Executive Director of Environment Africa, who is the brains behind the campaign) at the District Rotary Conference in Malawi in March. The campaign, an offshoot of the regional organization Environment Africa, which intends to plant millions of trees in Zimbabwe and across the subcontinent, has since been recognized as a positive attribute towards the improvement of the environment.

Trees are central to the existence of humankind on the Earth, they are life - hence the theme "for every child a tree" where emphasis is put on using trees as a symbol of new birth and new life. Tree Africa works with various community groups and schools throughout the country, especially those involved in planting, nurturing and caring for trees. During the year 2002 more than half a million trees were planted in Zimbabwe - mainly indigenous species, fruit trees and trees that are of economic importance. The major species being promoted under the campaign are:

1. The physic nut (Jatropha carcus), which is a fast growing tree whose seed contains 35% oil, which can be used for soap making and illumination. The soap treats skin ailments such as fungal infections and women also use it as a cosmetic cream. The tree can also be used, as a live fence since its leaves are poisonous and livestock will not feed on the hedge. Samples of illuminating oil and the soap are available for sale at the Environment Africa Head Office in Harare.
2. The horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera), which is a multipurpose tree providing natural nutrition for the people. Edible tasting oil is extracted from the seed, leaves are edible and of a high nutritional value, powder from the seed kernel works as a natural coagulant to clarify turbid water, leaves are eaten as relish and are also used as animal fodder. These seedlings are also available from the Earthwize nursery at Environment Africa Headquarters.
3. The neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is a multipurpose tree that provides firewood, timber, medicine from the bark, fodder, soil conservation, insecticide oil is obtained from the seed and soap made from the oil.

Tree Africa is also working with Dr Solomon Guramatunhu the leading eye specialist in Zimbabwe who is coordinating the Eyes for Africa project. Eyes for Africa carries out cataract operations to restore eyesight-giving mostly elderly people new hope in their lives. Tree Africa celebrates the event with a commemorative fruit tree for the patients to take home. Fruit trees are essential as they provide a source of nutrition for the people, the trees, which include orange, mango, avocado, peach, mulberry and guava are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C. In September 2002 61 trees were received by recipients in Rusape, and in November 100 patients received trees at the Bindura Main hospital. The year 2003 will see Eyes for Africa and Tree Africa working with eleven hospitals throughout the country with a total of 1 100 patients.

In addition to ensuring the planting of many indigenous and fruit trees for food in Zimbabwe the campaign has brought a new level of appreciation for this natural resource. Tree Africa invites you to sponsor a tree for a small sum of money. Your money will go towards the purchase and planting of a tree and also to ensuring that the tree is cared for by a community for years to come.

To find out more, contact:
Andrew Hartnack
Tel: +263-(0)4-302276
Fax: +263-(0)4-339691
Email: treeafrica@utande.co.zw
Website: utande.eafrica.co.zw

Visit the Environment Africa fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP