Abstract

Rapid urbanization along the eastern corridor of Botswana is increasing the demand for wood for domestic cooking and heating. This coupled with overgrazing and the clearing of arable land has intensified the degradation of natural woodlands. The creation of village woodlots and plantings on larger farms can help to relieve this pressure. A "farmers-needs-assessment" determined interest in tree species with multiple benefits and, in phase I of this project, the research was adapted to consider such species. On-station progress has been excellent in evaluating indigenous and exotic species, and appropriate technologies for establishment and maintenance of plantings. Some of these results are just beginning to be transferred off-station. Phase II will continue to determine appropriate tree species and technologies; and allow a greater emphasis on extension particularly through schools, community-based groups, and individual farmers and villagers for the development of multipurpose woodlots.

Post-Project Summary

The technology for the establishment of woodlots for firewood, forage, and shelter in the Kalahari, developed during phase I, was further tested and applied through voluntary farmer and village participation, between December 1989 and June 1993. Species trial data on indigenous and exotic trees were collected and analyzed via computer during 1990-1991. Results were documented in the Forestry Association of Botswana (FAB) technical series report no. 4 at the end of 1992. A number of workshops held in 1990 to identify farmers' needs resulted in the implementation of the following three agroforestry projects. On-farm planting of 300 trees in Phihetshane by 30 women members of the community provided windbreaks around the local arable fields. A nursery was also established at the local primary school for raising seedlings. In Tehareseleele, two water tanks were installed for the multipurpose plot for which windbreak and fruit tree planting was conducted. Four species (including Leucaena) resisted the frost and drought that killed most of the orange trees. In Malokaganyane, 40 fruit trees were planted, and 1 000 trees were offered to the project as windbreaks. A water storage tank was installed, and half the site was ploughed for tree and crop planting. The upgraded forest nursery in Kumakwane raised the 100 000 seedlings which were distributed to the FAB extension program. Two members of the research staff attended courses; two papers were presented; and one report was published.

Recipient Institution(s)