DAR ES SALAAM: AS human beings, we have a love-hate relationship with trees. On the one hand, we see trees as our friend. They give us shade, fruits, medicines, firewood and charcoal, as well as building materials.
They assist supporting rainfall and in fertilising the soil. They help with preserving water sources, preventing soil erosion, cleaning our air, cooling our surroundings and protecting the soil. They absorb carbon dioxide, give homes to animals, and help us feel less stressed.
Being near trees lowers blood pressure and calms the mind. The list of advantages is much longer. Yet, we seem, at the same time, to hate trees, especially in developing countries.
In our urban areas, clearing trees is a noble action when one is allocated a plot for building. In the category of land and natural resources degradation in Africa, trees feature highly. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), about 3.45 million to 4 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually in Africa.
The “Conservation” asserts that Africa has the highest rate of forest destruction in the world. It is thus comforting to read about the afforestation programmes going on in many parts of the continent. Ethiopia for example, is reported to be planning millions of trees every year.
The caption tells it all: “Tabora District Commissioner, UW, (left) and Puma Energy Tanzania Managing Director Ms FA plant a tree at Usule Primary School in Tabora ‘Municipal Council’ as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives during the launch of its 100th retail fuel station in Tanzania in Tabora yesterday”. Was the tree planted in Tabora Municipal Council? A Municipal Council is an institution, not an area.
Summary from source