Mvule trees have three primary hurdles to overcome in their early life: humans, animals, and drought. With the compensation program in place, the human obstacle is fairly easily overcome. Regular watering helps the tree make it to the next rainy season (some ideas about this in a future post). And as you can see below, trees can be protected from goats and cows fairly easily as well.
At the far left, you’ll see the Iganga District Forestry Officer for the Ministry of Environment. He went with us to Waliibo village to see Mvule Project at work. Our field day left him rather impressed–and who wouldn’t be? These Waliibo folks are serious about their trees!
The enclosure is made up of small sticks tied together with banana fiber (both are readily available at every home and cost nothing). You’ll notice the nest surrounding the tree. This material will act as a nice, natural mulch. As the seedling reaches the top of the enclosure the caretaker will open up the top to allow the tree to shoot to the heavens.
If any of you were worried about your poor little $19.95 tree, then fear no more!
July 27, 2009
Bobby
