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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
The Chesa area in Mt Darwin has become a hotspot for illegal tree cutting, with tobacco farmers clashing with the police and the Forestry Commission over the issue.
In response, community members in Ward 19 have come together to address the rampant cutting down of trees in resettlement areas.
During a tree-planting event at Mutwa Secondary School in Mt Darwin, the district development coordinator, Mr White Nkoma urged tobacco farmers to establish woodlots and adopt alternative technologies such as solar energy for tobacco curing.
“You are only harming yourself by continuously cutting down trees as they help us mitigate the effects of climate change,” he said.
“We encourage people to start using tsotso stoves as they help preserve our forests.”
The community received support from the Forestry Commission and Freshgate Farm which provided orange trees for three schools in the area.
Freshgate Farm manager, Miss Princess Mhomwa said some individuals are increasingly upsetting the balance of nature.
“Trees are a symbol of hope and commitment to making the world a better place. When an old man plants trees, he might never enjoy the shade and fruits but he does so for the community.
“Let us start small and gradually increase tree planting as we adapt to changing climatic conditions.”
The district forestry officer, Mrs Sabina Bgwanya encouraged the community to view tree growing as a business opportunity.
She said forestry-based enterprises can generate income for the community while also protecting the environment.
“During a drought, crops may fail, but trees will continue to bear fruit. Consider tree planting as a business,” she advised.
Online Reporter