Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
TREE planting efforts are gathering pace in Matabeleland South Province, with more than 3 700 trees planted so far across about 50 schools, as authorities push to instil a culture of environmental conservation among learners.
In an interview, Forestry Commission Matabeleland South provincial manager Mr Bekezela Tshuma said some schools already had established orchards, while new ones were created in others. He said the target is to have an orchard in every school where possible, although some areas face challenges related to water availability.
“We are working with various partners across districts in the tree planting exercise. Our venues for the programme include schools, community gardens, mines and chiefs’ homesteads. We are also encouraging people to plant trees at home. This time around, we have concentrated more on schools,” said Mr Tshuma.
He said while schools are the main focus, tree planting activities are also taking place at community gardens, mines, institutions, chiefs’ homesteads and private homes across the province.
Although tree planting can be done throughout the year, Mr Tshuma said the rainy season remains the most ideal, as it provides natural moisture that allows seedlings to thrive and mature into full-grown trees.
Zimbabwe observes National Tree Planting Day on the first Saturday of December, a day dedicated to encouraging citizens to plant and conserve trees, raise awareness on the importance of forests and mitigate the effects of climate change. This year’s theme is “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.”
“We are working with various partners across districts in this exercise. This time, we deliberately concentrated more on schools because our aim is to create what we call green schools,” said Mr Tshuma.
He said most of the trees being planted are fruit trees, which offer nutritional benefits and can also serve as a source of income for schools. Ornamental trees are also being planted to beautify school environments.
“We have engaged schools on the proper care of the trees to ensure sustainability. Some schools have already established environmental clubs to monitor and maintain the orchards,” he said.
Mr Tshuma stressed the importance of ensuring tree survival during school holidays, noting that neglect during these periods often leads to losses. He said there is a need to revive tree-growing and tree-care competitions in schools, where institutions that excel in nurturing trees are rewarded.
“Learners can play a critical role in restoring forests through tree planting. Schools shape culture, and one of the cultures we want to inculcate is that of planting and protecting trees,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said the focus on fruit trees will help schools improve nutrition while generating income, adding that learners are responding positively to the programme.
“This culture will not remain in schools only. Learners will carry it into their homes and communities. In the long term, we will have a generation that prioritises tree planting,” he said.
Forests and trees provide essential goods and services crucial for human survival and climate regulation. Beyond timber, forests supply non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that support livelihoods.
However, Zimbabwe continues to lose about 262 349 hectares of forest land annually due to deforestation. This threatens livelihoods, food security, water resources, energy supply and overall well-being.
The major drivers of deforestation include land clearing for agriculture, settlement expansion, wood fuel use, mining activities, veld fires and illegal logging.
Experts say reversing this trend requires massive tree planting by all stakeholders, with Zimbabwe needing to plant at least 25 million trees every year. Tree planting should also be complemented by sustainable utilisation of indigenous forests, allowing degraded areas to regenerate naturally over time.
“It is often said that until you dig a hole, plant a tree, water it and make it live, you have not fully understood the true meaning of life,” said Mr Tshuma.
—@DubeMatutu
