The Rivanna/CPAR Partnership: Tree Planting

Loss of wildlife biodiversity and habitat, deforestation, and land degradation are three monumental problems facing Tanzania today. CPAR Tanzania addresses these problems by organizing demonstration tree nurseries in Karatu District. Through these demonstration nurseries, men and women are trained in tree nursery management, seed collection, and other skills. CPAR provides tools and starting seeds, but residents are required to designate land and care for the trees. Tree-planting contests provide incentives for tree-planting and offer prizes such as watering cans and other nursery equipment. Though community-based tree-planting can only take place during the country’s rainy season, CPAR runs a demonstration nursery year-round to offer continuous tree-planting education.

The nurseries provide habitats for a variety of trees, from fruit trees like guava and papaya, to indigenous species such as Acacia Nilotica and Cordia Africana. Many of these trees provide building materials and firewood and are used to make medicine, beverages, tools, and other domestic items. Exotic species of trees are also popular among communities, like the Grevillea Robusta and Sesbania Sesban.

Through its partnership with CPAR, Rivanna contributes to this program. Every Miti Plaque you purchase plants 40 trees in Karatu District.