APOPO HeroTREEs - a Climate-Smart Solution

Thank you for your continued support. We are delighted to let you know that during the second quarter of 2023, 13,416 HeroTREEs were planted, which is a huge accomplishment. 

GPS Training by our partner SAT continued in the second quarter and 20 more farmers from the 'Hapa Kazi Tu' group from Kibundi were trained in GPS basics, which equipped them with the necessary skills to navigate their agricultural landscapes with precision and better efficiency. This GPS training improves the monitoring activities for all the farms’ data and measurements prior to planting enables the farmers to better plan their agroforestry system and decide on the number of trees they want to plant.

Since record-keeping is essential, we trained 20 farmers on how they can keep records of their farm's daily activities. This session taught the farmers how to keep records in their books until GPS is fully implemented. In a record-keeping book, the farmers take track of the status of their farms, the trees planted, what they sent out from their farms, the challenges they face, and the solutions to the challenges. 

Excitingly, thanks to your incredible support, amongst the trees/seedlings planted in this quarter, 2,000 clove seedlings were distributed to three farmer groups in Mgambazi, Ruvuma, and Tulo. These seedlings aim to improve the tree diversity on the farms while adding value for the farmer. Furthermore, it is a way of preventing bushfires in the area, which is a widely used method to clear land for cultivation, leading to many losses of trees. But since farmers want to protect their perennial cash crops like clove, they are less likely to set fires. A win-win! 

We reached all the participating groups, and these farm visits help promote long-term relationships with the farmers, which is vital for success.

Some of the HeroTREEs farmers also signed new contracts, which is a great sign that the project is working well and benefiting them, all whilst protecting the vital ecosystems of the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania.

Coming up

Initiation of the local/indigenous tree seeds collection campaign.

In partnership with SAT, we have also initiated a community campaign of collecting seeds of local species to facilitate the planting of more indigenous trees on the farmers' fields. This aims to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the area. Including more indigenous trees plays a vital role in carbon capturing and restoring ecosystems. So far seeds from more than 10 local tree species have been collected and will soon be planted by the farmers in the area.

Further development of how the planted tree data will be managed, overseen, and collected, will continue so we can assess the actual number of trees that are thriving, as well as the impact of the program on the farmers and the environment.

Additional farm visits will be conducted for all four farmers groups, to ensure that their agroforestry systems are working accordingly and that the trees are doing well. These visits oversee the progress of tree planting, control the actual number of trees planted, and allow us to gain further insights into the perception of the farmers around the program. This should enable us to further adjust the program in the future and to give you some direct feedback from the very people you are helping. 

Thank you so much as always for your incredible support. We could not do what we do, without contributions such as yours! 

Links:

• HeroTREEs website