Afforestation & Reforestration

Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe strives to address the challenges associated with deforestation through community based afforestation projects. The organization is responsible for tree nurseries and the community members are responsible for planting trees in their respective homesteads, schools, church yards and council offices yards. To date the organization is running two community-based afforestation projects in Marange, Mutare South District and Mutake Village in Domboshava.

​The main focus of the project is replanting indigenous trees as an immediate response to the increase in decline of native forest. Indigenous trees included in these two projects are, but not limited to:

​Indigenous trees included in these two projects are:

• Fruit trees to supplement the rural diet (e.g Muuyu and Nyii, amarula, nzviru, tsubvu)
• Miomba group of trees to easy firewood problems
• Hardwood such as Mahogany to cater for furniture and construction needs
• Ornamental trees for supporting bee-keeping projects and for aesthetics.
• Fodder trees to feed livestock
• Medicinal trees

​Why Indigenous trees?

​• Most exotic trees when introduced into an area they bring in new pests and diseases, and they also become invasive species which will negatively affect local biodiversity.
• They are locally available and adapt easily to the local climate.
• Once planted they require minimum caring and watering.
• They provide proven nutritious food to local communities.
• They also provide effective medicines whose benefits are long established and are backed up by science.