Brief details of some of our recently funded projects by country.  With your donations we can continue to make a difference!!

BANGLADESH

Based in the Dhaka region, around the two villages of Boistabdia and Bangalpara, the project is to establish a plantation of various trees of value to the local people - wood trees for furniture, fruit trees such as Mango, Jackfruit and Coconut, Herbal medicine trees and Flowering trees.  By encouraging the local people to take an interest in the project the hope is that they will, in turn, be encouraged to plant more trees around their own homes, on unused ground and alongside land used for crops.
 

BELARUS

Based in the village of Golovchitsa, in the Gomel region of southern Belarus, the objective of this project is to provide employment and a viable and sustainable alternative source of income for local families through the regeneration of an old apple orchard.  The old orchard currently only produces 5% of its former crop.  By planting dwarf varieties of winter grade apples, which are commercially more valuable and easier to pick by hand and by using modern methods of orchard management, it is hoped that the orchard will generate a considerable income within a few years.
 

CAMEROON

Lebialem Highlands, South West Cameroon - In partnership with local communities and other NGOs, ITF has funded a project in the degraded landscape of this area to purchase seedlings and establish tree nurseries in three community sites.  The long term objectives of the project are soil stabilisation and prevention of landslides, provision of secure habitat for the endangered birds and wildlife of the region, to secure and protect water sources through watershed protection and to secure future income and fuel wood sources for the local people.

Bamenda, North West Cameroon - The problems in this areas are slightly different. Kitiwum Village was provided with pipe-borne water some 15 years ago.  Since then the catchment has been badly degraded due to farming and cattle rearing which have resulted in the complete removal of forest cover.  Consequently, water tanks have been silted and the quality and quantity of the water greatly reduced leading to dry season shortages and diseases caused by impure water such as dysentery and typhoid.  By funding the purchase of seedlings and the establishment of a sample tree nursery, we hope to help the local community achieve their objective of reforesting the area - the target is 50,000 trees.

ETHIOPIA

Alternative income generation is an important part of the process of alleviating poverty and taking the pressure off the environment in the Wuf-Wash Forest area where this project is based.  Some trial work with fruit trees had already been undertaken when ITF was approached to help increase production on reclaimed land with the establishment of nurseries and the raising of indigenous tree seedlings.  This is an on-going project with the long-term objective of helping farming families move from subsistence farming, with its unremitting pressure on forest remnants, to a market economy where income can be earned outside the forest area.

GAMBIA

Working with the Kartong Association for Responsible Tourism in Fajara, we are establishing a community forest in Kartong.  The benefits to the local community are numerous - to replace trees being felled, to provide fast growing tees for a wood lot, to grow seedlings and trees for sale. Villagers will benefit from the easier availability of firewood and the project is linked to another which will provide fuel efficient stoves that burn rice husks rather than wood.  Local people will be employed and the project will also involve local schools by organising seed collections and teaching the children about the need for forestry preservation.  The latest report from the area also highlighted a significant by-product of the project - following the appointment of Forestry Officers, 12 illegal tree fellers have been caught.  Kartong is fast becoming known as a bad place to illegally fell trees!
A significant part of the funding for this project was from the sponsorship of ITF member, Kenton Rogers, who took part in the Plymouth-Dakar rally in 2005 to whom we would like to express our sincere thanks.
 

GHANA

BIADA (Bagurugu Integrated Agroforestry Development Association), Tamale - a non-governmental and non-profit organisation operating in the Gushiegu/Karaga district of the Northern Region.  Its main aims are to reverse the increasing environmental degradation of the ecosystem of the area due to human activities and to ensure food security.  Since its inception in 1995 the Association has acquired and developed 22 acres of Cashews, 2 acres of mangoes and 2 acres of Teak trees
– the photo of a 2 year old cashew tree shows that there is lots more work to do!  

ITF have recently helped to fund the establishment of a nursery to raise tree seedlings which are given free of charge to local farmers.  The main varieties are mango, cashew, acacia and teak.  Within 5 years of planting the project will be self-financing as mangoes and cashews are sold and the acacia and teak are harvested for firewood and electricity poles.

HAITI 

This was a small 'seed' project but with a seriously large objective!  By funding the purchase of seeds of the native tree Cedrela oderata, the objective is to grow and plant trees to meet the timber needs of the community and thus discourage the community from the further erosion of natural forests.  The trees in turn will produce seeds which will further help regenerate this seriously deforested island.

INDIA

In Tamil Nadu we have supported various community based projects over the years.  A current project in Chennai is raising nurseries in 20 target villages with the active involvement of village-organized women's self-help groups to maintain the tree population and keep rural surroundings clean and green.  In Madurai District we have established a pilot and experimental model that employs a Farm Forestry approach with fruit bearing trees, such as Tamarindus indica, as pioneer species, along with nitrogen fixing tree species such as Gliricidia sepium and Pongamia pinnata as companion plantation.  In Vellore we are aiming to plant in the grounds of 50 schools offering not only trees for shade, but the chance to learn about the importance of trees in the local environment.
 

KENYA

Although Kenya was once a country rich in trees, the forests have become critically depleted from generations of intrusion by both individuals and commercial concerns.  We currently support several projects in different parts of the country.   They all share a common aim - to plant trees to provide for local needs and so prevent further depletion of mature forest.  We also support projects which are raising seedlings for restoration of the natural forest.
 

One such project aims to reverse depletion of the Mount Kenya Forest, by planting more trees on the farm level so that local people do not use the mature forest.  The farmers who set up the project are committed to integrated agriculture - the trees which are planted provide wood for fuel and building materials as well as providing wind breaks and shade.  They also control soil erosion so that the local people benefit from crops of borage, sunflowers etc.

Our projects recognise the need to educate local people to understand and appreciate the important role trees play in their lives. Many projects run workshops to pass on their knowledge of planting techniques and the importance of tree cultivation and preservation.

In western Kenya we support a project which started near Kisumu town in 1988 and has extended to other parts of the country to tackle the issues of deforestation and wood product demand.  The aim of the project is to plant around 1,400,000 trees in tree nurseries. The seedlings are distributed to local communities to grow for wood products such as building timber, fibre for baskets, animal fodder and food.

Trained volunteers prepare the land and plant the trees under supervision of nursery attendants. Thus community members develop skills in tree planting and management and will then ensure an adequate supply of wood and products for the community.

For projects where the objective is to set up a successful nursery, our funding enables the purchase of essential equipment such as wheelbarrows, watering cans, as well as seeds from a reputable supplier.  They also need bicycles so that their trained staff can visit the developing nurseries to monitor progress and give advice.

Our latest project supports the work of SWAH (Students at Ear against HIV/AIDS) - we are funding the planting of indigenous trees in the Busia district for the benefit of HIV/AIDS sufferes.

MALAWI
In the northern area of Malawi we have supported an environmental and conservation project at the Tirola Community Day Secondary School.  The area is one of environmental degradation due to the careless cutting down of trees from the mountain next to the school - the local communities do not have any other source of income and sell firewood along the main road passing through the area.  The deforestation has resulted in severe soil erosion and the formation of gullies around the school.  By planting trees around the mountain this will reduce the soil erosion and degradation.  By involving the students the project will instil in them an environmental ethic that will help them make responsible decisions on any activities that impact on their environment.  Students are also expected to continue the activities when they return to their villages.  Some of the species planted, such as bamboo, will be of economic importance to the local communities reducing their dependence on the natural forest cover.

MALI
Working with an established local NGO, OMADEZA (Oeuvre Malienne pour le Developpement des Zones Arides), we are funding the restoration of two zones of sahelien type forest whose ecosystems are very degraded.  We need to preserve the few trees that have survived the actions of man and climate whilst establishing seed-banks to aid reforestation with indigenous species.  The species chosen are:-

- the Baobab tree for its fruits which are rich in vitamins C and B1.  As well as being an essential part of the local diet it is also used commercially in the pharmaceutical industry.  It adapts to all soils and resists fires and droughts.

- the Gommier (Senegal Acacia) again tolerates drought and high temperatures.  It provides gum arabic which is a much needed source of income.

- the Jujube is another tree with multiple uses - a true tree of the Sahel.

- the Pourghere which will be used for a double quickset hedge around the perimeter of the nurseries.  This plant is currently the object of much scientific research as it produces a CO2-neutral plant oil when processed which may well be able to replace diesel.

NIGERIA
The aims of the Ile-Ife community Forest Regeneration Project are impressive:-
a) To get the local populace whose livelihood depend on natural resources to participate in the management and sustainable utilisation of those resources.

b) To reforest areas that have suffered massive degradation over time.

c) To compensate for the greenhouse gases produced by clearing and burning of forests.

d) To stop creeping desertification.

e) To mobilise stakeholders to manage and protect their environment independently of government.

f) To broaden the base of environmental managers beyond the existing few experts and policy makers.

An unusual aspect of this project is that, as well as the participation of local farmers, timber loggers will also set aside private land and plant and raise tree seedlings supplied by the nursery that we have funded.

PAKISTAN
Working with the NGO, AIM (Identity, Merge and Action), we are funding the supply of seedlings for tree nurseries to be established in the villages of Chak 11 and Chak 58.  The project will benefit a total of 150 marginal and small farmers who have their own land.  The farmers will be educated on the harmful impacts of deforestation and learn of the positive impact that trees will have on their environment.  They will also benefit from the increase in the fertility and structure of their land and financially from the sale of produce.

PHILIPPINES
Following the successful start up of our first nursery project here, we are now funding the establishment of a tree nursery to raise and distribute seedlings in 3 villages in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.  A variety of native tree species will be planted - teakwood, durian, pomelo, lanzones, mango, morinda, rambutan, tamarind, mangosteen, santol, gmelina and mahogany, These are all considered important because of their multiple uses - food, fodder, medicine, high-quality wood, gums and resins.   A total of 80,000 seedlings are expected to be released and dispersed during the first year of the project.  8,000 of these will be set aside for sale to the general public.  The proceeds will then be used to fund the next planting round.   The majority of the seedlings will be dispersed to local farmers who have agreed to pay 1 tree (gmelina or mahogany) for every 30 trees raised - this 'payment' will be used to expand the initiative to other municipalities in the province.

RWANDA –

In the early 1990s, the genocide in Rwanda led to massive deforestation.  We have been involved in developing tree nurseries in the southern part of Rwanda since the late 1990s - over 12 have now been established.  Our projects are run locally by an organisation in which several dioceses joined forces to improve the conditions of the local people and have been greatly supported by fundraising initiatives by our Sussex and Wiltshire branches.
In 2005 alone, over a quarter of a million seedlings were transplanted in local homes and community areas.  Trees grown include eucalyptus (for building and general timber use), fruit trees such as papaya, and grevillea - a tree which is excellent in agro-forestry as it provides shade and can be used for fuel, building and fodder.  By growing trees to meet local needs, this project is preventing further depletion of indigenous forest and has made a significant difference to the lives of people in this area.  

Planted in 1998, these trees are now 30 feet tall.

SUDAN

In an isolated part of South Sudan we are funding a community run nursery to produce seedlings for the local population of Wanda and Kediba.  There has been severe deforestation in the area due both to the 'scorched earth policy' of retreating warring factions and the overgrazing of cattle by neighbouring tribes.  A variety of trees will be planted - Leuceana, calliandra, cassia, teak, guava, mango, moringa and others.  Some are native to the area and some have been introduced but all have been selected to improve soil structure, provide fruit, firewood, medicines and shade.  All are fairly hardy and should survive the difficult growing conditions.  They will be protected from grazing animals by fencing with thorny materials and from soil erosion by mulching and underplanting with lemon grass and crotoleria.

TANZANIA
In Northern Tanzania we are working with the African Conservation Foundation and  have funded the establishment of tree nurseries in two villages of Eyasi Division.  This will lead directly to reforestation of degraded village land in the area through local tree planting and conservation activities.  There are a number of serious environmental problems in this area below the Ngorongoro crater due to increasing local population and cultivation of land, in particular forest clearing on hills and near river beds which result in erosion and vegetation changes.  Illegal logging also takes place in the adjacent Northern Highland Forest Reserve.
 

In Iringa, the cause of deforestation has a particular cause - the presence of tobacco plantations where trees both young and old are cut down for tobacco curing as well as domestic use.  As well as reforestation, the trees will also benefit the community in the following ways:-

- harvestable food.  Pawpaws, oranges, mangoes and guavas are grown for sale.  Fruits and trees are given to schools for free.

- employment for local villagers for planting, watering and weeding

- shade

- training to increase the knowledge base and spread the word.

UGANDA

Kitoroogya Model Tree Entrepreneurs, Hoima

After planting the first acre of clonal coffee on their 20 acre site, this group were advised to interplant the coffee with banana trees to provide shade and mulch.  ITF provided the funds for 100 banana trees as well as eucalyptus trees, mangoes, and citrus fruits.  It is from a small beginning such as this that a real difference can be made to peoples lives – the soil in the area is fertile and there is a demand for firewood, coffee and fruits. 

 A year old eucalyptus tree grows strongly

We are also working in the Soroti area of North Eastern Uganda to restore a key indigenous tree species to the area - the shea nut.   Used extensively for fuel, it can also be used commercially for the extraction of cooking oil and medicines.  Our partners, the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, work with schools and youth clubs to establish woodlots of this and alternative fuel sources.   Our funding will also enable the training of youths from Internally Displaced People's Camps in nursery and tree farm management - giving them employment opportunities.

Funding has also been given to a project to the north east of Kampala.  Working with the Environments Protection and Food Security Initiative we have funded the establishment of tree planting clubs in five schools.

In the Mukono district, an area suffering from deforestation due to rampant fire wood collection and the making of charcoal, we are funding a project to establish nursery beds to provide local communities with seedlings to serve as an alternative source of income and to educate them about the conservation of their environment.

ZAMBIA

In Mpika, we are continuing to support the work of a local NGO, Fort Hares Flori Organic Gardens, in developing nurseries in 7 villages in the area.  A variety of fast-growing trees have been selected for their nutritional and medicinal value to man or as animal fodder.  Certain species such as Eucalyptus will be used for poles and fuel wood.  The trees will also act as windbreaks to protect both the village homes and crops.

International Tree Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee.  Registered in England No. 5219549.
Registered Office: International Tree Foundation, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, West Sussex, RH10 4HS

Registered Charity 1106269
Copyright © 2003 All rights reserved