The role of indigenous fruit trees in the rural livelihoods : a case of the Mwekera area, Copperbelt province, Zambia

[摘要] The utilization and commercialization of indigenous fruit trees has in the past been overlooked byextension agencies due to the misconception that they do not play a major role in contributing tothe rural livelihoods. There is new and increasing emphasis on the contribution of non-timberforest products (NTFPs) on improving the livelihoods and sustainable management of forestecosystems of the Miombo woodlands. This study was conducted around Mwekera area in theCopperbelt province, Zambia to determine the role of indigenous fruit trees in the rurallivelihoods. A total of 70 households were interviewed in the survey using semi-structuredquestionnaires, in-depth open ended interviews and focus group meetings to collect informationon the use of indigenous fruits.The study revealed that 99% of the households experience 'hunger' during the rainy season fromNovember to April every year. Ninety seven percent (97%) of the households collect indigenousfruit, with the most collected fruits being Uapaca kirkiana (74%), Anisophyllea boehmii (71%)and Parinari curatellifolia (67%). Additionally, there is very little selling of indigenous fruit(31%) but that Uapaca kirkiana and Anisophyllea boehmii account for 95% of the fruits sold.Forty six percent (46%) of the households process fruits of U. kirkiana, A. boehmii and P.curatellifolia into juice and/or porridge. Furthermore IFTs are also used as traditional medicine.Sixty three percent (63%) of the households used IFTs for medicinal purposes with two-thirds ofthe respondents citing Anisophyllea boehmii as an important medicinal tree species.The study also showed that 85% of the respondents have seen a change in the forest coverresulting into loss of biodiversity with 70% of the respondents indicating that the change is withrespect to reduction in forest size and scarcity of some species; and that charcoal production andclearance of land for cultivation are the major causes of the scarcity of indigenous fruit trees.It is concluded that the major contribution of IFTs in the study area is in filling the gap duringtimes of hunger rather as being a source of income through selling. Charcoal production andclearance for agriculture are the main contributing agents for the loss of biodiversity and scarcityof IFTs. It is recommended that domestication of IFTs and sustainable forestry and agriculturalmanagement practices be employed to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from theforest resource.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University