They say, “Describe a tree.” What comes to your mind? Most people would refer to a tall, woody plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves that lives for many years. Well, that’s an easy definition. It is what I also would have believed until recently. As climate change becomes a bigger issue worldwide, our understanding of trees has started to grow. Trees are no longer just plants; they are lifelines, deeply intertwined with the environmental, economic, and social fabric of human life.
My community lives in a semi-arid area where we take pride in indigenous tree species such as Koloswe, Seshie, Kokiande, Noiye, Chebiwei, Ngoswe, and Muchukwe. These trees are not just part of our environment but play a vital role in our lives. It is, therefore, important to protect these indigenous species, especially from the threat of exotic species, which are difficult to sustain in an area with limited water resources.
Economic and Ecological Guardians
The economic benefits of trees in our community are numerous. Trees provide fodder for livestock, with leaves and seed pods serving as essential food sources during dry seasons. They also support beekeeping by offering wood for traditional hives and safe places to mount them, thus diversifying family incomes.
Environmentally, trees shield us from the harsh effects of climate change. They purify the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and slow heavy rains to prevent flooding. Their organic matter enriches the soil, supporting sustainable farming for generations.
Social Pillars of the Community
In my community, trees are much more than economic and ecological assets; they are the social backbone. Trees are sacred. They are sites of worship where people gather to seek blessings, meditate, and connect with their spiritual beliefs. They serve as natural meeting halls where elders convene to resolve disputes, communities come together to share ideas, and crucial decisions about our collective future are made.
Trees are also the birthplace of hope and development. Fundraisers, known locally as harambees, are often held under their shade, fostering unity and collective progress. These spaces nurture creativity and problem-solving, acting as havens where innovative ideas are born to address community challenges.
The value of trees as medicine further cements their importance in our social framework. From treating the flu and stomach ailments to natural detoxification, these home remedies are trusted by our traditional healers, who pass their knowledge down through generations.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Environmental insensitivity comes at a cost—storms included—especially for communities that depend on nature for their livelihoods. Despite their socio-economic and environmental importance, trees are under threat from harmful human practices. Every sack of charcoal purchased or hardwood bed made represents a piece of someone’s sacred space, meeting place, or pharmacy.
We must take up the mantle of environmental responsibility—not only for nature’s sake but also for communities like mine, which rely on trees for their livelihoods and well-being. Community-led conservation and mindful consumerism hold the key to preserving these phenomenal resources.
Let us not regard trees as merely part of the environment but as the heartbeat of communities—shaping identities, fostering unity, and nurturing life. Together, we can safeguard these treasures, continue to draw inspiration from them and ensure sustenance for generations to come.
