Land degradation brings about dust storms resulting in desertification. Tree planting can be used as way of reducing the effects of desertification.
Planting trees schemes by using exotic species like Eucalyptus and pine do not do well in the dry areas. Trees that have been found to survive in the dry areas are the indigenous trees that are managed by farmers.
Regeneration
Farmers managed natural regeneration is usually done by selecting trees with the most vigorous shoot and helping them develop and in order to judge the best species to regenerate. This requires experience as well as intense knowledge.
Stumps that have remained over years are pruned on the shoots by selecting the strongest species. They re- emerge quickly into trees when they get some water and are natured by their matured root network.
Importance of trees
Trees prevent land from wind and water erosion, improves structure of the soil hence fertility of the soil and this allows carrying out sustainable farming.
Indigenous trees can also be used as firewood in times of drought but will regenerate when the rains star.
Trees help create resilience in the face of climate change.
