Staff Reporter
IN the wake of environmental concerns related to deforestation and bush encroachment, Namibia has suspended all activities related to the harvesting of mopane tree species for charcoal, firewood, and dry wood in the Kunene region.
The arid-sub-Saharan country, can however take a lesson from the Kenyan-Seed ball project which has seen an efficient reintroduction of trees and grass in the most degraded areas of Africa. In a groundbreaking initiative, seedballs are being employed as an affordable and easily distributable solution for vast and hard-to-reach areas. Certified by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), these seedballs contain indigenous seeds that remain untreated or altered, constituting a natural approach to environmental conservation.
By offering a protective shield to seeds against predators and sunlight until optimal natural conditions trigger germination, this initiative is effectively lending a helping hand to Mother Nature. The use of seedballs not only reduces transplant shock but also promotes the development of robust roots in young trees, contributing to their overall strength and resilience.
Emphasizing the rehabilitation of land extensively damaged by human activities, the project targets areas where natural reforestation seems improbable or impossible. The reintroduction of tree species, either partially or completely eradicated from their original habitats, is facilitated through the natural process of seedball dispersal.
Described as a simple combination of a seed encased in a ball of charcoal dust mixed with nutritious binders, the seedballs are geared towards reducing the costs associated with planting various indigenous plant species, predominantly trees and grass, across Kenya.
The biochar coating of the seedball acts as a protective barrier, shielding the seed from potential threats such as birds, rodents, insects, and temperature extremes until the onset of rains. Once saturated, the seedball not only aids in retaining moisture but also creates a conducive environment for germination, contributing to the overall success of this eco-friendly restoration approach.
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