TECHNICAL REPORT ON TREE PLANTING AT JOKATE MWEGELO SECONDARY SCHOOL
TECHNICAL REPORT ON TREE PLANTING AT
JOKATE MWEGELO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Implementer: The Foundation for People's Health and Environmental
Conservation Tanzania (Fophec Tanzania)
Prepared by: Benedict Benson Lisoso (PhD.), Chief Executive Officer,
Fophec Tanzania
Date: November 2024
1. Executive Summary
The tree planting project at Jokate
Mwegelo Secondary School commenced in July 2021, led by Fophec Tanzania, an NGO
dedicated to environmental conservation and education. This initiative was
designed to tackle climate change and restore degraded forest areas in Kisarawe
District, adjacent to the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves.
Funded by CRDB Bank with 5 million
Tanzanian shillings, the project successfully planted 3,000 tree seedlings
covering almost 4 acres of barren land. It engaged 1,120 students and teachers
in planting, monitoring, and nurturing the seedlings, achieving a survival rate
of 96.99%.
This collaboration highlights Fophec
Tanzania’s mission to integrate environmental stewardship into community and
school systems. The school management has expressed a strong commitment to
continuing this project, as evidenced in the attached letter of support.
2. Activities Implemented
2.1 Personnel, Equipment, and
Management
- Recruited six local volunteers for project
implementation.
- Established a nursery with 3,000 seedlings, focusing on
native and fruit-bearing species.
- Partnered with local authorities and the Tanzania
Forest Service for technical support and seed donations.
2.2 Production and Planting of
Seedlings
- Germination began in August 2021, and planting was
completed by January 2022.
- Species planted included Afzelia quanzensis (700), Albizia rebec (500), Khaya anthotheca
(120), Milicia excelsa (840),
and Cedrela odorata (840).
2.3 Sensitization and Community
Engagement
- Awareness campaigns targeted landowners, students, and
teachers to advocate for reforestation.
- Engaged 1,120 students in tree planting and care,
fostering environmental awareness.
2.4 Maintenance and Monitoring
- Regular watering, weeding, fire break creation, and pest
management were conducted.
- Students were responsible for 2–3 trees
each to ensure personalized care and accountability.
3. Results of the Project
3.1 Achievements
- Planted 3,000 trees with a survival rate of 96.99%.
- Increased capacity for reforestation through expanded
nurseries.
- Instilled environmental conservation values in students
and teachers.
3.2 Environmental Impact
- Supported restoration of degraded areas in Kisarawe
District.
- Strengthened community participation in environmental
protection.
4. Challenges
- Unfavorable Weather Conditions: Irregular rainfall, including El Niño-related events,
hindered tree growth.
- Inconsistent Student Participation: Some students required reminders from teachers to
maintain their responsibilities.
5. Plans for the Next Phase of
Implementation
5.1 Proposed Activities
- Broaden tree planting efforts to private farms, public
spaces, and wildlife corridors.
- Establish environmental clubs in schools and local
communities.
- Implement creative sensitization initiatives, such as
cinema nights and village meetings.
- Strengthen collaboration with governmental and
non-governmental organizations to enhance project impact.
5.2 School’s Commitment to the
Project
Jokate Mwegelo Secondary School has
demonstrated unwavering support for the tree planting initiative. The
administration has pledged to continue nurturing the planted trees and
expanding the program to benefit both the school and the surrounding community.
A formal letter from the school, outlining their commitment and future plans,
is attached to this report.
5.3 Timeline (2025)
- Monitoring:
Continuous evaluation and care of the existing and newly planted trees.
- Community Engagement:
Conducting sensitization meetings and school-based environmental events.
- Sustainability:
Launching income-generating activities like beekeeping and eco-tourism to
support conservation efforts.
Prepared
by:
Benedict Benson Lisoso (PhD.Hon)
Chief Executive Officer, Fophec Tanzania
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