Trees for Rural Communities™

Why Trees?

The article ‘Soil Erosion Andhra Pradesh’ by Dr. S. L. Patil from the Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation elaborates on the quantitative details of the soil loss in the state and the need for initiation of rapid conservation methods. The potential of minimal conservation efforts to provide greater returns has also been mentioned by him, which makes tree plantations extremely productive in the area.

The European Environmental Agency highlights the ability of the forests to prevent disasters in the long term if timely action is taken. The increase of forest cover increases the water retention capacity of the area thereby preventing floods. It also shields against landslides, that are rampant in the area and cause great loss of life and resources as mentioned by the Geological Survey of India. In the article titled, ‘Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition’ contributed by Eva Muller ( Director of the Forest Economics, Policy and Products Division of the Forestry Department, FAO) and Fred Kafeero ( Forestry Officer of FAO with extensive field experience on participatory forestry and improving forest-based livelihoods), mentions the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change and contributing to food security for the most vulnerable people, thus making plantation of trees extremely important to the community and the environment at large.

Tree Species

Seethaphal (Annona squamosa), Raavi (Ficus religiosa), Kunkudu (Sapindus mukorossi), Velaga(Limonia acidissima), Kukka Neredu(Alstonia scholaris), Gangaravi(Thespesia populnea), and Kanuga(Pongamia pinnata)

Social Impact

The plantation of local species has contributed to the conservation of resources like soil by preventing the rapid flow of rainwater. The ground-water retention capacity of the soil also increases thereby supporting the vegetation growth in the area in a cyclic manner. The agriculture in the nearby region also is supported due to the contribution of the trees as well as the addition of nutrients to the soil. The absorption of carbon and release of oxygen contributes to a healthy environment and keeps the global temperature in check. This, in turn, prevents major natural disasters and shields the community from major losses due to them.

The Non-Timber Forest Products contributed is a source of additional livelihood opportunity for the people, in addition to the improved agricultural output provided by the trees, thus making the tree plantation in the area very productive.