Zimbabwe’s tree-planting heroes
National Tree Planting Day in December is the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe's flagship campaign, aimed at educating the nation about tree conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation. However, some passionate individuals are taking tree preservation far beyond a single annual event.
Seeding hope with Green Finger Nursery
At 72, Stephen Duri is a living testament to lifelong dedication. After 45 years at the National Botanical Gardens, this remarkable individual didn't retire - he recommitted. From his Green Finger Nursery in Kuwadzana, Duri conducts workshops across Zimbabwe, sharing his encyclopaedic knowledge of tree cultivation and conservation.
Duri's workshops are comprehensive, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Participants learn about different plant types, the critical importance of trees, and the devastating consequences of deforestation. He emphasises that indigenous trees like the Musasa take 27 years to bear fruit, underscoring the need for long-term environmental protection.
"Deforestation is decimating our landscapes," Duri explains. "On newly allocated farms, trees are being indiscriminately cut for land clearing or firewood." His workshops highlight the cascading effects: reduced biodiversity, disrupted rainfall patterns, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.
A key focus is practical prevention. Duri teaches participants seed storage techniques, tree propagation methods like budding and air-layering, and the importance of planting five trees for every one cut down. His message is clear: knowledge is the first line of defence against environmental degradation.
Duri also insists that there should be more tree-planting days rather than clean-up campaigns in a year.
Urban green revolution
Tafadzwa Gwini's environmental awakening came during his university commutes. Observing the stark temperature differences between low-income, high density Kuwadzana and high-income, low-density Mount Pleasant, he realised trees were more than aesthetic - they were essential infrastructure for community well-being.
In 2020, Gwini launched the Greening Kuwadzana project, mobilising local organisations and the City of Harare’s Kuwadzana district office. Their ambitious goal: transform urban landscapes through strategic tree planting. To date, they've planted over 4,500 trees, targeting public spaces, schools, and community centres.
The initiative goes beyond mere planting. It connects environmental conservation to broader social issues, developing innovative programs like "trees against gender-based violence" and climate action through creative expressions like music and dance.
Particularly innovative is their school program, which teaches children fruit tree cultivation. By equipping students with propagation skills, they're simultaneously addressing hunger, malnutrition, and environmental education.
A national imperative
The stakes are high. According to the Forestry Commission, Zimbabwe loses 262,000 hectares of forests annually. Forests currently cover 45% of the country's land area but are rapidly diminishing due to wood fuel demand, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.
The national tree-planting campaign aims to plant 15 million trees annually, promoting agroforestry and establishing fruit tree orchards. As Violet Makoto from the Forestry Commission emphasises, "The urgency to promote tree planting is greater now than ever before because we are fighting climate change."
Both Duri and Gwini prioritise indigenous trees, which adapt easily to local climates, require minimal care, provide nutritious food, and offer traditional medicinal benefits. Their work challenges the narrative of environmental helplessness, proving that community-driven initiatives can create meaningful change.
The Mukashu (Quinine) tree has been selected as the Forestry Commission's tree of the year for 2024/25, symbolising continued commitment to reforestation and conservation.
These tree-planting heroes demonstrate that environmental preservation is not just a governmental responsibility, but a collective community effort. Through education, passion, and persistent action, individuals like Stephen Duri and Tafadzwa Gwini are literally planting seeds of hope for Zimbabwe's ecological future.
Contact Stephen Duri on +263 775 362 778 or +263 772 727 576 and Tafadzwa Gwini on +263 772 831 644
Photo credits: Tafadzwa Gwini / Kuwadzana Press
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