Hundreds of Casaurina trees were planted in the villages of Gazi and Makongeni to provide an alternative livelihood for local people. These trees are fast growing and straight, ideal qualities for producing wood construction poles. This wood is hopefully going to provide enough income to reduce local harvesting of mangrove trees, which are often cut down and sold for construction poles and firewood.

Our initial task is to measure the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all the trees to give us an idea of how marketable the wood lots are. A student project will involve determining the local market price (both ‘price per pole’ and wholesale) and calculating how much these wood lots are worth to stakeholders of Mikoko Pamoja. 

I look forward to sharing the news of the success of these wood lots in the future!