Baobab Guardians: Tree Measurements

In March this year, I completed the annual tree-measuring I do every of the baobab trees planted in the villages by our baobab guardians. [See this post to find out why the Baobab Foundation has created the Baobab Guardian project]

They have all done exceptionally well with the late rains that we got in January and February.

Livuwani Nelitshindwi with the baobab tree she has nurturing from a seedling

We now have 75 baobab trees planted.  It takes me 2 full days to measure all the trees.  I walk from tree to tree through the villages with lots of chatting and greetings with everyone I pass.  Children also show a keen interest in the trees.  Often they help me measure the trees and are always happy to be part of a photo.

Kaki standing next to one of the baobab saplings planted in the village

This is Kaki, who I have known since she was in Blessing’s Pre-school (which the Baobab Foundation built for her a few years ago).  Kaki is now in Grade 2 and here she proudly stands next to one of the planted baobab trees in her village.

Aaron Nematshenzheni and his grandchildren stand in front of their 3m tall baobab tree

Some have reached their 3 metre target height.  In the photo above, you’ll see Aaron Nemutshenzheni with all his grandchildren who have helped him look after his baobab tree for the last three years.  At 3 metres, a baobab can take care of itself in the wild. but before then, it’s really important to make sure goats do not get to the trees.

Sanikie Munyai stands with her baby and young baobab tree which still needs protection from goats!

If somebody leaves a gate open or a hole unmended in the fence, those pesky goats will sneak in and eat all the new growth in seconds.  It is a real challenge to protect the trees and everybody in the household has to keep an eye out for them.

Nina Geraghty