Evaluating the potential of introducing multipurpose tree species in the rural landscapes of Weza, Ugu district municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

In many African countries, trees are often a source of security for poor rural communities in providing food and energy. This study evaluated the potential of introducing multipurpose tree species in the rural landscapes of Weza, Ugu district municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis including chi-square and Friedman tests were used to analyze the data. The study results showed that over 90% of the household respondents from Mkhoba and Ngubelanga have recognized that trees play an important role in their livelihoods compared to 88.9% from KwaBasa. In this case, the employment, collection of foods and fruits, fuel wood and grazing for livestock were benefits greatly received by household members from the surrounding forests. On average, 99.2% of household were also found to be interested in growing fruit trees with Citrus sinensis (4.96), Prunus persica (4.12), Persea americana (3.97) and Malus pumila (3.95) being the most preferred. However, giving the people their preferred tree species should be coupled with capacity building and extension support programmes in order to encourage them to effectively participate in tree planting and management. On this note, the government authorities and private sector would have to prioritize collaborative efforts in promoting or encouraging the growing of multipurpose trees and adoption of agroforestry practice strategy through development of tailor-made capacity building and awareness creation programmes.