Abstract:
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) represent a major contribution to rural
communities in eastern Zimbabwe. In this area, baobab markets have prospered due
to drought and rural poverty. This paper integrates information form related
disciplines regarding the baobab ecology, and the baobab bark harvesting,
processing, and marketing in the study area o f Mutsiyo,. Nhachi and Gundyanga
villages (42 km2). Baobab tree densities and size-class distribution were established
(8.41 trees/ha), along with the extent o f harvesting (99% o f individuals sampled had
evidence o f bark harvesting), and maximum harvested heights (almost 50% o f the
trees had been harvested up to 2 m). Times o f bark and fibre quality regeneration
after harvesting were calculated after a 4-year experiment (6 and 10 years to restore
pre-harvesting conditions, respectively). An equation was designed to calculate
available volumes o f and fibre quality o f baobab bark, both coming from regenerated
scars and non-harvested sections o f trees. A discussion is presented regarding the
sustainability o f the baobab harvesting practice. Ideas for the sustainable use of the
baobab bark resource are outlined, based on the concepts o f adaptive and community
based management.
