The world is witnessing a remarkable phenomenon in Africa, where trees are reappearing without any human intervention. This is a surprising turn of events, especially in regions like Tanzania, where the landscape is often associated with dust, drought, and thinning vegetation. But in central Tanzania, farmers are witnessing a natural process that feels almost like a miracle. Trees are growing back in places where they were cut down decades ago, and no one is planting new seedlings. This is not a result of magic, but rather a clever and sustainable approach called Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), locally known as "Kisiki Hai."
The secret lies in the "underground forest" of living roots and stumps that never fully died. These stumps, even after being cut, still have a deep and established root system that can send up small shoots, resembling weak shrubs. FMNR works by selecting the strongest shoots and pruning the rest, allowing the plant's stored energy to focus on fewer stems. This method is simple yet effective, and it's all about giving the trees a helping hand.
In contrast, traditional tree-planting campaigns in dry regions can be disappointing. Big tree-planting initiatives often look impressive in photos, but the reality is that survival rates are low. In the Sahel, for example, researchers have found that 80% or more of planted trees die due to the scarcity of water and long-term care. This is where FMNR shines, as it leverages the existing roots and stumps, giving the regrown trees a head start compared to seedlings that need years to establish their root systems.
Kisiki Hai, which translates to "living stump" in Swahili, is a simple yet powerful approach. It involves farmers identifying stumps worth saving, pruning them to a few strong shoots, and protecting the regrowth throughout the year. This process is taught as a four-step reminder in Swahili: "CHAPOA TU" (selection, pruning, marking, and ongoing protection). The last step is crucial, as unprotected shoots can be browsed by animals, turning the "new tree" into firewood.
Tanzania's forests are already largely a story of natural regrowth. According to a Forest Trends dashboard, about 45.8 million hectares of forest area in 2020 were naturally regenerating, while only 0.5 million hectares were planted. In the Dodoma region, where FMNR has been supported since 2015, the impact is significant. Over 15.2 million trees have been regenerated, and 311,000 hectares are under restoration, alongside water-focused projects.
The benefits of more tree cover in rural areas are profound. A study in PLOS Climate found that natural regeneration through FMNR improves health and well-being. Adding tree shade reduces direct sunlight on vegetables, enhancing growing conditions and taste. Additionally, more shade can lower ground heat, and better water retention can help crops survive dry spells. However, these benefits are most effective when trees are protected long enough to mature.
The real challenge lies in the long-term protection of these trees. FMNR is not a one-time campaign but a farming habit that requires local knowledge, repeated pruning, and community norms around grazing and tree cutting. Successful programs emphasize training and follow-through, mobilizing over 110,000 farmers and planning long sustainability phases. While natural regeneration is powerful, it doesn't solve issues like governance, land pressure, or energy needs, such as fuelwood.
In conclusion, the reappearance of trees in Africa without human intervention is a fascinating and sustainable approach. FMNR, or Kisiki Hai, offers a simple yet effective method to restore forests and improve the well-being of rural communities. By leveraging the power of natural regeneration, we can create a greener and more resilient future, one tree at a time.
