The role of indigenous tree species in the livelihoods of Offaka Sub-County, Arua District

Abstract

Trees are widely known for their essential contribution to rural livelihoods in developing countries, providing both consumptive and non-consumptive products to rural inhabitants. These benefits are also obtained from Indigenous trees and used by rural households. In Uganda, exotic tree species are increasingly being planted at the expense of indigenous species, because they grow faster and ensure quick returns on investment. If not halted, indigenous species will be lost from the landscape and with them, the unique traditional contribution to rural livelihoods they provide. There is therefore an urgent need to document the uses of indigenous tree species so as to provide evidence for promotion of rural livelihood development options that integrate indigenous trees. This study was conducted in Offaka sub-county in Arua district. The objectives of this study were to i) establish the uses of indigenous tree species, ii) determine the extent to which indigenous tree products satisfy the livelihood needs, and iii) document threats against indigenous trees. A social survey method comprising three techniques; Four Focus group Discussions, Three Key Informant interviews and a household survey with 270 respondents randomly selected from the study area was used. The study found that the most valuable species are Vitellaria paradoxa subsp nilotica (Shea Butter followed by Tamarindus indica, Acacia hockii and Grewia mollis. The tree species were multi-purpose and mainly used for food and Fuel. The tree products fuel-wood, food, wood for building, and household tools were an important part of community livelihoods as majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with them. The major threats to survival of indigenous trees were wildfire and fuel-wood production. Harvesting of wood and timber products was destructive as it mainly involved entire plants, stems, and bark. Management of the trees was mainly by the community with little involvement of government institutions. These results show that indigenous trees are an important and integral part of the community providing valuable products and services vital for their livelihoods. However, the sustainability of these trees face many challenges. It is recommended that domestication of indigenous trees be promoted and strict law against bush burning be put in place for sustainability.