Joseph Mwanza is a man on a mission, that is to rehabilitate degraded rural lands in Zambia by raising indigenous tree seedlings for planting in the reclamation areas. He is the founder and owner of an enterprising tree nursery business called Tree Zambia, which was formed in 2005 in Livingstone town. To date, his nursery has raised and planted over 1,5 million trees. The business is now based in the Chobombo district in the central province of Zambia, along the Great North Road. In 2005 the objective then was to control invasive plant species such as Lantana, Mexican weed, Kariba weed which had encroached the Victoria Falls and surrounding areas, by replacing the noxious vegetation with indigenous plant species. The objective currently is to raise over 100 000 indigenous tree species annually for soil rehabilitation and land reclamation, fodder, erosion control, fruits, commercial timber, Bamboo for charcoal, and construction poles.
Photo: (L) A load ready to be delivered to a customer, (R) Tree Zambia nursery stock
The nursery method of operations model includes engaging small-scale farmers based in the rural areas to get involved by collecting different species of indigenous seeds, which Joseph pays for the services rendered thereby creating jobs for the rural communities. He employs more than ten employees whose duties include pot filling, sowing seed, maintenance of the raised seedlings at the nursery, and distribution to planting sites.
Tree Zambia mobilizes rural communities by sensitizing them about the importance of environmental matters and conservation through involving traditional community leaders, school teachers, and other influential members of the community. It is through such meetings that Joseph and his team educate the community members on the importance of planting, protecting, and maintaining trees for future generations, sustainable livelihoods, and mitigation against climate change.
Joseph holds a Diploma in Agriculture from the Zambia Agriculture College and a Bachelors degree in Permaculture from Stellenbosch University. He has previously worked as a Field Agriculture worker and with other roles and experience including Wildlife management, climate resilience, and water management. Joseph’s motto is: STOP TALKING, GET INVOLVED, PLANT A TREE TODAY!
