Household perceptions on commercial cultivation of baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) in the south-east Lowveld of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The perceptions of possible commercial cultivation of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) between two rural communities (Wengezi and Gudyanga) in Zimbabwe's southeast Lowveld: were investigated. The need to investigate household perspectives arisen due to poor baobab tree regeneration. From 2016 to 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing a mixed-method technique for data collection. Questionnaires were issued to 68 households for quantitative data and 51 responded. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data that will be analysed using thematic analysis. From the questionnaire respondents, 41 households (80%) supported the commercial cultivation of baobab trees, eight households (16%) were not sure, and four households (4%) did not support the idea. Qualitative results show that households view baobab cultivation in their community as a future possibility. The awareness to propagate the baobab and the prospect of increasing and exporting its production should be encouraged and prioritised. Based on the data, it is recommended that these communities should be trained on the application of modern technologies to shorten the maturity period of the trees through propagation.