Text of speech by Minister Ronnie Kasrils MP to IUFRO Conference on "Forest genetics for the next millennium" Durban 8 to 13 October 2000. Kasrils, Ronnie: The African Acacias - a thorny subject

Abstract

There are 129 Acacia species in Africa. They are intermediate in plant succession and colonize degraded land. They restore fertility and can be maintained indefinitely in agricultural systems. They provide many benefits but are disliked for their thorns and invasiveness. Seed was collected across the ranges of Acacia erioloba, A. karroo, A nilotica, A.senegal, A. tortilis and Faidherbia (formerly Acacia) albida. Screening trials indicated that, with selection, all had potential both inside and outside their natural ranges. Subsidiary studies showed that some acacias obtain their nitrogen from groundwater rather than from the atmosphere, that they can produce more crude protein per hectare than a grain crop, that there are annual rings in the wood, and that gum arabic could be a lucrative cash crop. Farmers will resist planting acacias until the benefits can be translated into cash. The challenge for breeders in the new millennium is to produce trees that are inherently so good that they sell themselves to the farmer.


Southern African Forestry Journal No.190 2001: 3-4