In-situ Conservation of Indigenous Trees: the Case of Smallholder Farmers in Central Malawi

Indigenous trees play major roles in the rurallivelihood of communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in terms of their environmental service function and contribution of tree products to the rural household economy. However, the high rate of deforestation in Malawi raises concerns on the future supply of these natural resources. A case study was conducted in Dedza district in central Malawi during 2005 to investigate conservation of semi-wild indigenous trees growing and retained at smallholder farms. The study aims at identifying factors influencing conservation and the use/ non-use of conservation practices of indigenous trees. Households were interviewed in two different Extension Planning Areas of Dedza district. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, farm household, tree crop and institutional support issues. Data were analysed by logistic regression analysis. Results show that indigenous tree conservation practices vary between the two locations in form and intensity. Factors associated with these differences are various socio-economic factors that are influencing the decision of smallholders to conserve the trees.