Baobabs reach extraordinarily old ages; some have been found to be thousands of years old. During their life spans, elder baobabs have survived erratic climate conditions.
As an ecologist, I have spent the past 17 years studying these trees. Over the course of 2023, I travelled across Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe visiting baobabs located in the area as well as 13 other particularly large and old specimens, including Limpopo’s Sagole (named after a local hot spring), the largest baobab in the world.
As I travelled, I became increasingly impressed by baobabs’ fortitude. Not only is the cohort of Southern Africa’s oldest and largest baobabs enduring, but most baobab populations in Africa are healthy and stable, with very low mortality rates.
Indeed, nothing I saw supported the notion that Africa’s baobabs are dying as a result of climate change. This is important because baobabs have been a source of food, fibre and medicine for centuries, and over 300 uses for these trees have been identified.
In the past decade, the growing trade in baobab fruit products has supported thousands of rural communities, especially marginalised women who are able to collect fruit from the trees around their homesteads and sell it for much-needed income. The possible demise of baobabs would have devastating consequences for many people and local economies.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT NEW FOR MILLENNIAL TREES
Baobabs originated in Africa, where they are found in 32 countries. It is well known that these trees reach extraordinary ages. Radiocarbon dating has repeatedly found baobabs well over 1,000 years old, with the oldest among them reaching 2,500 years.
Esta historia es de la edición 13 September 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 13 September 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
