Baobab trees, Grandidier baobabs line the dirt road No. 8 between Morondava and Veroni Tsiribihina, Menabe, Madagascar, Africa. (Photo credit: Arterra / Marica van der Meer/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Baobab trees grow in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and have deep cultural and ecological significance. Some of these trees are thousands of years old. Global demand for baobab products has skyrocketed in recent years due to the nutritional and health benefits of baobab fruit.
However, this increased demand has become a double-edged sword, raising concerns about the sustainability of these ancient trees. Patrick MaunduPart of a research project documenting the legacy of Kenya's baobab trees, he explains what can be done to protect them for future generations.
Where can I find baobabs?
This tree is native to at least 37 countries in Africa and two countries on the Arabian Peninsula. African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is the most widespread of the eight known baobab species. It withstands some of the harshest conditions, from saltwater-soaked coasts to vast arid savannahs and forests. Of the remaining baobabs, six are native to Madagascar and one is native to northern and western Australia.
Baobab is a unique tree. They are some of the longest-living trees in the world, some over 2,000 years old. Thanks to its ability to store water in its huge trunk, which can reach more than 10 meters in diameter, it can withstand long periods of drought. The tree's trunk has an amazing ability to regenerate, easily regenerating after being damaged by humans seeking its fiber or by wild animals such as elephants seeking to quench their thirst.
Unlike most trees, which are adorned with lush foliage, baobabs often stand naked for most of the year. Thick, leafless branches extend like the arms of a skeleton, creating a strange, almost mystical appearance.
The growth rate of trees is slow. When the tree is about 20 years old, it begins to flower and bear fruit. However, it is known that in many cases, especially in arid regions, trees first bear fruit much later, with some trees bearing fruit as early as 60 years.
What does baobab mean?
In African culture, every part of the baobab is valuable.
The leaves are eaten as a nutritious vegetable. The pulp has a tangy taste and adds flavor to foods and drinks. Baobab pulp is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as C and B complex), fiber, and minerals (such as calcium, iron, and magnesium).
Seeds are a source of oil in the cosmetics industry. The inner bark is harvested as fiber and woven into ropes and baskets. The hollow trunk provides a hiding place for bees. Fruit shells are processed into tableware and other household items. Baobab bark and root extracts are widely used in traditional medicine.
Baobabs have attracted folklore and mythology because of their value. Many African communities consider this tree sacred and often associate it with spirits. Therefore, various rituals and rituals are performed under it.
Ecologically, baobabs occupy an important place in the landscape, supporting a wide range of wildlife including fungi, insects, birds, reptiles, bats and monkeys. The large trunk acts as a water reservoir. An elaborate root system stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion. Fallen leaves enrich the soil with nutrients.
In addition, baobabs also act as carbon sinks. This means it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and traps it, helping to mitigate climate change.
Why is global demand for baobabs soaring?
Baobab's reputation as a superfood is spreading. This was largely driven by the recognition of baobab pulp as a food ingredient by the European Union in 2008 and the US Food and Drug Administration in 2009. This paved the way for its use as an ingredient in beverages, foods, natural remedies, and cosmetics.
Zimbabwe has become a pioneer in this industry and is actively targeting the lucrative European market.
Why are trees under threat?
Baobabs are under threat on a number of fronts. Due to their slow growth rate, large size, long lifespan, and economic value, trees are exposed to many risks. Some species of Madagascan baobabs are listed as endangered or endangered, but African baobabs are not. However, there is evidence that certain endemic populations may be in decline in some parts of Africa, calling for more conscious conservation measures to be taken.
Climate change is already reshaping the ecosystems on which baobabs depend. These ancient giants require specific ranges of soil and air humidity. They also rely on certain pollinators like bats and baby shrubs for reproduction. However, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are disrupting these balances, impacting the overall health and reproductive performance of trees.
Changes in community belief systems and local values are also having an impact. As modernization advances, the sacred status of the baobab is diminishing. In some communities, the tree is now considered a relic of the past. Additionally, baobabs' extensive canopies and roots compete with food crops for space and nutrients as agricultural space shrinks. This has increased the tendency of local communities to cut down trees.
Rising commercial interest is a double-edged sword. The high demand for baobab pulp has raised serious concerns about interference with natural reproduction, loss of genetic diversity, and the health of baobab populations. Baobabs are still harvested using crude methods that damage the tree, such as pounding the fruit from the ground or climbing on stakes inserted into the stem.
This commercial interest has brought with it a new threat: biological piracy. This was witnessed in Kenya in 2022, where an entire controversial baobab tree was uprooted and exported to Georgia in Eastern Europe. Eight trees were exported but have since died. This points to a lack of prior research into the possibility of survival in a new homeland.
This incident highlights the lack of appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks to protect these important trees from exploitation and highlights the urgent need for concrete policies on baobab conservation. did.
What should I do?
Conserving baobabs requires more than a solo effort.
This requires the protection of cultures and communities, combined with conservation and management activities at the community level. It also requires strategic policy and regulatory frameworks and cooperation on the national and global stage.
These policies should also support local community livelihood programs by supporting value chains and providing market linkages for baobab products.
Promoting sustainable harvesting techniques, such as leaving enough fruit for regeneration, protects trees and the surrounding environment. Integrating indigenous knowledge with tools such as genetic research will strengthen these efforts.
James Kioko is part of the research team working with Dr Maundu to document Kenya's baobab heritage and is a co-author of this article., First up was “The Conversation.''
