Dry Prunus africana.

Conservation and cultivation of Prunus africana around Kalinzu-Maramagambo forest is fundamental. The species is illegally extracted by the neighboring communities leading to its over exploitation and this is threatening its survival. The bark is mainly used for medicinal purposes locally and is also exported specifically for treating Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). The communities also use Prunus africana for fuelwood, building material and timber.

The project is targeting the communities around Kalinzu-Maramagambo forest in southwestern part of Uganda. The project seeks to mobilise communities to undertake activities that will lead to conservation of Prunus africana by reducing its over exploitation. The proposed activities include establishment of prunus africana nursery beds, awareness creation and training communities in forest-based enterprises.

This project is expected to impact on the local communities and stakeholders substantially and will have long lasting contribution to nature conservation through the activities to be done. For example prunus Africana will be domesticated on people’s farms. The project will improve community livelihoods through income generating activities such as selling of tree seedlings, craft making, passion fruit growing and bee keeping. In addition due to the project intervention, the local knowledge of managing the Prunus africana as a forest resource will be improved.