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The Acacia albida – a generous tree ! Last week I asked the question : Do you think your children will be farming this land after you ? To be able answer “yes” to this, without too much of a risk of error, I outlined some valid farming techniques, such as crop rotation (over a four year period, rather than three), mulching and planting in zaï pits. Today I would like to invite you to become friends with the most generous tree in the savannah.
I am referring to the Acacia albida, a tree of the savannah bushland, widespread as far as the Sahel. It also grows in the fields and on the outskirts of villages, where it is protected, in particular in the land of the Samo people. This species (Balanzan in the bambara language, Zanga in mooré) is very efficient in preserving soil fertility, or even in restoring it where it has been damaged. It belongs to the pulse crop family and enriches the soil in nitrates. Cattle are drawn to stand in its shade (in the dry season) and their dung thus remains in the field. It sheds its leaves during the rainy season and will grow new ones in September. Because of all this, it is an extraordinary tree, which is very effective in nourishing the soil.
This is why it used to be protected and still is in some regions. Today you may also find it – or even order it - from some of the tree nurseries. In the V7 village, along the road from Dano to Koumbia, land of the Dagara, there is a farmer turned tree grower. In his tree nursery you will find all sorts of useful species, and among them the Acacia albina. If readers are aware of any other nurseries which grow the Acacia albida, I would be grateful if you could let me know. I shall then pass on the information on a special page dedicated to this tree.
The Acacia also has other properties : it is part of the traditional pharmacopoeia and is a remedy for a number of ailments, such as cough.
Its wood is tender and easy to work with.
Its leaves make excellent fodder for animals.
Its fruits are sweet and much appreciated, especially by animals.
Its thorny branches can served as closures. Let us indeed keep the future of our children in mind and plant Acacia albina trees. They will increase the yield of cereal crops a good deal and sometimes even double the output.
Koudougou May 1st 2010
Maurice Oudet
Director, SEDELAN
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