Verena Hackmann
November 23rd, 2023
Interview Article: Less space for the Chagga home garden – A project is researching the transformation of agriculture and society on Kilimanjaro.
The image of snow-capped Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s icons: a white-capped peak rising above the savannah, often with a few elephants or giraffes in the foreground. Above the haze, the mountain massif appears mighty and unchanging on the horizon. But the opposite is the case.
Climate, biodiversity, agriculture, population – the conditions on the slopes of Africa’s highest peak are changing on many levels. Science speaks of a socio-ecological system that is on the move. A team led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Thiel from the Department of International Agricultural Policy is researching just how dramatic, what influence humans are having and what consequences humans are bearing.
Thiel and his team have traveled to northern Tanzania countless times. There, right on the border with Kenya, lies Mount Kilimanjaro. “Its slopes are like a piece of tropical rainforest in the middle of the vast dry savannahs of the lowlands,” Thiel describes. “It’s green, misty, densely populated. The people who live on the mountain, the Chagga, seem proud, enterprising and tradition-conscious. Their culture is closely linked to the mountain.”
The research group is particularly interested in the fertile and densely populated southern slopes of the mountain massif. The population there has always used the water captured by the mountain and released by the glacier to cultivate the land. “Irrigation ditches run down the slopes like a spider’s web,” describes the agricultural economist. But the climate is changing, rainfall is becoming more irregular, temperatures are rising and the glacier on the summit is melting. These are not the only changes: Free trade is also having an impact on the landscape; many a farmer who used to grow a range of crops for local consumption now grows avocados for the world market. Coffee exports are being reorganized. What influence do institutions, i.e. formal and informal rules such as disposal and inheritance rights or the regulation of trade, have on these developments? This is the focus of Thiel’s project team. Over the past few years, they have gained a number of insights.
Take water, for example: when water becomes scarcer, it is also a question of politics and influence as to how it is distributed. The Kassel scientists have observed that large-scale farmers at the foot of the mountain are increasingly growing pineapples, beans and cut flowers. The cultivation of avocados has grown strongly. The fruit originally comes from Central America, but is now grown on every continent, with annual global production exceeding 8 million tons. In Germany, too, the oily fruit is becoming increasingly popular. The problem: avocado trees swallow up a lot of water. Despite lower rainfall, the influential large-scale farmers in the lower altitudes know how to ensure that more water is diverted from the higher altitudes down to their plantations. At higher altitudes, small farmers are often forced to turn to other sources of income, such as tourism.
Take coffee, for example: Kilimanjaro is one of the oldest cultivation areas in the world for the Arabica variety, the harvests there are high-yielding and the beans are aromatic. In recent years, cooperatives, in which farmers traditionally organize themselves, have provided their members with new varieties that can cope better with the lack of rainfall. However, the power of the cooperatives is waning and their de facto monopoly has been broken by politicians – partly because some were poorly managed and had problems with corruption. Unlike in the past, membership is no longer compulsory. On the one hand, it is good for the farmers not to have to put up with corrupt structures, says Wivina Msebeni, who comes from Tanzania herself and is doing her doctorate on coffee cultivation there. “On the other hand, small farmers have a harder time on the market than large plantation owners.” This could lead to a shift in the balance and a concentration of cultivation. This would result in monocultures instead of the traditional mixed farming that has characterized the landscape on the slopes of Kilimanjaro to date: In the so-called “Chagga home gardens”, family farms grow coffee bushes alongside banana trees and vegetable patches.
Example of inheritance law: Traditionally in this region, inheritance is divided between all the sons and daughters of a couple. But as the population grows, this means that the plots of land inherited by the young farmers become smaller and smaller, and because each unit still has a family home on it, the total usable agricultural area shrinks. So not only are there more stomachs to fill, there is also less space to produce the necessary food. Will the right of inheritance remain untouched or will new forms develop? What ways will governments, municipalities and communities find to maintain long-term stability? The group from the University of Kassel is also investigating these questions.
The Kassel project is part of a DFG research group that brings together numerous disciplines and research institutions. While the Kassel sub-project focuses on the influence of institutions and other forms of governance on land use, society and nature, the overall project takes a broader view: What value does nature have for the well-being of people? How can the value of agriculture, biodiversity and tourism magnets be quantified? The researchers are hoping for results that can be transferred to other regions of the world. But that is not easy.
“The difficulty lies in the special characteristics of each region of the world,” Thiel points out. Culture, local economic models, climatic conditions – none of this is easy to transfer from one region to another. In the end, however, there should definitely be one thing: a socio-ecological model of the Kilimanjaro system that depicts the role of institutions, governance and power and, in general, the reality of this time – beyond the romanticism of the savannah that can be marketed to tourists.
Source: originally German text on the homepage of the University of Kassel – category Portraits and stories – by Sebastian Mense: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/aktuelles/meldung/2023/11/23/weniger-platz-fuer-den-chagga-home-garden?cHash=f590fecbb5eaa57d44c1f714399811ab The text has been automatically translated to English.
November 13th, 2023
Field work on Tree Hyraxes completed on Kilimanjaro
Before our first field season in 2023, little was known about Kilimanjaro’s tree hyraxes (Dendrohyrax validus validus). These creatures were quite mysterious and not well-known to the general public. Tree hyraxes, which are medium-sized, nocturnal, and shy animals, are actually closely related to elephants and manatees. They live exclusively in trees and eat only tree leaves. Their vocal behavior is quite diverse and includes melodious calls, but we still don’t know much about how they socialize.
Because tree hyraxes are hard to spot but have loud voices, our main method of studying them on Kilimanjaro involved using small, automatic recording devices placed along forest plots in various routes including Machame, Mweka, Umbwe, Maua, and Marangu. These recordings form the core of our data, helping us estimate how many tree hyraxes are in each area. Our main goal was to figure out where tree hyraxes are in Kilimanjaro and what kinds of places they like. Understanding their habitat needs is crucial for their conservation. In the past, tree hyraxes were at risk due to hunting, but now things are looking better because Kilimanjaro National Park and its forests are better protected. In addition to recording their sounds, we collected fecal samples for DNA analysis. We’re analyzing the genetic information to find out if the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax is a unique subspecies, as suggested by its distinctive calls compared to other tree hyraxes in the Eastern Arc Mountains and the coastal regions. We’re also studying tree hyraxes in other areas of Kenya and Tanzania to learn about their different vocal dialects, which will give us insights into how they evolved in Eastern Africa. Conservation efforts for tree hyraxes are limited because not many people know about them. Through our research, we hope to raise awareness about these fascinating creatures that are quietly disappearing from various parts of Africa.
– Hanna Rosti –
October 24th, 2023
New knowledge on the importance of tree leaves for CO2 storage
In a comprehensive, large-scale study involving nearly 400 collaborators, researchers from around the world have gathered data on various tree species. Also, the data contributed by Andreas Hemp during the Kili-Projects (2010-2023) were incorporated in this study. The outcomes of this research have been recently published in the journal Nature Plants, and they have greatly enhanced our comprehension of diverse tree leaf characteristics. As a result, we are now better equipped to make inferences about ecosystems and the carbon dioxide (CO2) cycle.
By quantifying the distribution of tree leaf types and their associated biomass, and by identifying regions where climate change is likely to impose more significant pressure on existing leaf types, these findings empower us to make more accurate predictions regarding the future functionality of terrestrial ecosystems and the carbon cycle. Understanding the distinctive leaf types of trees is of utmost importance for understanding their roles within terrestrial ecosystems, encompassing aspects such as carbon, water, and nutrient dynamics. Coniferous leaves, for instance, differ from deciduous leaves due to their water-conserving characteristics, albeit with lower biomass productivity. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, have evolved to adapt to seasonal climatic conditions, enabling them to thrive in areas that evergreen trees cannot, such as regions susceptible to frost or drought.
As Andreas Hemp from the Department of Plant Systematics at the University of Bayreuth points out, “However, our knowledge of the factors that influence the foliage types of forests is still limited, so we do not know exactly how large the proportion of coniferous and foliage-bearing as well as evergreen and deciduous trees is worldwide.“ To address this knowledge gap, nearly 400 researchers from across the globe have pooled their data resources, resulting in a comprehensive, ground-based evaluation of the diversity of forest leaf types. This evaluation was achieved by merging data from nearly 10,000 forest inventory plots with records from the international Plant Trait Database TRY, which provides insights into leaf characteristics, such as shape (deciduous vs. coniferous) and habit (evergreen vs. deciduous).
“We found that global variation in leaf longevity (leaf habit) depends primarily on the extent of seasonal temperature variation and soil properties, while leaf shape is primarily determined by temperature,” says Hemp. For leaves to fulfil their important function in the ecosystem, these conditions must be right.
– Claudia Hemp –
Adapted from: University of Bayreuth, Press release No 149/2023 – 24 October 2023: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/press-release/plant-leaf-carbon-capture
Publication: Ma H, Crowther TW, Mo L, et al. (2023) The global biogeography of tree leaf form and habit. Nature Plants. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01543-5
September 22nd, 2023
Advertised PostDoc position for Kili-SES subproject 7
Until October 15th, 2023, applications for the available PostDoc position in the Kili-SES subproject 7 “Kilimanjaro as an integrated Social-Ecological System” based in the Plant Ecology Group at the Institute of Plant Sciences of the University of Bern can be sent to dominic.martin@unibe.ch.
For further information, please check the job advertisement.
September 11th, 2023
Kili-SES two-days noon-to-noon meeting from September 6th to 8th, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany
From September 6th to 8th the Kili-SES research unit convened in Frankfurt where the first and half of the second day were spent on comprehensively reviewing the accomplishments of the individual subprojects. The rest of the second and the third day were then dedicated to brainstorming about ideas for a next phase of Kili-SES.
Overall, the meeting proved highly productive, offering valuable insights into fieldwork, data collection, and the occasional challenges when collecting field data. Additionally, the group engaged in discussions about knowledge gaps and various innovative ideas that could be addressed in the next phase.
During the workshop, it became evident that the group has formed strong bonds, with subprojects collaborating intensively and providing mutual support. Interestingly, the most excellent ideas for the next phase of Kili-SES emerged during a joint dinner at a traditional Frankfurt apple wine tavern illustrating the fruitful collaboration within the research unit, also beyond the purely professional level.
– Claudia Hemp –
August 23rd, 2023
Global study on invasive tree species: Bayreuth researcher investigates dynamics of biodiversity on Kilimanjaro
An international study published in „Nature“ shows for the first time on a global scale for what reasons and to what extent tree species invade ecosystems where they are not native. A total of 226 scientists from 54 countries in all continents contributed to this study on invasive tree species. Andreas Hemp from the University of Bayreuth and PI of SP6 of Kili-SES studied 65 plots at different altitudes on Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
He contributed the results of many years of empirical field research on Kilimanjaro to the study and emphasizes that a close look at the conditions on the ground is needed to make concrete statements about the reasons for and extent of the spread of non-native tree species. The most important factor in the immigration of alien tree species at Kilimanjaro is human-induced disturbance of forest ecosystems. Because more and more wood – either for energy supply or as building material – was taken from the existing forests, thinning occurred into which tree species coming from outside could advance. This development is particularly striking in alluvial forests which extend in narrow strips from an altitude of 1700 meters into the deep regions cultivated by man.
Another factor that promotes the spread of invasive tree species is the proximity of forest plantations. For example, tree species such as Mexican cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) and Pinus patula, a pine species native to Mexico, grow here. The plantations serve as a reservoir for foreign tree species which invade the natural forest belt at the foot of Kilimanjaro particularly easily. Here, the forests are already heavily disturbed by human intervention.
Forest fires play a central role in changing the forest areas around Kilimanjaro and the wider region. In recent decades, numerous Australian eucalyptus species have spread, as has the acacia species Acacia maernsii, which is also native to Australia. With their foliage that is difficult to decompose, rich in essential oils and accumulates on the forest floor, they increase fire danger, but they can also survive larger fires well and then multiply easily.
– Claudia Hemp –
Adapted from: University of Bayreuth, Press release No. 118/2023-23 August 2023: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/press-releases/invasive-tree-species
Publication: Camille S. Delavaux et al.: Native diversity buffers against severity of non-native tree invasions. Nature (2023), https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06440-7 – DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06440-7
May 10th, 2023
Why is water quality a social concern on Mt. Kilimanjaro?
The Kili-SES Work Package 2 (WP2) of Sub-Project 1 (SP1) aims to measure the supply of regulating water-related Nature’s Contributions to People (NCPs) along climatic and land-use gradients. Freshwater quality and freshwater quantity, including distribution in space and time, are the two regulating water-related NCPs, which are addressed by our subproject.
Preliminary results from interviews and surveys with various stakeholder groups conducted by the social-science subprojects have shown that society is very concerned about water quality as a contribution from nature to their well-being and the environment around them. This result was a great motivation for us to organise an assessment of the state of water quality in the project area.
Fifty-five water samples of different types of water were collected during the dry season (last two weeks of February 2023) within the project study area. Samples were collected from streams, irrigation canals, groundwater and springs to capture variability of water quality across the altitudinal and land-use gradient within the main river basins. Rainfall, ice melt and snow melt samples were collected to aid understanding of the contribution of different water sources to the hydrological cycle. In addition, tap water samples were collected to assess the drinking water quality, which will be compared with the established Tanzanian and international drinking water standards. These samples were taken from selected villages that were involved in the social science surveys.
A total number of twenty-six parameters, including biological, chemical and physical parameters, are being analysed both in laboratories and in the field. The laboratory analyses are still ongoing with the support of the Ngurdoto Research Group, a laboratory of the Tanzanian Ministry of Water and the laboratory of the Landscape Ecology and Resource Management Department of the Justus Liebig University of Giessen.
We will keep you updated on the results of this study.
– Frank Shagega & Fabia Codalli –
March 16th, 2023
50 years KINAPA and price of long-term research for Andreas Hemp
On March 15th and 16th, 2023, the 50th anniversary of Kilimanjaro National Park was celebrated with various events. On the first day, TANAPA/KINAPA organized a day-long symposium at the Kilimanjaro Region Commissioner conference hall in Moshi, which brought together stakeholders from the conservation, tourism, and sustainable development fields. Andreas Hemp was one of the presenters at the symposium (Fig. 1) summarizing research on Kilimanjaro with a focus on fires. Dr. Hemp emphasized the need for a fire-fighting airplane to cope with the increasing fire frequency caused by a continuously drier climate, not only for Kilimanjaro but also for Mt Meru and the adjacent Pare Mountains. He also highlighted the importance of restoring forest cover in the region, given that Kilimanjaro has lost more than 50% of its former forest cover in the last 150 years, in order to mitigate changes in regional climatic conditions.
On the second day, a grand celebration was held at KINAPA’s headquarters in Marangu, which was attended by several notable figures, including the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Regional Commissioner of Kilimanjaro, and leaders of TANAPA and KINAPA, along with all the Conservation Commissioners of Tanzanian National Parks. Quite a number of old friends were greeted, including Ephraim Mwangomo, the Conservation Commissioner of Sadaani National Park, who was a PhD student in the first phase of the Kili project, and Betrita Loibooki, the predecessor of Angela Nyaki, the current Conservation Commissioner of KINAPA (Fig. 2).
During the celebration, a number of awards were presented to individuals who had made exceptional contributions to Kilimanjaro National Park. Among the recipients was Andreas Hemp, who received a golden award for his long-term research on the mountain (see video and Fig. 3). In her speech (see video and Fig. 4), Mrs. Thrän-Lardi, the representative of the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, highlighted the budget of 150 million Euro allocated alone in 2023 to support the Tanzanian National Parks Serengeti, Nyerere and Selous as well as Katavi. She also drew attention to the significant budget of the Kili project, which has been ongoing since 2010 and is focused on improving human well-being, with a budget of approximately 20 million Euro since the programm started. Additionally, Mrs. Thrän-Lardi praised the capacity-building efforts of the Kili project, which have helped to educate Tanzanian scientists, and underscored the strong collaboration among German, Swiss, and Tanzanian universities and institutes, including the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center.
The celebration featured a rich program with several songs specially composed for the occasion to entertain the numerous guests (video).
– Claudia Hemp –
January 23rd, 2023
Interview Article: The value of nature – Climbing Kilimanjaro for healing cancer
While dealing with cancer treatment, Prof. Dr. Berta Martín-López climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. She transformed her challenge into a contribution to sustainable development in the region through a fundraising campaign for Tanzanian cancer patients. Her personal engagement follows the scientific engagement in a research project about the impact of nature on people’s wellbeing. This is more than only a story. That’s why she invited Carsten Bruhn from Leuphana’s Hochschulsport, who trained her in the previous year, and her PhD Student Milena Gross, with whom she shared not only a tent for a week but also an experience of a lifetime at the roof of Africa.
For more information, please refer to the full interview article by Stella Eick, Leuphana University Lüneburg: https://www.leuphana.de/en/institutions/faculty/sustainability/news/single-view/2023/01/23/the-value-of-nature.html