Abstract:

While indigenous tree species contribute to a cleaner environment through carbon sequestration, they are also a
source of livelihoods to households through provision of tree products like fruits, nuts, medicine, fiber, construction
poles, firewood, timber, sap and resins. Indigenous tree species also play service roles including beautification,
provision of shade,wildlifehabitat, soiland waterconservationand soilfertilityimprovement. However,unsustainable
use and management practices are a threat to indigenous trees, thus calling for interventions to abate this situation
and therefore promote their use for the different purposes. The increasing demand for tree products will be met by
increased levels of tree planting, not only of the exotic species but also of the indigenous species which for decades
have supported human livelihoods and are more adapted to local environments.