::: FACT ::: The best way to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere is through photosynthesis  ::: FACT ::: Trees grow up to 3 times faster, and absorb far more CO2 in the Tropics than in the UK  ::: FACT ::: For every 5 trees planted in de-forested areas, 15 are likely to grow back from dormant seeds lying in the ground :::

BUSINESSES
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sponsor & plant trees now

% of original natural forest 36%
agricultural and forest cover 28%

Area	118,500 sqkm
Population estimation	14,500,000
Capital City	Lilongwe
Threatened species	24
Threatened mammal species	7
Internet users 2007	140,000
Life expectancy	48yrs
GNI per capita	250$
Electricity produced by fossil fuel	3.3% (UK-74%)
Electricity by Hydro	97% (UK-0.9%)
Electricity produced by fossil fuel	3.3% (UK-74%)

Agriculture - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Problem Summary

Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. Deforestation for raw materials and crop production have caused considerable land degradation. Water pollution from agriculture, sewage and industrial wastes have caused the siltation of spawning grounds and endangered fish populations.

PLANT FRUIT TREES NOW

Project Location

The project spreads around a 4,000sqkm area to the north of Lake Malawi. The level of the river has dropped considerably over recent years, and the area is in desperate need of more trees to guide water down to underground aquifers, as well as to assist various other environmental issues.

Project Description

Ripple Africa provide a range of environmentally benefitting education and action programs. We only fund existing and experienced nurseries in their entirety, to ensure success and maximised benefits. Many different types of tree species are grown, and these benefit the local communities as well as the local and global environment.

Indigenous Trees

For whole nursery sponsorships, these trees can be counted when they are planted in open areas. Otherwise trees are counted before they are planted in the ground, as they are completing their period in the nursery. At least 25% extra are grown in the nursery, to ensure enough survive on their own. Direct benefits consist predominantly of re-fertilising soils, reducing flooding, reducing erosion, encouraging surrounding growth, encouraging the return of wildlife.

Fruit Trees

Both exotic and indigenous fruit trees are grown, but exotic hybrids take much longer to grow, and similarly can only be grown in much smaller numbers. The process involves budding new imported shoots, with existing indigenous fruit seedlings. Unless specifically requested, our fruit trees will consist of Mango, avocado, guava, papaya, olives, lemons etc and not exotic oranges and banana's etc

Project Facilitators

• To improve the standard of education and healthcare
• To preserve and sustainably develop the environment
• To create opportunities for local communities

Ripple Africa is operated by Geoff and Liz Furber, who work full time supporting the local towns and families to build schools and training facilities, homes and businesses and are looking for volunteer teachers, doctors and nurses etc. They go to a lot of effort and expense encouraging improved agricultural methods and similarly, protecting existing forestry areas. With the support of Town Chiefs, schools and various other organisations, because of them directly and indirectly more than a million trees are planted every year in Malawi.