We recently welcomed Haji Khamis to our syntropic agroforestry plot at APOPO’s main office. A forestry student at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Haji has been passionate about plants and sustainability since his high school days.
In 2016, while studying at Lumumba Secondary School, he founded and managed the Lumumba Roots & Shoots Botanic Garden — a project focused on conserving plant biodiversity in Zanzibar. His dedication earned him the Best Student Award for Environmental Care in 2022.
Motivated to deepen his impact, Haji pursued a BSc in Forestry at SUA, aiming to expand his knowledge and advance his career in forest and plant conservation.
Inspired by a Syntropic Agroforestry Workshop
Haji first learned about APOPO’s involvement in agroforestry when he attended our public syntropic agroforestry workshop in December 2024. Moved by the approach and its potential, he reached out to us soon after.
Determined to contribute meaningfully, Haji visited APOPO’s Tanzania headquarters to present a compelling research proposal titled, “To evaluate the soil moisture retention capacity in syntropic farming systems and conventional farming systems, to understand their impact on agriculture, sustainability, crop productivity, and soil health.”
Researching Soil Moisture and Sustainability
The core goal of Haji’s research is to compare soil moisture retention between syntropic agroforestry plots and conventional farming systems. By analyzing soil samples from both environments, he aims to better understand their respective impacts on sustainability, crop productivity, and long-term soil health. To support his work, Haji collected randomized soil samples and began an in-depth analysis, bringing science and sustainability together to inform future farming practices.
Importantly, the results of Haji’s research will be submitted near the University Exams (UE) as part of his undergraduate degree completion requirements, demonstrating not only his commitment to academic excellence but also his contribution to advancing sustainable agricultural knowledge.
Stay tuned for more ways to learn, connect, and contribute to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
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