There is no doubt that Marula is important to rural communities for a variety of reasons. It is important that its role in the lives of many is not underestimated. It is a drought resistant species therefore it is important in times of hardship and it is available in communal lands for human survival. People who live in communal areas rely on indigenous woodland for most of their fuel, graze and browse for animals, food, medicine and other benefits (Bradley and Dewees, 1993).
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The study has revealed that people from Matshena village situated in the former Mutale Municipality which are mostly women, possess a sound knowledge related to the uses of Sclerocarya birrea. The practice is mostly influenced by its population. The study showed that male people are not interested in the uses of S. birrea. Much of the knowledge on the use of Sclerocarya birrea is lost due to not being passed on from one generation to the next.
The fact that the mostly used part of S. birrea is fruit is good because this will increase the availability of the species if the seed kernels are not removed after using the pulp of the fruit.
The negative impact in terms of sustaining the population through germination by seeds may only be posed by excessive use of seed kernels, since it may affect recruitment.
It is recommended that communities should be encouraged to use Marula efficiently for their own benefits and for commercial reasons.
31 References
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36 CHAPTER FOUR
POPULATION STRUCTURE OF Sclerocarya birrea IN COMMUNAL AREA OF MASEA VILLAGE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE