Wonder tree helps crops thrive through dry spells

Melia volkensii, the tree helping farmers beat poverty.

Worried that a drought could wipe out his crops back in the year 2000, farmer Jonathan Kituku Mung’ala remembered meeting agricultural customers in his previous job with Kenya’s power company, who were making good money growing a hardy, native tree.

Called mukau by locals, the melia volkensii tree is known for thriving in drylands, and provides thick shade that protects crops from the sun.