Together with students and researchers from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), we conduct scientific studies on native tree species such as Anisophyllea boehmi and other native trees in Tanzania. Some of these trees have not yet been cultivated by humans but only grow in natural forests. For others, research is already carried out but much of this knowledge has largely remained in scientific journals where it does not reach the local communities. Therefore, our goal is to support the domestication and planting of native trees by decreasing existing knowledge gaps both in science and among local communities.

With our research we investigate among others how these trees can be cultivated and how they may be used to support the livelihoods of local communities, for example by examining methods for seed collection, germination and testing possibilities for planting the trees in combination with crops to create agroforestry systems. Furthermore, we conduct baseline surveys in local communities to assess indigenous knowledge and relations to native trees.

Currently, we are working on a study of indigenous knowledge systems relating to the domestication of native tree species in spice-based agroforestry systems in the Eastern Arc Mountains, which are part of one of the thirty-six global biodiversity hotspots. The study will assess which native species are currently used and how, evaluate farmers attitudes and traditional practices related to native tree domestication, map existing tree nurseries and identify community needs 

A mid-term goal of our organization is to establish a centre for Native Trees Studies of Africa which would function as a hub for researchers to further explore the potential benefits of native trees for people, biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation.