borsetta realizzata con corteccia d'albero battuta e dipinta a mano. La superficie riporta l'immagine dipinta di una bambina che saluta con un villaggio alle sue spalle. Ai lati compare la scritta Mary Imm. Sch. Gulu. Si tratta con ogni probabilità di una borsetta-cartella per la scuola del villaggio. La borsetta è accompagnata da una etichetta descrittiva con la scritta: "dipinto da scolarette". La corteccia ha rappresentato uno dei primi materiali utilizzati per realizzare indumenti nell’Africa tropicale. E questi tipo di capi ha tuttora una forte valenza rituale tra parecchie popolazioni ugandesi. I numerosi baganda, il cui territorio confina con il lago Vittoria, si distinguono per la copiosa produzione di articoli da impiegare come sudari oppure come abiti (noti come lusango) da indossare in occasione di funerali o di altre cerimonie. Le stoffe, in particolare nei pressi della città di Masaka, sono realizzate dagli uomini baganda che utilizzano la corteccia di una varietà tropicale di fico, il Ficus natalenis. Il genere più apprezzato è il kimate, di colore rosso scuro. La corteccia può essere strappata via dall’albero una volta all’anno, in questo modo se e consente la ricrescita. Nel villaggio di Lusango, specializzato nella confezione di tessuti di corteccia, gli alberi vengono incisi e scorticati a partire dalla zona immediatamente superiore alle radici fino a circa tre metri di altezza. Il tronco ha una circonferenza di circa un metro e ottanta centimetri: la corteccia raschiata via è sufficiente alla produzione di tre pezze, che vengono vendute sul posto. Il materiale viene inumidito e poi battuto su un ceppo dello stesso fico o di un altro albero, conosciuto come soga soga: per l’operazione si ricorre a mazze di legno di guava, dalla testa rinforzata. (Rif. "Tessuti di corteccia dell’Uganda” in Gillow J., 2003 “Tessuti africani”, p. 172. Skira, Milano). Bark cloth is traditionally used at burials and enthronement of kings, for ceremonial attires –sometimes with elaborate print designs – and for covering the interior of buildings. Apart for the process of removing the bark, beating and tending it, the cultivation of the trees is a crucial element of the bark cloth production. Not all species of the mituba tree are suitable and trees are must be pruned regularly in order that the trunk can grow straight so as to produce large piece of bark. The mituba trees are also often inter-cropped with banana trees and coffee plants since their leaves provide shade and nutrition to these cash crops. Furthermore, the leaves of bananas are used for the protection of the trunk after the removal of the bark so that the trunk can regenerate to produce new bark. The knowledge about the production of bark cloth is transmitted orally and through practical apprenticeship from generation to generation. With the ongoing tendency for young people to move to urban areas, reinforced by the effects of modernization, the use of bark cloth has significantly declined. Moreover, bark cloth makers tend to be marginalized and associated with low social status. Most people of Uganda, particularly the younger generations, therefore do not appreciate the importance bark cloth had and still may have in their society, which puts the transmission of this heritage at risk. Limited numbers of bark cloth makers from the older generations are still producing the cloth, however, and their knowledge ahould be revitalized, safeguarded and promoted. (Rif. Unganda National Commission for Unesco, “Revitalisation of bark cloth making in Uganda”. Borchure on a Unesco/Japanese funds-in-trust project for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage). Sul declino e il progetto di rivitalizzazione dei tessuti ganda vedi: www.unesco-uganda.ug/index.php?.. Segue un estratto: 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.1.1 The bark cloth industry Bark cloth was one of the first fabrics of tropical Africa and to this day has strong ritual importance to the people of Uganda. Bark cloth is basically made from the bark of ficus trees. The bark cloth industry in Uganda is traced back from the 14th century. According to oral traditions, the skill was invented by a man called Wamala of the Ngonge clan while on a hunting spree in a forest in Mawokota county, Mpigi district.  To date, the traditional skill and practice is vested in the Ngonge clan who produce bark cloth for the Buganda kingdom. Among the Baganda, the skill of bark cloth making was more concentrated in the south western part of the kingdom of Buddu and Kooki. The bark cloth became a national dress in the 18th century during the reign of Kabaka Semakookiro who ordered his subjects to plant Ficus natalensis (mituba trees) in their gardens.  Many people believe that with the introduction of cotton cloth by Arab caravan traders in the nineteenth century, bark cloth production slowed and eventually faded out, reducing the wearing of bark cloth to particular cultural and spiritual functions. However, traditionalists argue that the collapse of bark cloth was never caused by the coming of cotton and linen but the abolition of Buganda's cultural institutions and practices. At the onset of Christianity, however, many African rituals were branded devilish and suffered decades of discrimination spanning the colonial and post colonial eras. Over this period, the number of bark cloth makers declined as the activity became marginalized in society.  The national candidature file outlines the major threats facing the bark cloth industry in Uganda to include; cultural uniformity brought about by missionaries, little attention by the education system, economic hardships forcing bark cloth makers into other trades and marginalization of the bark cloth makers. Nevertheless, bark cloth is still highly recognized among the Baganda community as a marker of their specific political and cultural traditions. In recent years, the production of bark cloth has been particularly encouraged and promoted in the Buganda kingdom. After the restoration of cultural institutions, there has been a renewed interest in old fashioned life styles like the donning of bark cloth and its use for craft products such as hats, mats, book covers or purses. But even when the everyday use of bark-cloth had vanished, its use as a cultural marker remains thriving. All in all, the deliberate policy of the Uganda government that granted powers to the cultural institutions provides hope for the survival and preservation of the knowledge of bark cloth making. The customary rituals and spiritual attachment to bark cloth use is still strong within the cultural setting. Therefore, the continuity of its production is still vital.  1.1.2   Ficus  species Genus ficus belongs to the Family Moraceae commonly referred to as fig trees or simply figs. It is found in all tropical habitat types and comprises about 750 species with about100 species in Africa and the surrounding islands (Serrato, Ibarra-Manriquez  & Oyama, 2004). Fourty four species are known from Uganda (Berg & Hijman, 1989). According to Ipulet 1993, thirty two species of Ficus occur in Buganda region and only fourteen were utilized by the local people. Only Ficus natalensis, F. thonningii and F. ovata are known to be suitable for bark cloth making, F. natalensis being the most commonly used. However, limited knowledge on the distribution, uses, propagation and management of Ficus natalensis is also a threat to the bark cloth industry in Uganda. Other ficus species suitable for bark cloth making are not documented. More so, pests and diseases affecting the Ficus species have not been identified and therefore not documented.  1.2 UNESCO’s Revitalization of Barkcloth Making Initiative  This co-operation project, financed by the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust, was launched in Kampala in December, 2007. It is implemented by the UNESCO Nairobi Office, through a project management committee established by the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the line Ministries and national institutions related to culture, education and natural environment and the Kingdom of Buganda, Uganda.    Bark cloth is produced from the inner bark of the mituba trees, and used by the Buganda people in an important traditional practice which was proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.  With the tendency of young people to move to urban areas, reinforced by the influence of modernization, the use of bark cloth has declined significantly. Moreover, bark cloth-makers tend to be marginalized and associated with low social status. Core activities of the project included documentation of the suitable types and the uses of mituba trees, training young people on bark cloth making, developing a museum visitor programme, encouraging the use of bark cloths in craft production, and establishing a certification process in the national vocational education system.  1.3 Objectives of the study This study aimed at documenting the distribution, uses and management of ficus species in Mpigi district. It specifically addressed the following objectives:- 1. To document ficus species that are useful for bark cloth making; 2. To document the distribution of the ficus species and their availability to the local communities; 3. To document the pests and diseases affecting the ficus species;  4. To document the traditional knowledge of bark cloth makers on management of ficus species; and 5. To identify appropriate propagation methods for widespread planting and enhancement of natural regeneration of the species. 1.4.2 Study design and sampling The study used a descriptive survey (Neuman, 1997) of back cloth makers and farmers, which comprised of both formal and non-formal approaches. The formal survey of farmers sought to establish the distribution of ficus trees on farms in the district. A random sample of 83 farms was used on which farm walks and interviews were held with the household heads. Table 1: Parishes and villages sampled for the survey Sub-county Parish Villages Farms visited Mpigi TC Lwanga Kiizi, Ziwungwe 20 Konkoma Nseke, Jjanya 23 Buwama Kawumba Kawumba, Lusinga 20 Bongole Bongole, Kawaala 20 Non-formal approach was used to gain a detailed account of the bark cloth making industry in Mpigi, the tree management practices involved and major challenges there in. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with bark cloth makers and farmers in two parishes of Nsangwa and Kasaamo, in Buwama Sub-county and Mpigi Town Council respectively. These areas had been identified during the preliminary field visits as the two main existing pockets of bark cloth making activity. 1.4.3 Data collection and analysis Data collection for the formal survey was carried out by the research team with the assistance of enumerators. A structured questionnaire (see appendix 1) designed for this purpose was administered to heads of sampled households and/or their spouses. The data from this component of the study was predominantly quantitative and entered in an Ms Excel workbook and exported to SPSS (version 12.0) for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to derive and compare means, generate frequencies and cross tabulations. The non-formal survey employed rapid rural appraisal (RRA) methods (Chambers, 1994), to collect mainly qualitative data. In-depth interviews, direct observation, preference ranking and review of documents and artifacts were predominant. Both narrative and graphic data was sorted according to study themes and drafted into this report.   2.0 FINDINGS 2.1 Ficus species useful for bark cloth making According to key informants, there are over 30 types of ficus trees species used for bark cloth making in Buganda, some prominent ones of which are outlined in table 2. However, Ipulet (2007), noted that in central Buganda, bark cloth can be made form the bark of Ficus natalensis (mutuba), Ficus thonongii, and Ficus ovata. The types of Ficus trees, however, take on different names from place to place (e.g. different names may be used in Mpigi and Rakai to refer to the same type of Ficus spp).  The naming was also related to uses. Some types* are preferred to others because of their easy workability and ability to produce wide bark cloth from small piece of bark. The type of ficus tree, however, has minimal effect on the quality of bark cloth as the latter is largely attributed on the bark cloth maker’s workmanship. According to Mr. Kaboggoza Peter, the traditional bark cloth maker of the Buganda Kingdom, “people look out for good workmanship, not the type of Ficus tree from which the bark cloth is made”.  In some instances, the bark is boiled prior to the bark cloth making in order to soften it and increase its workability. This process, referred to as okufumba also gives the bark cloth a rich reddish brown color.  Table 2:  Vernacular names (Luganda) of Ficus trees used for bark cloth making NTEESA* NAMWERUKA* NTAWEEBWA* NJWALANGA NAKAJWALANGA* KOKOWE KAGONGOLO* SEKUSU NTAKIRE* MUKUSU NNEMBE* NTASIMBWA NJERUKA NTATYABWABAKAZI NJEBA MUBOJJEREZI NABUGI NAKIBIRA BUTANA KAMPINDI NSERERE Bark cloth makers commonly use the attributes of the trees to differentiate the types of ficus tree spp. For instance, Nteesa was described to be broad leaved with branches growing upward. Nnembe ,on the contrary, has a broad canopy.  Distinctions are also made based on some characteristic features (e.g. color and texture) of the bark cloth derived from particular type of ficus tree. These attributes are commonly implied in the nomenclature of the ficus trees spp. For instance, Njeruka derives its name from the whitish bark cloth it produces; while Ntaweebwa implies a type of bark cloth that is seldom given away. Bark cloth from the latter is highly prized and the only type put on by the Kabaka of Buganda and the royal family. Other types derive names from their common growing niches. Nakibira is mostly found in forests, while Ntasimbwa is named from its peculiar propagation attributes that allow only for natural regeneration.  2.2 Distribution of Ficus species and their availability to the local communities 2.2.1 Level of availability on farms The Ficus trees species are a central component of the traditional farming system. The survey ascertained that at least every farm grew at least one ficus tree. On average, a farm has about six Ficus trees, commonly of Butana, Ntaweebwa and Njeruka types. However, most farmers could not clearly distinguish between the different types of ficus trees spp on their farms. This undermined the legitimacy of their responses on the distribution of specific types of ficus tree spp on farms.  It is also important to note that not all Ficus natalensis trees growing on farm are productive in terms of bark cloth. In many instances, older trees have not been raised to the management requirements for bark cloth production (Fig. 2). Well managed trees are less abundant today compared to 30 years ago, given that many people no longer attach importance to bark cloth making. Bark cloth makers indicated that the farmers’ loss of interest in managing trees for bark cloth has reduced availability of properly raised trees for bark cloth making. The activity is considered a dirty job which on the other hand is not economically rewarding compared to other enterprises like vanilla or off farm employment. The advent of Pentecostal churches which abhor traditional ceremonies e.g. last funeral rites, where bark cloth used to play a central part, has further made the Ficus trees fall in importance. The trees are also used for charcoal making. In light of the slump in the bark cloth market, however, existing stock of productive trees satisfies current demand, but may not sustain revitalized market. 2.2.2 Common growing niche for the Ficus species The ficus tree spp are mostly found scattered on farm especially in banana plantations where they provide shade and support for climber crops like passion fruit and yams. They also commonly exist along farm boundaries.  Recently, there is renewed interest in the ficus trees in the study area as result of the UNESCO revitalization of Barkcloth making initiative. Though farmers are hopeful that this may return bark cloth making to the limelight, uncertainty about the bark cloth market still hinders significant planting and rigorous management of ficus trees species for bark cloth production.   2.2.3 Range of uses for different Ficus species The ficus species are multipurpose trees used for bark cloth making, shade, boundary  marking, fodder, firewood, timber, crop support among other functions. In Mpigi, bark cloth is mostly used for burial and is sold locally. This is because production is mostly done on a small scale. A piece of bark cloth goes for Uganda shillings 20,000/- to 40,000/- depending on the size. The sizes usually range from 2m2 to 4m2. Besides bark cloth making, the ficus trees are also an important agroforestry tree in the farming system, used for providing shade in banana and coffee plantations; and support for climber crops like passion fruits and yams (balugu and kyetutumula). Caution however, is taken to keep the climber away from the stem as this would affect the bark of the tree. The climber is tied to a stone and flung upwards into the branches of the ficus tree from where it grows. The tree sheds leaves every 6 months, providing leaf litter that has a soil fertility enhancing effect. Ficus species leaves are also fodder for goats and .cattle.   Older trees are also used for boat making and carving mortars. When the tree has attained a bole diameter of about 50cm, it can be used for timber. The ficus trees provide good timber that is resistant to borers.   2.3 Parasitic plants, pests and diseases affecting the Ficus species 2.3.1 Parasitic plants The  Nzirugaze,  is the major parasitic plant affecting the Ficus trees. It is propagated by birds and grows onto the branches of Ficus trees. This parasite, sacks the water from the Ficus trees and retards the development of the bark, resulting in difficulty in extraction as well as poor quality bark cloth. The parasite is controlled by detaching the host branch from the tree, lest it may lead to death of the tree.  2.3.2 Pests and diseases Pests and diseases are not a major problem to Ficus natalensis. This is not surprising basing on the fact that the tree is indigenous and has attained adequate ecological stability against pests and diseases. There are, however some insects in the orders of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera that cause damage to the bark of the trees. The most important of these damages is from a Hymnoptera  locally known as Jegeju (taxonomic identification being made). It bores into the bark of the tree , making holes that can go up to 4 cm long (Fig.5). This causes death to some trees. Control for the major pests on Ficus trees is by smearing the bark of the tree with cow dung or burning the insects. The table below shows the different insects and the damage they cause. The species names are being established.  2.4 Traditional knowledge of bark cloth makers on management of Ficus species In order to provide good bark cloth, a Ficus tree should have a straight, single and non-branching stem and an intact bark that is free from scars. To ensure this, a range of management practices are carried out at various stages of tree growth (Table 3). Young trees are pruned to avoid development of multiple stems and branching. In case the stem is bent, the young tree is trained by pealing off a strip of bark from the inner side of the bend to allow straight growth. Any injuries on the bark are treated by smearing cow dung on the wound. The trees are also kept free of parasites (e.g. Nzirugaze), aerial roots (Nsika) and insect pests, through a management process generally referred to as okuyonja emiti. Debarking starts at about 5 years after planting, when the stem has attained diameter of at least 30cm. While debarking, particular caution is taken to avoid injuring the stem as this will reduce the quality of bark cloth in subsequent extractions (Fig. 4). The use of knives is restricted to slitting the bark, while a wedge-like tool – ekiteteme, carved out of the innermost part of a banana stem is used for peeling the bark off the tree stem. This tool is preferred to sharp implements like knives and pangas as it does not injure the tree during the debarking process. A special ladder – nkandaggo is used to allow the one debarking better elevation and reduce chances of accidental damage to the tree. Tradition has it that one is not supposed to respond to greetings while up this ladder as this will result in divided attention.  There are various ficus management practices and farmers practicing particular management practices were determined. Table 3 gives the tree management practices for bark cloth production. According to bark cloth makers interviewed, ficus trees can be debarked twice a year and if harvested annually, for up to 50 years. These trees therefore represent an ideal conservation resource and this coupled with their multiple uses makes them an excellent choice that can contribute to poverty eradication.  Bark cloth making hits a peak during the wet seasons (May, August) when chances of the trees drying up are minimal. After debarking, the stem is wrapped in banana leaves for about 7 days to prevent it from drying up, a process known as okusabika. Thereafter, the tree should be unwrapped to prevent the bark from rotting. Any wounded parts of the stem are then treated by applying cow dung to avoid damaging the subsequent bark. In some instances, the tender bark may require further protection from the suns rays by shielding the sunward side of the stem with dry banana leaves. This process is called okuwembera and lasts about 8 days. Problems encountered during management of ficus trees for bark cloth making were documented. Table 4 gives the percentage of farmers who have ever experienced particular problems. The main problem encountered in management of ficus trees species is damage of the bark by various agents. The main culprits include children, hired laborers and goats that scratch and browse the bark. There are also a few pests and diseases as outlined in section 2.3.  2.5 Appropriate propagation methods for widespread planting and enhancement of natural regeneration of the species Stem cuttings are most common methods of propagating Ficus trees. A stem cutting of about 60-120cm long is commonly planted in a hole of about 30-45cm, usually at a minimum spacing of 5m x 5m. Closer spacing is said to encourage transfer of diseases between trees. The trees are trained when young to enable them grow straight. The problems encountered in propagation of ficus trees are given in Table 5. Possibilities of the tree being propagated by seed could not be verified as none of the informants had attempted to use this method. The general perception, however, was that propagation by stem cuttings enables faster growth than seed, thus, the little interest in propagating the tree through the latter method. 3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  3.1   Conclusions 1. Uncertainty about the bark cloth market still hinders significant planting and rigorous management of ficus trees for bark cloth production. The study revealed that on average, a farm has about six ficus trees. 2. Existing stock of productive trees may satisfy  a localized market but cannot sustain revitalized market. 3. Loss of interest in managing trees for bark cloth has reduced availability of properly raised trees for bark cloth making 4. The current harvestable ficus natalensis stock has not been raised to the management requirements for bark cloth production and this is likely to affect the quality of bark cloth. 3.2     Recommendations 1. Taking into account the scarcity of mituba trees required for barkcloth making, there is need to encourage local communities to plant the priority mituba trees on their farms to ensure for future supplies of bark. 2. Farmers should be sensitized and trained in proper management of mituba trees for quality bark cloth production. 3. There is need to enhance bark cloth market opportunities by conducting a thorough market analysis and training artisans in various ways of value addition. 4. There is need to carry out botanical classification of priority ficus species to determine whether they have significant botanical differences and hence document their botanical names. 5. There is need to carry out taxonomic identification of pests affecting ficus trees Acknowledgements This study was financed by UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust. We are grateful for the collaboration and financial support. The Director NaFORRI, willingly allowed us to participate in this study and provided transport to the field, we are grateful. Mr. Balitta and Mr. Kiwuso, thank you for your active participation in data collection.  Special thanks to the DFO Mpigi who willingly linked as to the bark cloth makers and farmers. All the enumerators thank you for a job well done.  Mr.Vincent Mubiru and  Mr. Kabogozza Peter together with their teams thank you for the  good audience you gave us during key informant interviews. References Chambers, Robert. (1994). “The Origin and Practice of Participatory Rural Appraisal”. World Development, Vol. 22, No. 7, pp. 953-969.   Ipulet.P. (1993) “Distribution and local uses of Genus Ficus (Family Moraceae) in the central region of Uganda”. Perpetua Ipulet.(2007). “Uses of genus Ficus (moraceae) in Buganda region, central Uganda”. Neuman W, Lawrence. (1997). “Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches”. Allyn and Bacon. Boston. Serrato. A., Ibarra-Manriquez.G., &Oyama.K. (2004) “Biogeography and conservation of the genus Ficus (Moraceae) in Mexico”