Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Rubber Planting

On August 15, 1868, in the Northern Great Lakes Region of East Africa (Uganda), immigrants who had just finished working in the fields began planting rubber trees imported from Brazil. Brazilian agricultural expert Albert Verga guided the immigrants in planting rubber tree seedlings, stressing the importance of proper spacing, ventilation, light, and convenient transportation for better management and future harvesting.

Albert Verga, though not a true expert but a Brazilian rubber grower with practical experience, advised the workers. He mentioned that rubber trees were not temperature-sensitive, and East Africa's tropical climate was suitable for their growth. He noted that rubber trees required a minimum annual precipitation of 1200mm, and while East Africa's rainfall was not entirely stable, the Great Lakes region was relatively rainy, making it a suitable area for rubber planting.

When asked about the use of rubber trees, Albert Verga admitted that he was unsure about their exact applications. He explained that his role in Brazil had been limited to planting and harvesting, and the rubber was sold to European buyers. He only knew that the harvested product resembled a jelly-like substance that hardened over time.

The purpose of planting rubber trees in East Africa was clear to Ernst and the Hechingen Consortium. Rubber had significant strategic importance, and future demand for it was expected to rise. Therefore, they were planning ahead by establishing rubber plantations.

The growth cycle of rubber trees was relatively long, taking six to seven years before they started producing valuable rubber. To secure a stable supply, they had decided to start planting rubber early. A 10,000-acre rubber plantation was initiated that year, with plans to expand it each year.

While East Africa might not have the ideal conditions for rubber planting compared to West Africa's tropical rainforest, the Great Lakes region, with its relatively stable rainfall, was deemed suitable. The focus was on securing a large rubber plantation there before moving on to other regions.

Albert Verga explained that rubber tree harvesting was more like bloodletting. Workers would cut a hole in the tree and collect the white sap, which resembled blood, in containers. He reassured the immigrants that they wouldn't have to worry about harvesting for at least six or seven years, as it would take that long for the saplings to mature.

Albert Verga's role extended beyond just having rubber planting experience; his ability to speak German was crucial for his employment in East Africa. Communication was challenging, especially since many new immigrants had recently arrived near the Great Lakes. The East African colony also mobilized experienced immigrants to help newcomers adapt to their new life.

In preparation for education, German teachers were getting ready for the East African-style compulsory education in the newly built districts. Adult education, especially in oral communication, would be the initial focus. Fortunately, many of the new immigrants were without children, as the risks of the sea voyage discouraged families with kids.

Overall, the rubber planting initiative in East Africa was part of the Hechingen Consortium's forward-thinking strategy, and it aimed to ensure a steady supply of rubber for future needs.