By Esther Mwanth
Tree planting is a practice that is encouraged due to its myriad benefits. In Kenya, there are various initiatives and policies that have been formulated to promote agroforestry and protect natural resources such as water sources and public forests. These are:
National tree growing and restoration campaign
This campaign was launched on 21st December 2022.It targets the planting of at least 15 billion trees by the year 2032. In addition, the initiative provides that each individual living in Kenya (young and old) should plant at least 30 trees each year. So, for a population of 50 million in Kenya, the expected trees to be planted per year is (30x50m) and that translates to 15 billion for a period of 10 years.
Forest policy 2005
Among the key elements in the Forest Policy 2005, is the involvement of adjacent forest communities and other stakeholders in forest management and conservation. This policy is being implemented through the new forest legislation under the community participation section.
The communities adjacent to forests are required to come together in formation of an association called Community Forest Association. They should then come to an agreement with Kenya Forest Service on how to participate in the management and conservation of the public forest, that is within the community.
The law provides that a community of people living within a radius of 5km of any public forest is the one allowed to form a Community Forest Association and hence participate in the management and conservation of that forest.
The forest associations that have already been formed since the initiation of the policy have demonstrated reliability in supporting the management and conservation of our public forests.
The community as well benefits from the forests through provisions stipulated in the Forest Management Agreement that the community association develops with the Kenya Forest Service. In the agreement each party has its level of commitment that if not followed can be sued by the other party.
Kenya’s policy on 10% tree cover
This policy aims for a minimum of 10% tree cover in every farmland and is enshrined in the 2010 constitution. The percentage has been raised to 30% tree cover in every farmland by 2032 with a focus on restoring degraded lands and mitigating climate change impacts. So every farmer in Kenya should ensure there is a tree cover in the farm of about 30% of the land area of the farm.
The Agricultural policy 2021
This policy provides a strong emphasis on maintaining a minimum of 10% tree cover on all agricultural land holding to support sustainable agricultural practices.
This provides incorporation of Agroforestry trees in farmlands whether in an alley system or random planting. Farmers are advised to seek advice from agroforestry officers for guidance on the most suitable trees to plant on the farm.
NEMA guidelines on planting of Eucalyptus trees
Eucalyptus trees do well in Agro- ecological areas such as lowlands and the mountainous highlands. The trees are known for their many uses ranging from firewood, building materials, transmission poles and timber among others. However the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulates the planting of Eucalyptus trees because of their adverse effects on the environment.
NEMA, which is the body tasked with the responsibility of taking care of the environment, banned the planting of trees along riparian areas or shorelines to a distance of at least thirty meters from the highest ever recorded flood level.
In effect of that directive, any Eucalyptus trees under thirty meters from the riverbanks were ordered to be removed in order to preserve water sources. The authority also banned the planting of Eucalyptus trees at a distance below six meters from the road reserves and common boundaries.
This means that no Eucalyptus trees should be planted in common boundaries unless one plants the trees six meters away from the common boundary and on his/her side.
So any farmer going against this guideline is breaking the law and can be charged in a court of law.
For more articles :