At a time when Kenya, like many other parts of the globe, is grappling with climate change and its effects, calls to plant trees in large numbers have been rampant.
Environmental experts have, however, called for keen focus on not just planting trees, but minding the specific species that are planted in particular areas.
The experts advise that while tree planting by itself is important, it is even more vital to ensure that the right trees are planted in particular areas where they can survive and thrive.
“Trees that are native to a particular region should be encouraged because they are adaptive to climatic conditions of these areas,” says Francis Oduor, the national lead of My Farm Trees Project at The Alliance Bioversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
In a bid to realise increased tree cover in the county and restore lost diversity, the Alliance Bioversity and CIAT in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the My Farm Trees Project in 2022.
The project which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is being implemented in Siaya, Turkana and Laikipia counties.
Beyond Kenya, My Farm Trees Project is also working in Cameroon.
The project is keen on supporting the restoration of landscapes and enhancing genetic diversity by planting indigenous trees that are native to specific areas.
Oduor said the project is working with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to onboard and provide technical assistance to local tree nurseries in the three counties to support the production of quality planting materials by offering training.
He said through the collaboration with KEFRI, the project is not just in the production in the nursery but starting right from the collection of the most appropriate and diverse seeds.
“Since establishing my tree nursery in 2016, I have been trying to urge local farmers to plant trees but the uptake has been slow, especially among young farmers,” says Lawrence Ogoda, a tree nursery operator.
He is among those registered under the MyGeo Tree and MyGeo Nursery Apps, which help in collecting data and progress on seed collection, propagation and development at the nurseries.
“I have been trained on seed collection, raising seedlings and record keeping; thanks to My Farm Trees project,” says Ogoda.
For a long time, Morris Onyango watched helplessly as the relentless floods of the adjacent River Nzoia swept away the fertile soil from his farm, leaving his land degraded.
His answer to preventing further degradation came when he was issued with 175 seedlings of assorted trees which he planted along the river bank.
“It is a win-win for me because I will reclaim the land, prevent further erosion and get some incentive for taking care of the trees,” he says. When he finally receives payment, he adds that he plans to invest in some personal projects which have stalled.
Under the project, farmers are registered on MyGeo Farm App through which they monitor seedlings from planting to growing.
Through the App, farmers can monitor and report progress.
Since the project was rolled out more than 1,300 farmers have been registered on MyGeo Tree App and over 100,000 seedlings have been planted across the three counties.
Depending on how many trees survive, farmers will receive incentives directly to their mobile phones. Key in the project’s focus is the planting of indigenous trees that are native to the particular counties.
“I don’t mind if I will be paid via mobile phone or bank, all I know is that I will be able to continue with some projects that have long stalled,” he says.
Joshua Schneck, the GEF and Green Climate Fund (GCF) Portfolio Manager for Global Programs at IUCN, describes My Farm Trees as an innovative project driven towards sustainable transformation.
The project is supported by GEF while IUCN has been instrumental from its design to ongoing implementation.
Schneck adds that the use of local seedlings ensures high chances of survival as they (the seedlings) are already adapted to local climate.
