By D, KNA
The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, has urged residents of Homa Bay County to plant fruit trees to reap multiple benefits.
He said the trees will improve food security as well as mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Speaking yesterday, when he led a tree planting exercise at Wiga and Ligongo Primary Schools in Suba South Sub- county, Mbadi said climate change was a serious challenge to humanity.
Mbadi led the exercise in which more than 5,000 seedlings were planted. During the event, residents also were given tree seedlings to plant in their homes.
Mbadi who was accompanied by the Homa Bay Woman Rep. Joyce Osogo, said the activity is aimed at ensuring the national target of 15 billion trees is achieved by 2032.
“Climate change is a serious issue affecting our country, today. What we are doing here is to address the impact of climate change,” Mbadi said.
He said fruit trees improve food security, provide shade and conserves the environment.
“Let us embrace planting fruit trees. This will help us in alleviating food shortage and promote conservation of environment at the same time,” Mbadi said, expressing hope that the country will achieve the target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
“We want to ensure the country has the required tree cover and we must ensure we achieve it,” Mbadi added. Dr Osogo emphasized on the significance of tree planting.
She said environmental conservation will ensure a bright future for the future generations.
“Mitigating climate change, today, will help our future generations to produce food.” Dr Osogo said, adding that the programme is in line with her ten-point development Agenda.
“Tree planting is in line with my Agenda of promoting tree planting in schools, to conserve our environment,” Dr Osogo said.
Interior PS Raymondo Omollo led a similar exercise at Mbita Comprehensive School in Suba South Constituency.