The government, through the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), has launched a large-scale fruit tree planting initiative aimed at conserving the environment, rehabilitating degraded water catchment areas, and enhancing food security in the semi-arid regions of Kerio valley.
Speaking during the distribution of fruit tree seedlings at Chepkorniswo secondary school in Kipkomo Sub County of West Pokot County, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos said they are distributing 180,000 fruit seedlings to schools and communities to promote food security and income generation.
He stated that the tree seedling distribution exercise is an effort that also aims to respond to the urgent need to combat climate change impacts and address deforestation effects.
He said KVDA has 1.6 million tree seedlings, including fruit trees such as avocados, citrus, and grafted mangoes.
He said the initiative aims to restore forest cover, prevent soil erosion, reduce the risk of landslides, and conserve water sources like rivers emanating from Cherangany Hills, including Kimwarer,Weiwei, Muruny, and Embobut.
He said the program is part of a broader effort to meet Kenya national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
He also said the tree planting initiative seeks to mitigate drought effects and global warming by increasing vegetation cover.
MD Naporos said KVDA emphasizes educating farmers and community members on planting the right trees in appropriate areas, sustainable harvesting methods, and the importance of maintaining trees for environmental and economic benefits.
He said the tree planting program also targets school with learners and teachers expected to nurture the seedlings.
He said in recent efforts KVDA has planted 20,000 trees in Baringo North and 200,000 in soy and Kapseret constituencies, as well as collaborating with international partners such as the Italian Government for conservation projects, including restoring the Cherangany water system.
The MD said the program encourages planting fruit trees like pawpaws, mangoes, and macadamias to boost local livelihoods.
He said farmers are also being supported to farm economic blocs for better marketing of their produce.
He underscored the importance of collective efforts in tree planting and environmental conservation to ensure a sustainable future for the region and country at large.
In her remarks, Wanjiku Manyatta from the ministry of Asal and regional Development and East African Community emphasized the importance of planting trees to meet national targets, with a focus on producing tree seedlings, including fruit varieties that contribute to food security and nutritional value.
Additionally, Zipporah Mandila, an education Quality assurance and Standards Officer from Kipkomo Sub County pointed out the role of learners and teachers in nurturing the planted seedlings.
She said fruit trees planted in a school not only helps in environmental preservation but also provides nutritional benefits that can enhance the health of students.
Grace Lonyako from Chepkorniswo expressed support for the project, noting that planting trees has been lacking in recent years.
She highlighted how trees can serve as a source of income and assist families in paying school fees, thereby supporting both economic and educational goals.
By Anthony Melly
