Project Update: April 2010

The project continued in January 2010 by establishing more tree nurseries with emphasis on indigenous and multi-purpose trees. Many farmers prefer trees like Cordia, Markhamia, Croton and Prunus as they do not destroy soil fertility. Multi-purpose trees like luquats, Psidium guavaja, blackcurrants and avocado trees are also preferred as they provide fruits, fuel wood and building poles.

Besides Weru Self Help Group (with 5000 trees in their nursery) that we worked with in the first Rufford-funded project, we have two new groups: Mwitethie Kiroone Women Group (with 4000 seedlings in nursery) and Gichera Enviromental Program-GEP (With 3000 seedlings in their nursery). We have managed to plant trees with GEP in public areas (church compounds, local primary school compounds and chiefs camps). During the tree planting campaigns we explain to the local communities the essence of planting trees and the effects of clearing trees from their farms on soil fertility, erosion and climate change.

Simultaneously we are collecting data on local knowledge and production of indigenous crops and beekeeping practices among the local communities. We have trained some community members who are helping us with training. The local communities have also received the hybrid hives with enthusiasm and we plan to issue more hives to the members.