{{A new technology is expected to improve tree cover in arid areas as government gears up to improve country’s tree cover to 10 per cent to fight climate change.}}
Researchers have developed tree species that are adapted to arid counties and the technology is already on pilot basis in nine counties including Tharaka, Kitui, Machakos, parts of Embu County as well as Siaya and Homabay, Laikipia, Turkana and Marsabit.
Environment cabinet secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu said the government had set a target to plant 50 million trees this financial year, in a bid to fight climate change, which has become a global challenge.
“We have to reach the 50 million target set for my ministry and I am counting on this technology to help increase our forest cover,” she said.
She said ravages associated with climate change such as floods, drought and scarcity of food and water was a threat to fighting extreme poverty and hunger and in environmental sustainability.
The technology which involves harvesting rain water in arid areas to grow trees and crops on farms as well on communal land has been extended to 19 other countries in Sub Saharan Africa, whose senior environmental officers have received training from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for the past 19 years.
The new method, which involves introduction of two tree species as well as improved crop varieties intercropped with trees that can withstand dry weather, is expected to improve livelihoods, boost food security and deal with negative effects of climate change.
Prof Wakhungu was speaking at Kefri headquarters during the launch of a five day training programme for senior environmental officers from 19 countries, who are expected to roll out the technology in their respective countries.
The country has been pushing to improve its forest cover to internationally recognised levels of 10 per cent, but has faced challenges including wanton destruction of forests, and lack of land in the fertile areas, where population boom has left little space for trees leave alone growth of food crops.
Kefri director Dr Ben Chikamai said the focus on arid areas to grow trees was meant to deal with challenge of lack of land in arable areas, where trees would grow naturally.
There was however no figures to indicate how much tree cover had been realised using the new technology, which was however lauded as popular with farmers in the arid areas, and was expected to help government achieve its 50 million trees target as well as improving country’s tree cover.
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