Forestry Training & Finance for 800 Farms in Kenya

Introduction

We hope this report finds you well and in good spirits. We are happy to share this quarterly report with you and sincerely thanks you for your kind financial support which has enabled us to achieve our objectives. Your continuous support help us to plant over 30 diverse tree species for both income generation, environmental regeneration and biodiversity conservation across our 700 farmers. The over 1 million diverse trees planted and continue to plant has positively impact the community in terms of the environment, economic and social aspects. For instance, farmers are now pruning bigger trees for firewood which is used at home and the extra sold for income. Also they are getting income from sale of moringa seeds and leaves and fruits. The community is more forested than before the project and they are experiencing cooler weather compared to other places where no trees have been planted during this period of dry spell. The infertile soils due to previous constant soil erosion continue to build as foliage from trees continue to fall and decompose thus increasing soil health and water retention. This has resulted to increased crop yields and water retention something the community is proud of and confess to others. The community social strength has increased and farmers are more organized thus able to share their problems more as well as coming up with solutions.

During this reporting quarter, DNRC staff were working in DNRC tree nursery to propagate tree species with the aim of achieving our yearly target of 100,000 seedlings. Main activities involved watering, potting, weeding and pricking. At the same time, our training and outreach staff were busy training farmers on agroforestry practises, hole preparation as well as individual farm visits for follow ups.

Below are detailed activities during the reporting quarter.

Tree nursery

Our yearly target is 100,000 tree seedlings to be propagated in the tree nursery and issued to our farmers to plant in their individual farms during October-December rains. During this quarter, a total of 45,350 seedlings were propagated and included: Senna siemea 6400, Senna spectabilis 3180, Ecalyptus camandulensis 5500, gravelia rubusta 7020, Mangifera indica 2800, Acacia polyacantha 6900, Acacia xanthoploea 2600, Croton megalocaphass 1900, Moringa oleifera 2800, lemons 2000, paapaws 2,800, syzygium cumii 1000, Avocado 450,

Outreach/ training

During this reporting quarter, 12 farmers groups were trained in agroforestry and tree planting and management. They were also trained in Integrated Pest management and tree pruning and sustainable harvesting of tree branches. 50 farmers were individually visited in their farms for close follow ups and guidance.

It’s also during this quarter when we had our bi-annual get together of all the 700 farmers. It’s during this bi-annual gathering where we come together and share our challenges, experiences, eat and dance together and have our visitors and stakeholders visit. During this June get together, we were lucky the County Deputy Governor Angelina Mwau crowned the occasion and promised our next get together will bring the governor. The county Government is happy with our work which align to their programs.

Main Challenges

This being our driest season, water is and still remain our main challenge. Transport is our second challenge.

Next quarter focus

• Will continue to propagate more tree seedlings
• General maintenance of the tree seedlings in the nursery
• Continue to train and prepare our farmers in readiness to the October-December rains
• Issuance of the tree seedlings during the rains to the 700 farmers to plant in their individual farms.