MITI 27

Biological control of eucalyptus pests Saving mvule, an excellent timber tree Organising the wood-curing sector Ugandan minister pioneers bamboo-growing Subscription only

THE TREE FARMERS MAGAZINE FOR AFRICA

A Publication of Better Globe Forestry

I s s ue N o . 27 July-September 2 0 1 5

Towards better forest management

Forestry Society of Kenya seeks to regulate forestry practice in the country

To plant trees for timber or for fruit?

Some pointers to guide potential investors

Climate change affects Uganda Measures to mitigate the negative effects of changes in weather patterns

Protecting Kenya’s water sources

The mandate of the Kenya Water Towers Agency

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LOCATION: Tabere Crescent no.4, Kileleshwa

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24

5

Issue No 27 July - September 2015

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Editorial

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Passionate about trees

Protecting our water sources

4

News and views

Retired soldier is today a crusader for commercial tree-farming

By Wanjiru Ciira and Samuel Nakhone

• Workshop on gums and resins

• Readers’ views

26

Minister pioneers bamboo-growing

5

Protecting Kenya’s wetlands

The mandate of the Kenya Water Towers Agency

By Wanjiru Ciira

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How Kenya’s indigenous forests regulate water

An adaptation from “Direct values of forests to the economy”, a report by Samuel Muriithi and John Mbaya, Forestry Society of Kenya

Flavia Munaba, a State Minister of Environment in

the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda, talked to Diana Ahebwe about her tree-growing venture

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Nairobi is crying out for more water

The city needs to diversify water sources, reduce wastage and conserve the water catchments

By Joram K. Kagombe

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Are Kenyans biting the hand that feeds them?

When we destroy water towers, we endanger

livelihoods and curtail economic growth

By Joshua Cheboiwo and David Langat

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Climate change impacts Uganda

The country has put in place measures to mitigate the negative effects of changes in weather patterns

By Natumanya Ezrah

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Catching them young

KFS is working with schools to increase forest cover

and conserve the environment

By Joseph Njigoya

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Organising the wood-curing sector

The Kenya Wood Preservers Association seeks to raise timber treatment standards

By Godfrey Ali

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Changing lives through tree-planting

Global-woods AG wants to impact the country and the local communities

By Diana Ahebwe

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Saving indigenous trees in Uganda

Conservation and utilisation of native species is crucial

By Joel Buyinza

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Growing a wide variety of trees

Apart from pines and eucalyptus, Uganda farmers should consider planting other species as well

By Obed Tugumisirize

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Towards better forest management

Forestry Society of Kenya seeks to regulate forestry practice in the country

By Jamleck Ndambiri

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To plant trees for timber or for fruit?

20

Biological control of eucalyptus pests

Some pointers to guide potential investors

By Jan Vandenabeele

We need to develop fast, cost-effective and efficient

measures to counter economic loss from invasive bugs

By Eston Mutitu

22

Growing eucalyptus on rocky soil

Tree farmer shows that clonal eucalypts can thrive on marginal lands

By Diana Ahebwe

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Timber tree needs saving

Mvule, which produces excellent wood, faces a

bleak future

By Francis Gachathi

Biological control of eucalyptus pests Saving mvule, an excellent timber tree Organising the wood-curing sector Ugandan ministe r pioneers bambo o-growing

Subscription only A Public ation

THE TREE FARMERS

of Better Globe Forest ry

MAGAZIN

E FOR AFRI CA

Issue No. 27 July-S ept

On the cover: A waterfall in Ngare Ndare forest, Meru County. The forest has several springs with underground water flows that originate from Mt Kenya, just to the north. (Photo: KFS)

Towards bet forest managter ement Forestry

Society of Keny a seek forestry prac tice in the coun s to regulate try

To plant tre timber or fores for fruit?

Some pointers

to guide pote

Climate cha

ntial investors

nge affects Measures to Uganda mitigate the negative effec of changes in ts weather patte rns

Protecting Ke nya’s water sour ces of the Keny

The mandate

a Water Towers

Agency

ember 20 15

Editorial

Protecting our water sources

A

s concerns about climate change and population pressure rise, so do the issues related to the state of our natural environment and the way land and water are managed. Do we effectively protect the quantities and the quality of the water coming from catchment areas from harmful human activities?

This question is important and the answer scaring as we know that water covers 71 per cent of the earth’s surface and it is the most important element for life. About 2.5 per cent of the earth’s water is fresh water, and 98.8 per cent of that water is in the form of ice and ground water. Only 0.3 per cent of fresh water is surface water in the atmosphere.

The lead theme for this issue of Miti is water and water catchment areas. Trees play an essential part in the way water moves on earth through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation and runoff, ultimately reaching the sea. You will read great contributions on the above by Joshua Cheboiwo and David Langat, Ezrah Natumanya, Joram Kagombe and Wanjiru Ciira.

Choosing which trees to plant is a complex and very individual process and choice.

As such, we can only highlight possibilities and listen to growers who make sometimes amazing but successful choices and draw attention to trees that deserve our interest.

Eucalyptus, fruit trees and mvule crossed our mind and Eston Mutitu, Diana Ahebwe, Francis Gachathi and Jan Vandenabeele looked into that.

Godfrey Ali opens what for many is the unknown world of wood preservers and their concerns while Joel Buyinza and Obed Tugumisirize place strong emphasis on conserving and growing indigenous trees.

Finally, you will be interested to read what Flavia Munaba, a State Minister of Environment in the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda, has to share about growing bamboo.

Enjoy the issue.

Jean-Paul Deprins

Published by:

Chairman of the Editorial Board:

Managing Editor

Better Globe Forestry Ltd No. 4, Tabere Crescent, Kileleshwa P.O. Box 823 – 00606 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: + 254 20 434 3435 Mobile: + 254 722 758 745 Email: kenya@mitiafrica.com www.betterglobeforestry.com

Rino Solberg

Wanjiru Ciira

Uganda office: MITI MAGAZINE ® Plot 92, Luthuli Avenue, Bugolobi P.O. Box 22232 Kampala, Uganda Mobile: + 256 775 392 597 Email: uganda@mitiafrica.com www.betterglobeforestry.com

2

Editor-in-chief

Technical Editor

Jean-Paul Deprins

Jan Vandenabeele

Editorial Committee - Kenya

Country Director - Uganda Julie Solberg

Joshua Cheboiwo, Francis Gachathi, Keith Harley, Enock Kanyanya, James Kung’u, Rudolf Makhanu, Fridah Mugo, Jackson Mulatya, Mary Njenga, Alex Oduor, Leakey Sonkoyo, Jean-Paul Deprins, Jan Vandenabeele and Wanjiru Ciira

Country Representative - Uganda Diana Ahebwe

Editorial Committee - Uganda

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Gerald Eilu, Hillary Agaba, Dickens Sande Bueno, Ponsiano Besesa, Paul Buyera, Sarah Akello Esimu, Dennis Kavuuma, Patrick Byakagaba and Diana Ahebwe

Daniel N. Kihara COPYRIGHT © BETTER GLOBE FORESTRY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Miti July - September 2015

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NEWS

Nairobi hosts Africa region workshop on gums and resins

By JAN VANDENABEELE

T

he African Union office in Nairobi was on 10th to 12th August 2015 the venue of a regional workshop on commercial gums and resins. The complete title of the workshop was “Regional Consultation Workshop on Improving the Production and Marketing of Commercial Gums and Gum Resins: Enhancing Livelihoods and Climate Change Resilience in the Drylands of Africa.”

The workshop was organised by the Network for Natural Gums and Resins in Africa (NGARA), and supported by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the African Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), African Forest Forum and SOS Sahel.

Participants came from almost all the countries that straddle the Sahelian belt across Africa from West to East. Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania were represented. There was even a Brazilian who imports resins from the Horn of Africa to manufacture incense for church ceremonies. In fact, one of his principal clients is the Vatican.

The private sector, being the engine of the trade, was well represented, and government officials were also present, as this is a trade with a broad and crucial social aspect. Since gums and resins are produced by droughtresistant tree species like Acacia senegal, A.

seyal, Commiphora and Boswellia species, there is a link to the establishment of the Great Green Wall, an initiative to seal off the Sahara desert from spreading further south.

Prof Judi Wakhungu, the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, opened the workshop, a pointer to the interest Kenya has in the sustainable management of its drylands.

After introductory sessions on the status of the production and trade in the NGARA member countries, country representatives gave a brief on the situations in their countries.

Pupils have learnt much from ‘Miti’ We the staff and pupils of Kasasule Primary School in Kibwezi thank Better Globe Forestry for giving us copies of Miti magazine.

Through the magazine, the pupils have learnt a lot about trees and tree-planting.

Over the last two years, the learners have planted over 1,000 trees in the school compound. On top of that, every pupil was given three seedlings to plant at home. The school has also raised mango seedlings, some of which we have sold to the community and planted the rest. Through reading Miti magazine, the pupils have learnt

of alternative sources of energy other than charcoal. Pupils have learnt that charcoal dust can be used to make briquettes.

Pupils now know that we do not need to cut down a whole tree for fuel. We cut the branches only, leaving the mother plant to sprout back.

Thank you Miti for such an informative magazine.

Justus Mutisya Mosio Kasasule Primary School Kibwezi

This included previous and on-going initiatives, the distribution of the resource, status of the production, trade and marketing (statistics, investment requirements, and bottlenecks), current value addition, challenges and opportunities.

Group discussions were organised along regional lines (e.g. East Africa), and a strategy was drafted on promoting the production and marketing of the commodity.

This was an important and interesting workshop. Important because the industrial uptake of gum arabic is currently 70,000 tonnes per year, and potentially it is over 100,000 tonnes, with serious growth opportunities for commodities produced in poor remote areas stretching over huge parts of Africa. Trade in gum arabic has important social and economic ramifications.

Interesting because the consciousness and sophistication of the players has reached a stage where local value adding has to take off. Currently, most of the processing is done in Europe and the USA. The linking, networking and information dissemination as done by this workshop is significant in building up the local capacity for value addition in Africa.

The writer is the Executive Director, Better Globe Forestry Email: jan@betterglobeforestry.com

Miti July - September 2015

LEAD THEME An early morning view of Mt Kilimanjaro, from Salama, on Mombasa Road, showing the mountains’s peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. Although Mt Kilimanjaro is not considered as one of Kenya’s water towers, the Kilimanjaro aquifer extends into the Amboseli Basin and provides substantial amounts of water to places as far away as Machakos town. (Photo: Jan Vandenabeele)

Protecting Kenya’s water sources The Kenya Water Towers Agency is mandated to preserve and rehabilitate the country’s 18 water towers

BY WANJIRU CIIRA

W

hen Kenyans talk of water towers, the Mau Forest Complex, Aberdare Range, Cherangani Hills, Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya come to mind. In reality, Kenya has more water towers than these five. Other water towers are Chulyu Hills, Huri Hills, Kirisia Hills, Loita Hills, Marmanet Forest, Mathews Range, Mount Kipipiri, Mount Kulai, Mount Marsabit, Mount Njiru, Ndotos, Nyambene Hills and Shimba Hills.

By far the best-known and most talkedabout water tower is the Mau Forest Complex.

Over the years, the Mau Forest Complex has been degraded with sections of it being hived off and allocated for political gain. The worst of the encroachment and degradation happened between 1995 and 2006.

By 2007, more than 100,000 hectares out the total 416,000 hectares of the Mau Forest Complex had disappeared. One of the most dramatic manifestations of this destruction was that the then newly constructed multi-million shilling Sondu Miriu Hydro Electric Project achieved less than 50 per cent of its potential hydropower production.

In 2008, the Kenya government recognised the threat to the Mau Forest Complex and other water towers and formed a taskforce to look into their conservation.

The taskforce was made up of representatives from the key government ministries concerned, county councils, and parastatals like the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya Wildlife Service

Miti July - September 2015

(KWS) and the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA).

Others in the taskforce were nongovernmental organisations, the private sector and representatives of communities around the Mau. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) offered technical support.

The taskforce’s responsibility was to study and make recommendations to the government on the immediate, short and long-term options for restoring the Mau Forest Complex and other water towers.

The taskforce findings indicated that the systems in use at the time were not effective in the sustainable management of the Mau and other water towers. Interventions by institutions like KFS, KWS and WRMA were not coordinated.

As an offshoot to this, an interim coordinating secretariat (ICS) was established in September 2009 to coordinate the implementation of the recommendations of the taskforce. The ICS was tasked to develop a framework for long-term measures to restore and sustainably manage the Mau Forests Complex and other water towers.

Among other achievements, the ICS repossessed 21,000 hectares of forest land; reduced illegal activities; marked boundaries of six forest blocks; and strengthened the capacity of the Ogiek, a marginalised forest dwelling community. In addition, the Government of Kenya established a Water Towers Conservation Fund and a coordinating agency, the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA).

Thus was KWTA born in April 2012. The agency was established to coordinate and oversee the management of the 18 water towers mentioned above. KWTA’s mandate also includes rehabilitation, conservation and protection of the 18 water towers. However, apart from the 18, Kenya has other water towers and water sheds that require deliberate effort to protect and conserve.

At the First High Level National Dialogue in Kenya on Water Towers, Forests and Green

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Economy1 held in November 2012, participants recognised the importance of Kenya’s water towers for all of Eastern Africa, which implies an important responsibility for the Kenyan government to ensure their sustainable management.

Importance of the Water Towers However, according to Francis Nkako, the Ag Chief Executive Officer, KWTA, majority of Kenyans may not fully understand the importance of the water towers. “Kenyans understand the value of the water towers very differently – in their own context,” he says.

Some see the water towers as merely sources of timber and other tree products; others see farming land and do not see why trees should occupy land that can be used for agriculture, urban expansion and settlements.

1 The Dialogue was organised by the Kenya Government and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

It featured private sector players including Finlays, African Development Bank, Equity Bank, Barclays Bank, Ecobank, East African Development Bank, Unilever East Africa Tea, KenGen, Kenya Power and Lighting Company, East Africa Breweries Ltd, East African Portland Cement, Better Globe Forestry Ltd, Ecotourism Kenya and Kenya Bankers Association

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The people of Kenya have suffered the pain of the degradation of the water towers.

“Electricity is becoming more expensive as we lose the ability to generate hydropower, we see conflict over scarce water resources, we have widespread flooding, among other things,” says Mr Nkako. “Something is not right.”

Apart from the localised problems brought about by degradation and deforestation, Kenyans need to realise that the water towers are a vital national asset. The towers are useful in – among other functions - climate regulation, water storage, river flow regulation, flood mitigation, control of soil erosion, reduced siltation of water bodies and water purification.

The Kenya government recognises the importance of the water towers and rehabilitation of the water towers is one of the flagship projects of Vision 2030.

According to the report, First High Level National Dialogue in Kenya on Water Towers, Forests and Green Economy, Kenya’s water towers and forests contribute more than 3.6 per cent of national gross domestic product (GDP), and economic benefits of forest ecosystem services are more than four times higher than the short-term gains of deforestation.

So, the Kenya Water Towers Agency has started the long journey of the restoration of the water towers. “A lot of work still remains to be done,” explains Mr Nkako. “We for instance need to accelerate re-afforestation on private land, because sections of some of the water towers are found on private land.” In addition, Kenya needs to invest in livelihoods compatible with water towers conservation.

Kenya stands to gain from restoration of forests and wetlands and from prevention of further destruction of the country’s water towers. This will not only combat climate change but also create jobs and wealth, ensure food security and deliver Vision 2030. Strong political, fiscal and technical support is needed for the country to achieve this.

‘Failure is not an option. Our livelihoods, water security, energy security, and food security, and regional peace and stability depend on sustainable ecosystem management.’

-Dialogue on Water Towers, Forests and Green Economy

The writer is the Managing Editor, Miti magazine Email: wanjiru@mitiafrica.com

Miti July - September 2015

LEAD THEME

Water regulation by forests The role of wooded areas in provision of water

I

ndigenous closed canopy forests play an important regulatory role in trapping, storing and slowly releasing water. This is for a number of inter-related reasons: • Forests trap radiation in their multi-layered canopies, resulting in a net warming of the ecosystem. This warming increases thermal turbulence above the forest, favouring the formation of clouds and rainfall over forest areas.

• During the day, transpiration of water through plants into the atmosphere cools the forest environment and increases air humidity in the near-surface atmospheric layer.

Evapotranspiration determines the availability of water vapour for the formation of clouds.

Large trees gain access to soil water through their roots all year round, thus maintaining evapotranspiration and hence favouring cloud formation through the dry season.

• Large areas of forests, such as those on the five major water towers (Aberdare Range, Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, the Mau Complex and the Cherangani forests), thus regulate the total and redistribution of surface and belowground runoff. Forests reduce the rate of runoff after rainfall, thereby protecting against soil erosion and landslides as well as effectively storing the water.

Deforestation at a rate of 5,000 hectares per year between 2000 and 2010 reduced the available water by 62 million cubic metres by 2010. This reduced agricultural production by Ksh 2.6 billion in irrigation agriculture output (UNEP 2012).

• Forests thus prevent and mitigate against the consequences of floods and droughts, and through prevention of soil erosion, trapping of sediments and uptake of nutrients, affect water quality and prevent the siltation of water

Catchment area Lake Victoria Rift Valley Athi Valley Tana River Ewaso Ngiro and North Groundwater Total Proportion of total yield

Rainfall Land area (mm/a) (km2) 1,558 1,276 1,068 1,218 1,045

Kenya’s drainage basins (Source: UNDP 2007)

reservoirs and hydropower stations downstream.

Kenya has five major drainage basins as shown on the map. These are Lake Victoria Basin (comprising Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, Sondu, Kuja, Mara, Malaba and Sio rivers), Rift Valley Basin (comprising Turkwell; Kerio; Ewaso Ngiro; Suguta and Milewa rivers), Athi River Basin, Coast Tana River Basin and Ewaso Ngiro North Basin.

Table 1 summarises the salient features of the forest cover and water provisioning of indigenous forests in these catchment areas. The water provision: forest cover ratio is in all cases greater than 1, which can broadly be interpreted to mean that for every 1 per cent loss in forest cover, the yield in the catchment system would reduce by more than 1 per cent.

Forest area (ha)

Yield 3 (million m )

673,235 799,100 134,140 392,460 716,040

11,672 2,784 1,152 3,744 339 600 20,291

46,430 131,000 67,070 126,600 210,600

Miti July - September 2015

2,714,975

Water Forest Water provision: provision cover Forest cover ratio (UNDP) 14.5% 6.1% 2.0% 3.1% 3.4%

16.4% 14.3% 3.0% 6.0% 9.1%

1.1 2.3 1.5 1.9 2.7

Water yield attributable to forests (million m3) 1,914.21 398.11 34.56 224.64 30.85 2,602 12.8%

The simplest way in which to estimate the value of forests as a watershed is to estimate the contribution of forest land to the water yield of Kenya. Water that can be withdrawn reliably from a water source at a relatively constant rate is referred to as the yield. Due to the erratic and unreliable nature of natural river flow, only a small portion of the mean annual water runoff in rivers is available as yield in its natural unregulated state.

However, by storing water during periods of high flow for abstraction when natural stream runs are lower, the yield is increased. Storage is mostly done through the construction of dams.

Decurtins (1985) has shown that forest areas provide natural water storage facilities that release water at a constant rate into rivers. This study estimates the contribution of forests to the fresh water yield of Kenya to be 12.8 per cent or 2.6 billion cubic metres.

This article is adapted from “Direct values of forests to the economy”, a report compiled

by Samuel Muriithi and John Mbaya, Forestry Society of Kenya (FSK), commissioned by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2015.

7

LEAD THEME

Nairobi city is crying out for more water To meet deficit, the city needs to diversify water sources, reduce wastage and conserve the water catchments

BY JORAM K. KAGOMBE

N

airobi receives its water resources from two drainage systems. The oldest sources, the Kikuyu Springs (used since 1906) and the Ruiru Dam (since 1938) are located in the Athi River Basin.

Sasumua Dam, Ndakaini-Thika Dam (since 1996) and Chania-B Dam supply Nairobi through interbasin transfer from the Tana River drainage area.

About 20 per cent of the supply is from ground water resources, which works to around 60,000 to 70,000m3 per day. Total water supply from both systems is about 570,000m3 per day.

In addition, Nairobi residents pump water from their own deep wells.

If one takes into account that the population of Nairobi swells to 5 million people during daytime, this corresponds to less than 120 litres per capita per day before distribution losses.

However, water is not equally distributed; wealthier users with access to piped water use much more than average, while those without access to piped water receive much less.

Half of Nairobi’s population lives in slums, but they consume only 34,500m3 a day, corresponding to less than 20 litres per capita per day (Aquaclean Services Limited, 2010). The heavily polluted and relatively small Nairobi River that flows through the city is not used for drinking water supply.

Surface water The Nairobi Water Company relies almost exclusively on surface water to satisfy the growing city’s water needs. Surface water supply for Nairobi stood at 484,500m3 per day in 2010 (Karanja Joseph, 2011). The storage capacity in reservoirs is gradually reduced through sedimentation, mainly attributed to poor farming practices in the water catchment areas.

The Nairobi utility company receives 94 per cent of its water from the Tana River basin north of the city through three reservoirs; Sasumua Dam on the Chania River, Thika Dam (Ndakaini) and Chania-B Dam. Thika Dam is the largest, supplying 225,000m3 per day.

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Water from the reservoirs is treated in two treatment plants, the largest of which is in Ngethu. The remaining 6 per cent of the water comes from local sources, namely the Kikuyu Springs and Ruiru Dam, both located in the Athi River Basin and whose water is treated in two smaller treatment plants. Figure 1 shows water sources for Nairobi.

Groundwater Groundwater supplies an additional 85,000m3 per day or more from an estimated 3,000 boreholes, up from an estimated 2,250 boreholes

in 2001. The groundwater table has declined; in one well it declined by 40 metres between 1958 and 1996. The average depth of new wells in 2001 was 238 metres. In that year, 97 new wells were drilled because of drought.

Most wells are operated by industrial enterprises - hotels, farms for flower production in greenhouses, and private houses in parts of the city that receive only intermittent water supply. Groundwater is also used to irrigate gardens and to supply tankers that resell the water. Many private well-owners are also connected to the mains water supply network

Miti July - September 2015

WATER SOURCES FOR NAIROBI CITY WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY Ruiru Dam: Located in Githunguri, Kiambu County. The dam is located on Ruiru River, and was completed in 1950. It has a storage capacity of 2.9 million cubic metres with a yield of 22,000m3 per day. The water is piped for 25km to Kabete.

Sasumua: Located in Njambini, Nyandarua County.

The first stage was constructed in 1955, while the second stage was done in 1988. The dam is on Sasumua River but receives water from Kiburu and Chania rivers. Storage capacity is 15 million cubic metres. The water is piped for 66km to Kabete. Has a design yield of 59,000m3 per day but current yield is 52,800m3 per day.

Kikuyu springs: Located in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. There are three springs whose water is treated by chlorination only. Yield is 4,000m3 per day and the water is transported for 10 kilometres to Nairobi.

Kabete Distribution pipes

Gigiri

NAIROBI CITY

Achievements and challenges Among the achievements in water supply and sanitation in Nairobi is the expansion of infrastructure to keep pace with population growth, in particular through the construction of the Thika Dam and its associated water treatment plant and pipelines during the 1990s; the transformation of the municipal water department into an autonomous utility in 2003; and the more recent reduction of water losses – technically called non-revenue water - from 50 to 40 per cent.

Challenges include: • Poor quality and intermittent water supply (only 40 per cent of those with house connections receive water continuously); • Loss of storage capacity in reservoirs behind dams through siltation accelerated by erosion in the Aberdare ranges;

Miti July - September 2015

Ngethu Treatment Works: Located in Gatundu North, Kiambu County. Phase one was completed in 1974 and has a capacity of 37,000m3 per day. Phase two, with a capacity of 127,000m3 per day, was completed in 1984. The treatment works had a 6-km raw water line and a 2.7-km tunnel from Mwagu to Mataara.

Phase three was completed in 1995 and has a storage capacity of 220,000m3 per day. Treated water is transported for 36 kilometres to Gigiri. Total design capacity for Ngethu is 440.000m3 per day but has a current capacity of 370,200m3 per day.

(Source: Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company)

Figure1: Water sources for Nairobi City

and use groundwater as a back-up supply.

Natural groundwater quality is good.

Thika Dam (Ndakaini):Located in Ndakaini, Muranga County.

It was completed in 1994 and has a storage capacity of 77 million cubic metres.

It is linked to Chania River through a 4-km tunnel and then to Ngethu Water Treatment Works.

• Lack of access to adequate sanitation in slums where half the population of Nairobi lives; • Blockages of sewers resulting in overflows; • Unused capacity in the city’s largest wastewater treatment plant in Dandora.

• Absence of good farming practices that would greatly contribute to reduced siltation of the dams, and • Reduction in cost of water treatment.

Institutional framework in water supply The responsibility for water supply and sewerage in Nairobi is shared between an asset holding company, Athi Water Services Board (AWSB), and an operating company, the Nairobi City Water and Sewer Company (NCWSC) that operates under contract with the AWSB. Ten other water service providers (WSPs) operate under the AWSB in localities outside Nairobi County. Service standards are set and

monitored by a national water regulatory agency called the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). In addition, WASREB regulates water tariffs within Nairobi. The Athi Water Services Board is under the authority of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and covers its costs through a Regulatory Levy collected from the Water Service Providers (Athi Water Services, 2011).

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Ltd is owned by the Nairobi County Government and is the main supplier of water to Nairobi residents.

Ten other water service providers under contract with the Athi Water Services Board operate water and, in some cases, sewer systems, in towns around Nairobi. They are the Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, the Gatundu South Water and Sanitation Company, the Karimenu Community Water and Sanitation Company, the Gatanga Community Water Project, the Limuru Water and Sewerage Company, the Kikuyu Water Company, the Ruiru Juja Water and

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Sewerage Company, the Kitisuru Water Company, the Runda Water and Sewerage Company and the Githunguri Water and Sanitation Company.

Some of these water service providers are private, such as the Runda one that has provided piped water to the executive residential housing estate of Old Runda since 1975.

Water pricing, billing and cost recovery Water tariffs are identical for all water service providers under contract with the Athi Water Service Board. Residents who have access to piped water pay relatively low water tariffs, compared to slum residents who have to rely on much more expensive water sold in jerry cans through water kiosks.

Tariff increases are approved by WASREB. In June 2009, a tariff increase took effect, bringing residential and commercial tariffs to the following level: • Between 0 and 10m3: Ksh 18.71 per m3 (US$ 0.18/m3), • Between 11 and 30m3: Ksh 28.07 per m3 (US$ 0.28/m3), • Between 31 and 60m3: Ksh 42.89 per m3 (US$ 0.43/m3).

A sewer connection invites a sewer surcharge of 75 per cent. If a water kiosk is registered properly, it is billed at a lower rate of Ksh 10 per m3 (US$0.10/m3) (NCWSC, 2011). Nevertheless, slum residents end up paying much more for water. A 20-litre jerry can of water in a slum typically sells for Ksh 2, translating into Ksh 100 per m3 (US$ 1). This is double the recommended price of Ksh 1 (Ksh 50 per m3) and more than five times the water tariff in the lowest consumption bracket (Ksh 19 per m3).

Provision of adequate and affordable water to the low income population in the slums remains a challenge to NCWSC. This is especially so with the enactment of the constitution that mentions water as one of the basic rights that every Kenyan should enjoy.

Future supply: Nairobi Water Master Plan The National Water Master Plan 2030 is based on the Kenya Vision 2030 of 2007 that is the country’s new development blue-print covering the period 2008 to 2030.

National Water Master Plan 2030 has developed plans that would ensure that: • Improved water and sanitation are available and accessible to all by 2030.

• In agriculture, to increase the area under irrigation to 1.2million hectares.

• To be a nation that has a clean, secure

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and sustainable environment by 2030, and • To generate more energy and increase efficiency in the energy sector.

The National Water Master Plan 2030 has analysed the effect of climate change on the country’s water resources up to 2050, based on the 17 General Circulation Models. This projection indicates that Kenya’s surface temperature will rise by around 1oC by 2030 and by 2oC by 2050 uniformly.

The mean annual rainfall and actual evapotranspiration are expected to increase for 2030 and 2050, with the annual rainfall increasing to 750mm and 801mm respectively from 670mm in 2010; and evapotranspiration to 613mm and 659mm respectively from 549mm in 2010.

The evolution of the country’s renewable water resources is predicted as follows: Table 1: Evolution of the country’s renewable water resources (in billion m3)

Type

2010

2030

2050

Surface water

20.0

24.9

26.7

Ground water

21.55

19.4

19.3

Total water

41.55

44.3

46.0

This scenario has put the country’s water per capita availability to just above the 1,000m3 global benchmark. The total water demand

shall increase from the 2010 level of 3.2 billion m3 annually, to 12.5 billion by 2030 and to 23.1 billion by 2050.

Based on the water resources available and the projected water need, the country’s average ratio of water demand/availability, is 14 per cent by 2010, 81 per cent by 2030 and 81 per cent by 2050.

However, the situation in the Athi River Basin is even worse, with a 281 per cent ratio (that is a yearly need of 4.6 billion m3 against an availability of 1.6 billion m3). This is followed by the Tana River Basin with a ratio of 105 per cent (a requirement of 8.2 billion m3 against an availability of 7.8 billion m3).

Further findings from the Water Master Plan show that by 2030, water demand will increase in all catchment areas, and the water balance is expected to be tight in all areas except in Lake Victoria North. As for the 2050 water balance, the ratio between water resources available and demand is almost the same as that for 2030 due to increase in both water resources (due to climate change) and demand.

As a result of the findings of the National Water Master Plan 2030, areas with water deficits would require promotion of water resources development to the maximum in order to meet future water demand. Water demand management such as water savings and

Miti July - September 2015

Sasumua dam on Sasumua stream, a tributary of Chania River, on the southern end of the Aberdare Range (on the right). Its designed storage capacity is 15.9 million m3, providing Nairobi with 12 per cent of its water supply.

effective and efficient water use, recycling of water, etcetera, should be introduced to control water demand increase. This will specially apply to control of irrigation that now takes up some 80 per cent of the available water.

The Master Plan for developing new water sources for Nairobi and 13 satellite towns The plan provides least-cost development options to be implemented in five phases between 2012 and 2030 to ensure adequate supply of safe water to Nairobi city and satellite towns up 2035, as listed below: • A 25-year water supply infrastructure investment blueprint to fulfil the short, medium and long-term water demand for Nairobi City and 13 satellite towns including Kikuyu, Ruiru-Juja, Kiambu, Karuri, Githunguri, Mavoko, Ngong, Ongata Rongai (including Kiserian), Thika, Gatundu, Limuru, Tala and Kangundo.

• Addressing a growing water supply infrastructure deficit.

• The Nairobi Metropolitan area is a high economic and political priority of the

Ndakaini or Thika dam, 50 km north of Nairobi, with a storage capacity of 70 million m3. Three main rivers drain into the dam: Thika, Githika and Kayuyu. The main catchments are Kimakia and Gatare natural forests, part of the Aberdare Range (to the left of the photo).

Government.

The total water supplied to Nairobi City and its satellite towns is at the moment 580,000m3 per day against a demand of 750,00m3. This demand is projected to increase to 860,000m3 per day by 2017 and 1.2million m3 per day by 2035, requiring large and sustained investments in expanding water supply to meet the growing water needs.

Relation of water towers and water supply The principal water tower providing water to Nairobi is the Aberdare Range. The main effect of the forest is to regulate seasonal flow of rivers, thus ensuring continued supply during the dry periods.

The forest creates soil-protective and infiltrative conditions conducive to water-holding capacity and slow release of water to the catchments. This results in a more even distribution flow throughout the year (UNEP, 2012).

Conservation of the forest in the catchments will lead to continued river flow during the dry seasons. The role of a water reservoir like Ndakaini Dam is to store water that is later gradually released during dry spells.

Provision of water to Nairobi is crucial to the growth of the city. This will spur economic growth and improve the health of the residents. Surface water remains the key source of water for many Nairobi residents. There is eminent low supply now and in the future.

However, the Kenya Water Master Plan and Nairobi Water Master Plan have given strategies of meeting the deficits through increasing the sources and reducing wastage. Conservation of water catchments will ensure a good flow of water to Nairobi during dry spells.

References • Aquaclean Services Limited (2010). “Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Nairobi Informal Settlements Water and Sanitation Improvement Projects”. National Environment Management Authority. Retrieved 6 November 2011.

• Athi Water Service Board. “Water Service Providers”.

Retrieved 6 November 2011.

• Athi Water Services Board (22 July 2011). “Eng. Malaquen Milgo appointed new Chief Executive Officer, Athi Water Services Board”. Retrieved 13 November 2011.

• Athi Water Services Board Retrieved 6 November 2011.

• Athi Water Services Board. “AWSB ISO 9001:2008 Certified”. Retrieved 13 November 2011.

• Karanja, Joseph, 2011. . “Improving water provision in Nairobi through control of non-revenue water” (PDF). Global Water Summit 2011. Global Water Intelligence. pp. 212– 213. Retrieved 6 November 2011.

• Kenya National Water Master Plan 2030 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES. • Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. “Regular Tariff Adjustment in Athi Water Services Board (AWSB)” (PDF).

Retrieved 6 November 2011.

• Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company: Map of Nairobi water sources • UNEP, 2012. The role and contributions of montane forests and related ecosystems services to the Kenyan economy.

UNON Publishing Services Section, Nairobi • Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank: Rogues No More? Water Kiosk Operators Achieve Credibility in Kibera, June 2005, p. 9-11.

The writer is a Principal Research Scientist, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Email: jokagombe@yahoo.com

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LEAD THEME

Are Kenyans biting the hand that feeds them?

When we destroy the Mau and other water towers, we endanger livelihoods and curtail economic growth

BY JOSHUA CHEBOIWO AND DAVID LANGAT

T

he Mau Forest Complex, which measures approximately 400,000 hectares, is the largest among the five water catchments in Kenya. The catchment stretches across eight counties, namely, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Baringo, Keiyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi. This montane indigenous forest is among the few such forests remaining in East Africa.

The Mau catchment comprises 22 forest blocks (see table 1) that are managed by 33 forest stations under the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

However, the Maasai Mau block, covering 46,278 hectares, is Trust Land Forest and as such is managed by the Narok County Government. The originally gazetted forest area covered 452,007 hectares but a large part of the area was excised in 2001, reducing the forest land area to 416,542 hectares.

Table 1: Forest Blocks of Mau Catchment

Finlays’ plantations in Kericho, at the boundary of the Mau Forest Complex. The photo shows an intricate mix of tea plantations with eucalyptus and indigenous forest. (Photo: Finlays)

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No.

Forests block

No. Forest block

1

Transmara

12

Nabkoi

2

Ol Pusimoru

13

Metkei

3

Maasai Mau

14

NorthernTinderet

4

East Mau

15

Timboroa

5

South West Mau 16

Kilombe Hill

6

Western Mau

17

Maji Mazuri

7

Forest

18

Chemorogok

8

Mau Narok

19

Lembus Forests

9

Mt Londiani

20

Likia

10

Molo

21

Kiptunga

11

Tinderet

22

Mariashoni

The Mau catchment is a source of 12 important rivers that traverse long distances within and outside the country, providing water for domestic, industrial and agricultural use and for power generation. The rivers draining from the Mau Forest Complex include Mara, Sondu, Nyando, Yala, Nzoia, Ewaso Ngiro, Njoro Naishi, Nderit, Makalia, Molo and Kerio. They drain into various lakes including Lake Victoria, Lake

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Nakuru, Lake Natron, Lake Baringo and Lake Turkana.

The importance of the Mau Forest Complex in Kenya Ecological goods and services The Mau Forest catchment provides invaluable ecological goods and services, including river flow regulation, flood mitigation, water storage, recharge of groundwater, reduced soil erosion and siltation, water purification, promoting biodiversity, micro climate regulation, and nutrient cycling and soil formation. Through these services, the Mau Forest Complex sustains many natural habitats in the lower areas of the catchments.

Water resources The water from Mau Forest Complex serves more than 4 million people inhabiting 578 locations in Kenya and several locations in northern Tanzania. The drainage system is today a source of numerous rivers that supply water to communities and urban centres in the region, thus supporting livelihoods and economic development. The forest canopy helps reduce the force of rainfall, enabling percolation of water into the ground, thus mitigating soil erosion and siltation of water bodies.

Carbon sink The Mau Forest Complex has a continuous forest canopy that serves as a carbon sink absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This enables carbon to be stored in wood biomass as a reservoir, a process described as carbon sequestration. The forest releases oxygen, thus purifying the air and supporting the survival of humankind. Further, the ecosystem influences the micro-climate of an area, making it extremely favourable for agricultural production.

Biodiversity resources The Mau Forest catchment is rich in both flora and fauna. Vegetation patterns are complex, but there is a broad altitudinal zonation from west to east. There is lower montane forest below 2,300 metres above sea level, giving way to thickets of bamboo Arundinaria alpina mixed with forest and grassland, and finally to montane sclerophyllous forest near the escarpment crest.

The lower montane forest is in best condition in the south-western Mau Nature Reserve, where characteristic trees include Aningeria adolfifriedericii (muna) and Strombosia scheffleri (strombosia).

However, illegal logging has taken place, leading to loss of biodiversity with Polyscias kikuyuensis (mutati) the most affected. Other indigenous species such as Tabernaemontana

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stapfiana (mwelele), Syzygium guineense (mshiwi) and Neoboutonia macrocalyx (kibatwa, mwega, mutundu) are found here, while pockets of less-disturbed forest hold Olea capensis (Elgon olive), Prunus africana (red stinkwood), Albizia gummifera (omulera, mcani mbao) and Podocarpus latifolius (podo, East African yellowwood). Substantial parts of the high Juniperus-Podocarpus-Olea forest have been encroached and cleared, although some sections remain in good condition.

Bird watching The Mau Forest catchment is home to a wide variety of birds, thus attracting bird watching.

Several areas within the catchment have been declared Important Bird Areas (IBAs). These hold significant numbers of one or more globally threatened bird species. Some birds migrate/ congregate in exceptionally large numbers.

These sites are coordinated by Nature Kenya, an NGO, in collaboration with Birdlife International.

These areas are supported by swamps and rivers flowing from the Mau Forest. The swamps include Koguta (Sondu River); Kusa (Nyando River); Mara Bay and Musoma.

Firewood The Mau Forest is a major source of firewood derived from dried wood. The firewood is collected mainly by vendors and sold to the urban centres in the region.

Non-timber forest products The catchment is a source of non-timber forest products which provide livelihoods to local communities. These products include herbal medicines, honey and wild fruits. The products earn the communities livelihoods without destroying the forests and are thus an incentive to conservation. In addition, local communities graze extensively on the Mau forest; more so during the dry season.

Contribution to economic growth of various sectors The Mau Forest Complex supports the economic growth of key sectors including energy, tourism, agriculture (cash crops, subsistence crops and livestock) as well as water supply to urban centres and industries.

The market value of goods and services generated annually in the tea, tourism and energy sectors to which the Mau Forest Complex has contributed, is in excess of Ksh 20 billion.

This does not reflect provisional services such as water supply to urban areas or support to rural livelihoods, in particular in the Lake Victoria basin outside the tea growing areas. This figure also does not reflect any potential economic development in the catchment of the Mau Forest Complex, in particular in the energy sector.

The estimated potential hydropower generation in the Mau Complex catchments is approximately 508 megawatts, representing 41 per cent of the current total electricity generation capacity in Kenya.

Agriculture sector Approximately 5.5 million people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods for both subsistence and cash crop. Some of the cash crops in the region include tea, wheat, sugarcane, barley, rice and pyrethrum.

The major tea growing area covers Kericho, Kisii and Nandi, providing jobs to 50,000 people and a livelihood to 75,000 small farmers supporting 645,000 dependants. The 2009 sale value of the tea from western Kenya was estimated at Ksh 15.2 billion, comprising two thirds of agricultural production from the region.

The tea benefits from the forest by Ksh 13.8 billion a year. The favourable micro climatic conditions of the Mau catchment, namely, regular rainfall, adequate soil moisture and moderate temperatures, provide suitable conditions for tea production (Ministry of Agriculture Report, 2011).

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Rice is an equally important cash crop from this region. River water from the Mau catchment is used for irrigation in the production of 95 per cent of rice grown in paddy schemes in the region.

The deltas of Yala and Nyando rivers comprise a large area under rice production in the region. The estimated market value of rice in 2006 was Ksh 1 billion. It is important to note that rice contributes significantly to food security in the country.

Water sector The Mau Forest Complex is the single most important source of water for key rivers in western Kenya and Central Rift Valley. The major urban centres that depend on the water flowing from the Mau Forest Complex include Bomet, Egerton University, Elburgon, Eldama Ravine, Kericho, Molo, Nakuru, Narok and Njoro.

Energy sector Hydroelectric power contributes over 57 per cent of the national grid. The rivers from Mau catchment contribute an estimated 508 megawatts (MW), representing 41 per cent of the total current installed capacity in the country. The Sondu and Ewaso Ngiro rivers have the largest hydropower potential estimated at 209 and 220 MW respectively. The Sondu Miriu Hydropower Scheme, with an electricity generation capacity of 60 MW, depends on Sondu River originating from South West Mau Forest Reserve (Ministry of Energy Report, 2011).

The Sang’oro Hydropower Scheme, an extension of the Sondu Miriu Scheme, is currently under implementation with an estimated capacity of 21.4 MW. Downstream, the Magwagwa Multipurpose Dam Scheme, with an anticipated capacity of 94.6 MW, has also been proposed.

Large tea estates in Kericho have installed hydropower plants on the tributaries of the Sondu River, generating 4 MW. Additional potential sites for hydroelectric power generation have been identified within the Mau Forest Complex.

A recent feasibility study has assessed the hydropower generation potential and economic viability of four sites in the Nandi Highlands with an estimated capacity of 9.5 MW (Ministry of Energy Report, 2011).

The hydropower plants either currently being developed or proposed in the Mau Complex catchments will have the potential to generate 189.4 MW per year, with an estimated value of Ksh 10 billion annually. The conservation of the Mau Forest catchment is imperative in order to attain the projected hydropower generation and guarantee an enhanced power generation in the country (Ministry of Energy Report, 2011).

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Tourism sector The forest ecosystem comprises an important site for ecotourism due to its rich plant and animal biodiversity and splendid scenery. The common wildlife species in this region include elephants, monkeys, antelopes and a wide range of birds. The ecosystem is home to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, Kerio Valley National Reserve, South Turkana National Reserve, Lake Baringo and Lake Natron.

Other important tourism attraction sites include Loita Hills, Nguruman, Suswa caves and the Mau Escarpment. If developed, these sites have potential to diversify tourism in the region, increase overall visitor flow while relieving pressure on the Maasai Mara.

The rivers traversing through national parks and reserves in the Mau Forest Catchment are illustrated in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Rivers Traversing National and Game Reserves

River

National/Game Reserve

Mara River Basin

Maasai Mara Reserve (Kenya) Serengeti (Tanzania)

Kerio River Basin

Kerio Valley Kapnarok

Nzoia River Basin

Kakamega Forest

Njoro, Makalia, Nderit and Naishi

Lake Nakuru Park

Molo River

Lake Baringo

The water flow volumes in these rivers have reduced over time and sometimes the rivers dry up completely due to prolonged droughts and climate change. For example, the 2008/9 drought left the spectacular Makalia Falls dry. The volume of water in the Mara River reduces during the dry season, adversely affecting the magnificent wildebeest crossing.

Research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), KEFRI and UNREDD estimates the economic benefit of the Mau Forest to be more than Ksh 110 billion per year, including benefits to tea cultivation (Ksh 13.8 billion), the Sondu-Muriu hydro-electric power generation (Ksh 11.2 billion) and tourism at Lake Nakuru (Ksh 5.5 billion). Other services provided by the forest include an estimated Ksh 7.5 billion in storing carbon, Ksh 8.3 billion in controlling soil erosion and Ksh 1.8 billion in support of fisheries.

A recent study (Kipkoech et al, 2011) shows that three forest blocks of Eastern Mau (66,000 hectares), Trans Mara (34,400 hectares) and Maasai Mau (46,000 hectares) generate US$ 265 million per year. Indirect uses (soil, hydrological and climate regulation) account for 87.6 per cent and direct uses (firewood, grazing, logging, etcetera) for 12.4 per cent. The study reveals that benefits to stakeholders far from the forest periphery were greater than those generated by forest adjacent communities.

Miti July - September 2015

LEAD THEME

Rehabilitation of Mau Catchment ecosystems Kenya’s new constitution requires the country to increase its forest cover to 10 per cent. Yet between 2000 and 2010, deforestation in the water towers amounted to an estimated 28,427 hectares, leading to reduced water availability of approximately 62 million cubic metres per year.

Kenya’s economy is highly sensitive to water availability and droughts. For example, inflation spiked above 10 per cent on three occasions between 2000 and 2010, each time driven by drought combined with increasing crude oil prices and weaker exchange rates. According to a joint KFS and UNEP report, deforestation deprived Kenya’s economy of 5.8 billion shillings ($US 68 million) in 2010 and 6.6 billion shillings in 2009, far outstripping the roughly 1.3 billion shillings injected from forestry and logging each year.

The reasons for deforestation are multiple and complex. They range from unregulated charcoal production, harvesting of fuel wood, logging of indigenous trees, cultivation in the indigenous forest, shamba-system practices, livestock grazing, quarry landslides and human settlements.

Rehabilitation efforts The Kenyan government has recognised the value of its forests, and is working on the rehabilitation of the Mau Forest Complex. Over the last one-and-a-half years, more than 21,000 hectares of forestland have been repossessed, and 10,000 hectares have been rehabilitated by the government and partners.

A number of programmes and activities have been started to improve the livelihoods of communities living adjacent to the forest and address the situation of the forest-dwelling communities, in particular the Ogiek.

In addition, the government gazetted the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) on 13 April 2012, to take over the responsibilities of coordinating and supervising the rehabilitation, conservation and management of Kenyan water towers.

KFS, the main government agency responsible for management of the Mau Forest Complex, has signed agreements with the African Wildlife Foundation and Malaika Ecotourism & Coral Cay Conservation (UK) to rehabilitate 5,400 and 150 hectares respectively, of Mau Forest Complex. Other organisations with interest include James Finlay (K) Ltd, to rehabilitate 100 hectares, and Save the Mau Trust Fund, expected to rehabilitate 8,600 hectares.

In addition, Kenya Commercial Bank, Barclays Bank of Kenya, Equity Bank, East African Breweries Limited and Nation Media Group have pledged to support rehabilitation efforts of the Mau Forest. Civil society organisations and local

Miti July - September 2015

communities are also actively involved in the rehabilitation activities.

The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources has played a leading role in the provision of seedlings to support tree planting by various stakeholders. The Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Lands and Ministry of State for Defence have committed to rehabilitation of almost 50,000 acres, in partnership with KFS. Resource mobilisation Through KFS, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) and KWTA, Kenya has invested heavily in forest management, enforcement, research and rehabilitation of the Mau Forest Complex.

USAID is assisting the country to develop a robust blueprint for management and rehabilitation of waters through the use of Mau and Cherangany forests as model forest systems through a three-year project (2015-2018). The French Development Agency has developed a proposal focusing on resource assessment for the entire Mau Forest Complex and rehabilitation of Eastern Mau Forest Reserve.

The European Union has supported various projects to rehabilitate the Mau. A project proposal was developed with a proposed budget of 2.3 million euros.

Challenges to Rehabilitation • Lack of a clear policy on the relocation and compensation of settlers in key forest blocks.

• Uncertainty by local communities living inside the forest areas that has created social distress and hostility towards rehabilitation efforts.

• Inadequate use of technical guidelines on tree planting that has led to low survival rates and total failure in some cases.

• Lack of coordination between sectors in the rehabilitation efforts that has led to duplication of efforts, institutional conflicts and confusion among stakeholders and potential partners.

• Inadequate awareness of the value of forests ecosystems in the provision of ecological goods and services at national level.

• Inadequate awareness of appropriate land use and conservation methods.

• High poverty levels leading to direct dependence on forest resources.

• High population growth leading to encroachment into forest land.

• Slow implementation of the Forest Act 2005 aimed at facilitating establishment of community forest associations (CFAs) across the country. The CFAs are expected to formulate a specific forest management plan in their areas of jurisdiction.

• Inadequate, irregular and uncoordinated surveillance of the forest boundary to avoid further encroachment.

• WTA is still weak and invisible at the grass roots level, thus creating uncertainty and confusion.

• Lack of coordinated interventions by policymakers.

• Poor infrastructure for forest management.

Recent studies propose the inclusion of the following activities: • Investment in management and enforcement protection against settlements and overgrazing; and rehabilitation of degraded sites; • Investment in the forestry sector to increase the efficiency in production, especially in sawn timber and charcoal; • Address the growing trend of dependence on imports of forest products, which constituted more than 50 per cent of domestic output for the year 2009; • Ensure adequate regeneration after harvest and an increased forest plantation growth in the longterm; • Regularise incentives such as payment for ecosystem services, trading and insurance schemes; • Mobilise funds from various sources such as REDD+, Climate Change Adaptation and carbon trading schemes; • Encourage governments to implement policies that encourage sustainable use of natural resources.

References • Kipkoech, A. , Mogaka, H. Cheboiwo, J. and Kimaro, D. 2011. The Total Economic Value of Maasai Mau, Trans Mara and Esatern Mau Forests, Lake Victoria Basin Secretariate and Environmental Research and Polcy Analaysis.Kisumu, Kenya.

• NEMA. 2013. Mau Complex at Glance, National Environment Management, Nairobi, Kenya.

• Kigomo, P.N., Kimiti J.M. and Tuwei P.K. (Eds). Forest Restoration Handboo for Moist Forests in Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya • UN-REDD Programme, 2012, Newsletter Issue No. 34 November, 2012.

• UNEP. 2012. The Role and Contribution of Montane Forests and Related Ecosystems Services to the Kenyan Economy, UNEP, UN-REDD and KFS, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr Cheboiwo is Deputy Director, Socioeconomics, Policy and Governance, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).

Email: jcheboiw@kefri.org or jkchemangare@ yahoo.com David Langat is Senior Research Officer, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Londiani RRC Email: dkipkirui@yahoo.com

15

LEAD THEME

Climate change impacts the ‘Pearl of Africa’ The country has put in place measures to mitigate the negative effects of changes in weather patterns

BY NATUMANYA EZRAH

I

n the last few decades, Uganda has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, with serious socioeconomic consequences.

The most extreme event experienced was the El Niño of 1997/98. In addition, the country has been beset with uncertainty in onset and amount of rain since the late 1990s. This has been coupled with increased evaporation rates, particularly in northern Uganda, affecting agricultural production.

The frequency and intensity of droughts in the central and western parts of the country have certainly affected food security and household incomes. The droughts have drastically reduced production of robusta coffee that is a major export crop for Uganda. Large parts of Uganda (especially to the north east) that were rangelands over 50 years ago are now partly semi-arid and face severe water shortages especially during drought. Other recorded impacts of climate change on Uganda have included loss of habitats and species and soil erosion due to heavy rains.

Climate change has had devastating effects in Uganda. A rise in temperatures has resulted in an increase of infectious diseases. Malaria increased throughout the country but has reached “epidemic proportions” in south west Uganda.

Rising temperatures have led to the emergence of new coffee, cassava and soya pests.

The ice caps on the Rwenzori Mountains are reported to have receded to 40 per cent of their 1955 recorded cover and are set to disappear within the next two decades, affecting wildlife species and increasing the erosive power of River Semliki (Uganda NAPA report, 2007). Recently, the Semliki River moved almost one kilometre into Uganda as a result of erosion, causing a border dispute with Congo.

Climate change threatens to frustrate poverty eradication programmes and the Millennium Development Goals. In south western Uganda, temperatures have risen by 0.3o Celsius in a decade, and this is cited as one of the hardest-hit areas in terms of disease outbreaks (New Vision, April 6, 2007). Malaria cases have increased by 43 per cent in Ntungamo, 51 per cent in Kabale

16

and 135 per cent in Mbarara. These are mainly highland areas where people have not developed immunity to malaria.

In the semi-arid areas of Uganda, tickborne diseases have become rampant because of higher temperatures. The tsetse fly belt has expanded, while meningitis and eye infections are reported to have increased. Severe droughts have resulted in frequent dust storms and associated respiratory and eye infections in low lying areas of Nakasongola, Lira and Rakai districts.

Across the country, rainfall has been erratic and the amount has gone down. Frequent droughts have led to lowering of the water table, leading to drying of boreholes, with the rural poor and the cattle corridor that are dependent on boreholes most affected. Rains fall in concentrated heavy showers and storms, leading to floods in lowlands and landslides in highlands.

This leads to the spread of waterborne diseases.

Drought is now the single most important and widespread disaster in Uganda. It is increasing in frequency and severity, particularly in the semi-arid areas of the cattle corridor. Prolonged droughts have affected food production and led

to almost perpetual dependency on food aid in some parts of the country, according to findings of experts, as quoted in New Vision, of April 6, 2007. A typical example is in the arid areas of Karamoja where the World Food Programme supplies virtually all the food.

Long spells of drought have also resulted in the drying up of several water bodies. River Rwizi in Lake Mburo National Park, which feeds Lake Victoria, has dropped by about four metres in a few years, according to the Department of Monitoring and Assessment report of 2011.

Severe drought has resulted in drying of small water sources in villages, leading to serious water shortages. The areas hit hardest by drought include the cattle corridor, covering about 30 districts from Ntungamo, Rakai and Mbarara in western Uganda over Luwero, Nakasongola, Apac and Lira to Karamoja in north eastern Uganda. This area suffered a prolonged drought in 2000 that caused severe water shortages, leading to loss of animals, low milk production, food insecurity and increased food prices.

Droughts and rising temperatures also affect crop production. Current temperatures and rainfall permit the cultivation of coffee in most

Miti July - September 2015

parts of the country. However, with a temperature rise of just 2o C, only Kabale, Fort Portal, parts of Nebbi, Kapchorwa and Mount Elgon will be suitable for coffee cultivation. Other crops like cassava and soya may also be sensitive to temperature increases.

Warming of mountainous areas will also drastically affect wildlife species. The mountain gorilla, half of whose world population is in Uganda, is under threat. Equally endangered are the Rwenzori leopard and the Rwenzori red duiker that usually live at altitudes above 3,000m, corresponding with colder climates.

Unique species of chameleon are also found on the mountains, including the three-horned chameleon, whose range is shifting upwards on Rwenzori as a result of rising temperatures (Orindi, V. and Eriksen, S., 2005).

Adaptation to climate change Uganda has so far put in place several policy and institutional frameworks for adapting to climate change. The country’s Vision 2025 constitutes a strategic framework for national development.

The document addresses, among other things, the government’s vision of a modernised agricultural sector; technologically proficient, innovative and competitive industries; maximum utilisation of information technology, expanded research capacity, adequate and well-trained scientists and technologists in all fields of production and other human activities.

Having ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1993, the government has adopted several policy responses to climate change. These policies include: • The National Environment Management Policy (1995), which promotes the use of economic instruments, public participation and environment information and education

to foster climate change mitigation and adaptation in Uganda.

• The National Wetlands Policy (1995) seeks to promote the conservation of Uganda’s wetlands in order to sustain their ecological and socio-economic functions for the present and future wellbeing of the people.

Wetlands are critical for water provision and microclimate moderation. Uganda has put in place a comprehensive disaster management policy that details the effective and practical management of disasters.

• The National Water Policy (1995) sets out water supply and sanitation policies as well as sustainable provision of accessible clean safe water. The policy promotes a new integrated approach to manage the water resources in ways that lead to water conservation and sustainable management of water resources for Uganda.

• The Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) provides Uganda’s Comprehensive Development framework and continues to guide formulation of government policies aimed at fostering economic growth in Uganda. Under the plan, several policies such as the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) address Uganda’s commitment to adapt to climate change.

• The Population Policy for Uganda (1994) addresses the need for sustainable development through the harmonisation of population growth with the country’s natural resources such as water, land, forests and climate.

• The Health Policy (1998) carries a policy goal of attainment of a good standard of health by all people in Uganda and contains plans for control of malaria, which accounts for over 15.4 per cent deaths in Uganda.

The Department of Meteorology is mandated to implement policies related to climate and

climate change. The policy goal in this sector is “to maintain a well-developed weather and climate monitoring system that provides necessary information and advisories to support sustainable socio-economic development and guide the country in implementing the UNFCC and the Kyoto protocol.”

Several practical projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of different sectors to adapt to climate change are already on the ground. The key measures identified under this study include the new building codes requiring environmental impact assessment (EIA) incorporation in the architectural designs, land use planning decisions that address adaptations to climate change, agricultural responses such as government attempts to introduce and test drought resistant crops (cultivars) by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and programmes promoting irrigation in the rice growing region of eastern Uganda.

Other attempts include technical responses in areas of climate monitoring system, warning services and disaster preparedness programmes.

These include harnessing underground water and encouraging valley dams for rainwater harvesting, especially in the Albertine cattle corridor districts.

In the agricultural sector, the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) designs to introduce drought-resistant cultivars, promote irrigation, agricultural information dissemination, training and research.

The Forestry Action Plan covers measures to address afforestation, reforestation, forest conservation and protection of the existing forest estates in Uganda.

In addition, Uganda has a strong wetland protection programme. Encouraging pastoralist communities to reduce the number of cattle per household and the introduction of improved pasture species are measures to mitigate climate change in Uganda.

The Department of Meteorology has implemented several projects including the Project on incremental costs on greenhouse gases and their elimination. A forests absorbing carbon dioxide emissions (FACE) project has been launched to reforest and undertake enrichment planting of the degraded forest protected areas of Mt Elgon and Kibale National parks. Training is going on to improve skills and capacity in meteorological monitoring and services in Uganda.

(References for this article are obtainable from the Miti Editor)

The writer is a Lecturer, Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, Email: enatumanya@caes.mak.ac.ug

Miti July - September 2015

17

GREEN SCHOOLS

Children care for seedlings at Katheini Primary School in Kangundo, Machakos County. (Photo: KFS)

Catching them young KFS is working with schools to increase forest cover and conserve the environment

BY JOSEPH NJIGOYA

E

nvironment is an increasingly important matter in Kenya’s development agenda.

Many communities rely on the natural resources surrounding their localities to generate goods and services for consumption and income. This can only be achieved by ensuring that the supply of tree products such as timber, fuel wood, poles and non-wood products is stepped up and exceeds national demand, thus creating room for conservation of trees and forests which will ultimately lead to increased forest cover.

Furthermore, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has a mandate to spearhead national tree-growing efforts aimed at increasing the forest cover to at least 10 per cent of land area as stipulated in the constitution of Kenya 2010, Vision 2030 and other national development blueprints.

The aspiration can be achieved and exceeded by cultivating a tree-growing culture among Kenyans and promoting private commercial treegrowing through capacity building, provision of appropriate technologies, providing incentives to farmers and promoting efficient utilisation of tree products.

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Commercial tree-growing has in the past decade proved to be a viable economic activity with potential for generating incomes among investors. However, much more remains to be done so that this sub-sector can lend its full support to economic growth.

In addition, tree-growing by schools is a realistic vehicle through which the concepts of green schools and commercial tree-growing can be inculcated into the minds of the young learners in schools and among the youth. This in turn creates sustainable participation by Kenyans in tree-growing and environmental conservation.

The Green Schools and Commercial Tree Growing Programme (GSCTG) has its genesis in the pronouncement by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 7th December 2013, during the programme launch at Michinda Mary School, Nyandarua County.

The programme takes cognizance of the importance of schools and intensifying support to selected primary schools in all constituencies throughout the republic. These schools will serve as capacity building and resource centres where best practices in tree-growing, management and

utilisation as well as energy conservation and other related initiatives will be demonstrated for both students and the neighbouring communities.

The main objectives of the programme are: • To inculcate and empower pupils/students with the need to conserve the environment.

• To step up medium-scale tree nurseries in schools so that these institutions of learning become continuous sources of seedlings for the whole community.

• To establish forestry clubs in all schools towards promotion of sound, sustainable and long-term environmental conservation.

• Engage pupils/students in actual treeplanting and dissemination of relevant information on tree-growing and environmental conservation to the rest of the society, and • To gather and bring together like-minded, environment-loving stakeholders for increased environmental impact.

A selection criterion was established to ensure the most suitable schools were selected for the programme. Selected schools in nonASAL (arid and semi-arid lands) counties must

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have adequate arable area to plant and maintain 1,000 trees. Selected schools in ASAL counties are required to plant and maintain at least 100 trees.

The school should set aside at least one acre for tree nursery establishment and demonstration of commercial tree-growing. The schools should also have demonstrated past tree-planting and conservation efforts and have formal structures such as environmental clubs, 4K clubs, etcetera, through which programme activities can be carried out.

In addition, the school administration must have a long-term commitment to the programme.

The selected schools should also be accessible to a large catchment of community members since the schools will become centres for learning the many aspects of tree-growing whose impact is expected to be both far-reaching and visible.

The main source of water for the tree-growing activities will be roof catchments. The selected schools therefore need to have corrugated iron roofs with a possibility of installing gutters and water tanks.

A document to guide implementation of the programme was developed in 2014 through consultative meetings between the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development, the Kenya Forest Service, the Scouting Movement, the Ministry of Education, county governors and other stakeholders.

The following activities were identified for implementation under the green schools activities: • Water harvesting for tree nursery and woodlots establishment, • Tree nurseries infrastructure establishment using standardised designs, • Woodlots establishment, • Tree nursery and woodlot protection, and • Capacity building for schools.

The green schools interventions were undertaken in 51 schools throughout the country during the just concluded 2014/15 financial year, with at least one school per county. Out of the 51 schools picked, 37 are from the non-ASAL counties while 14 are from the ASAL counties.

Woodlots and modern tree nursery infrastructures were established in all the selected 51 schools throughout the country.

A total of 40,000 seedlings of both exotic and indigenous tree species were planted, thus covering an area of 16.0 hectares or 63.0 acres.

The schools are expected to expand the area under woodlots once the nurseries are fully operational which will also provide a constant supply of seedlings to the school as well as the neighbouring communities.

Nevertheless, the programme has experienced some unforeseen challenges. The

teachers’ strike, for instance, interrupted the construction of the nursery infrastructure and capacity building of the students and teachers.

In addition, some areas have had inadequate rainfall. However, these challenges were addressed in good time and the programme proceeded as scheduled.

KFS is mobilising additional resources to cover more schools during the current 2015/16 financial year. Ultimately, over six years, KFS targets to cover 931 public schools, out of which 841 are from non-ASAL while 90 are from ASAL areas.

The County Government of Kilifi has so far supported one school in each ward, while in Narok, the Ecosystem Conservator has been approached to provide technical assistance to support schools under this programme. Therefore, other county governments and stakeholders, including the schools themselves, have a good opportunity to support this programme.

The interventions of the GSCTG are part of the National Strategy for Increasing Forest Cover through establishment of woodlots in schools and areas within the school catchment.

This will ensure sustainable management and conservation of forests and trees, improve livelihoods for the communities and contribute to the increase in forest cover as envisioned in the Constitution.

“For a Green Economy, Wakenya Tupande Miti.”

The writer is a Senior Forest Officer at the Farm Forestry Department, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Email: njigoya2006@yahoo.com

Miti July - September 2015

19

RESEARCH

Biological control of eucalyptus pests There is a need to develop fast, cost-effective, efficient measures to counter economic loss from invasive bugs

BY ESTON MUTITU

E

ucalyptus trees are the most widely grown hardwood species outside their natural habitat. The trees have been introduced in more than 50 countries and cover about 20 million hectares worldwide (excluding 11 million hectares in their native Australia).

The trees enjoy this wide acceptance because they thrive in a wide range of climatic zones, provide socio-economic and environmental benefits, and also act as an important source of commercial cellulose fibre for the paper and viscose industry.

East Africa has seen a number of human interventions geared towards growing of eucalypts and their associated clones, to meet the ever-increasing wood demand. This has led to monocultures of commercial eucalyptus plantations that replace indigenous tree species.

This is done through technology transfer from countries like South Africa. The imported clones are site-matched to achieve maximum productivity.

Introduction of eucalyptus is done through seeds and cuttings (scion) transfer, a method that leaves pests of the species in the countries of origin. However, the uniformity of eucalyptus trees and their planting from country to country make the species prone to attack by pests. The pests escape from their native host range, leaving behind the natural enemies that regulate them.

Major invasive pests of eucalyptus trees Eucalyptus plantations and woodlots in East Africa and particularly Kenya have been threatened by increasingly devastating invasive pests. These include Blue Gum Chalcid (BGC) (Leptocybe invasa), Bronze bug (Thaumastocoris peregrinus), Red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) and Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus scutellatus).

These pest species are endemic to Australia, the native home for Eucalyptus species. Most of these invaders are spreading very fast. For example, it is reported that BGC attained global status in eight years compared to older (more than 80 years) invasions like Snout beetle that

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Damage symptoms caused by BGC on leaf midrib and petiole. (Photos: KEFRI) took 104 years. In Kenya, BGC was reported in all host tree-growing areas of the country within two years after its invasion.

Factors associated with this intensified pest invasion and fast rate of spread include increased monocultures, trade, human movement and poor phytosanitary measures. Therefore there is need to develop fast, cost-effective, efficient mitigation measures to counter economic loss associated with such invasive pests. Such measure will also make commercial Eucalyptus species growing in Kenya a viable farming activity.

Biological control of eucalyptus pests Biological control, or biocontrol, is the use of living organisms such as predators or parasitoids to manage pests. Such organisms may be indigenous, in which case the numbers of the natural enemies need only to be increased or translocated from one area to another. This is simply termed as Augmentative Biological Control.

In another case, exotic biocontrol agents are introduced purposely. This involves searching for the potential biocontrol agent in the pest endemic area, screening for host specificity, efficacy testing, and releasing as well as monitoring the establishment and spread in the area of pest invasion. This method is commonly applied for the management of exotic pest species and is called Classical Biological Control (CBC).

A classic example of a recent successful CBC programme in Kenya is the management of the exotic Cypress aphids (Cinara cupressivora) that caused serious damage on Mexican cypress countrywide in the early 1990s. Pauesia juniperorum, a Mediterranean parasitoid, was introduced in aphid infested areas in the mid 1990s. After a short duration, this biocontrol agent spread in all major host tree growing areas, diminishing economic loss caused by this pest.

Other countries in East Africa such as Uganda and Tanzania also introduced the same parasitoid from Kenya, and similar successful results were recorded. As all the above-mentioned eucalypts pests are exotic, a similar strategy is being implemented to manage these pests in Kenya and many other parts of the world.

TheBGC is a gall-forming wasp native to Australia. It was first reported outside its native range in 2000, attacking Eucalyptus species in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region.

Currently, it has been reported in all major eucalypt growing regions of the world and has thus gained global significance.

In Kenya, BGC was first reported in November 2002 in the Western region. It spread very fast covering the whole country within three years.

It is believed to have invaded Kenya from neighbouring Uganda. The rapid countrywide spread can be attributed to its capability to be

Miti July - September 2015

1mm

Invasive pests of Eucalyptus species in Kenya. From left to right Eucalyptus snout beetle, Blue gum chalcid, Bronze bug and Red gum lerp psyllid. (Photos: KEFRI) carried by air currents (wind), its thelytokous1 for Import and Export (KSTCIE) - to import has shown to be resistance to infestation.

Exploration in Australia identified a wasp, reproduction (only females are produced S. neseri from South Africa and release it in asexually), multi-voltine (many generations eucalyptus growing areas. This very important Cleruchoides noackae, which attacks the eggs per year) development, absence of principal process is currently being undertaken to help of the Bronze bug. Research studies carried out by the writer of this article in a South African natural enemies, and the large tracts of almost mitigate economic losses caused by this pest. contiguous host plants in Kenya.

The Bronze bug, another Australian insect quarantine facility showed C. noackae as a BGC attacks new plant growth (leaves, pest, was first reported outside its native home suitable potential biocontrol agent that can help petioles and stems), including nursery seedlings. range in South Africa in 2003. It has been to ease the damage caused by this bug.

Using the laboratory research results, South Heavy galling (abnormal outgrowth in plant reported in South America and Europe. In Africa, tissue) causes the leaves to warp. This causes it has been reported in other countries, including Africa, Brazil and Chile governments have malformation and stunted growth of the tree and Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and granted permission for the release of this natural in extreme cases, tree death. Heavy infestations Uganda. In Kenya, it was reported in October enemy in their infested eucalypts plantations,

by BGC can severely affect the productivity of 2009 in Kajiado County, attacking a wide range with great success. Recent field assessments show parasitism levels have already reached up commercial eucalypt plantations, ultimately of Eucalyptus species and hybrid clones. adversely affecting the revenue generated from This is a small sap-sucking insect that to 48 per cent in some areas in these countries.

In Kenya, KEFRI has compiled a dossier for this economic activity. mainly infests the fully expanded leaves of host Studies on various management strategies trees. Infested trees display a yellowing and then submission to KSTCIE requesting permission to indicate that chemical application is not a reddening of leaves, sometimes followed by early import and release this parasitoid to help mitigate viable option. Applications of insecticides have leaf senescence. Although the bug infestations damage caused by the bug.

These successful programmes provide undesirable effects, particularly if applied on a seldom result in tree death, highly infested trees large scale. Planting eucalyptus material resistant become stunted and open to other pests and impetus to the implementation of other similar classical biological control procedures for the to BGC is a potential management strategy. diseases.

However, the trade-off between resistance and The bug causes economic loss similar to BGC other Eucalyptus pests in Kenya. Other such growth and other factors that necessitate the and is thus considered one of the most devastating programmes in the pipeline include that of the Red planting of certain susceptible species makes pests of eucalypts in the country. A management gum lerp psyllid and the eucalyptus snout beetle.

Implementation of classical biological control this management option insufficient by itself. strategy is being put in place by KEFRI with the help programmes is challenging and requires coBiological control is the most appropriate viable of quasi-related international institutions. management option.

Systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid operation with other research institutions to Recent studies (the writer of this article have been used to manage this bug in Australia. reduce duplication of efforts. KEFRI continues to participated in this research programme) carried However, this has been found not to be feasible strengthen its capacity in trained and experienced out in South Africa and Brazil have identified a due to the high cost and likely negative impact on staff and acquiring facilities to help hasten the suitable biocontrol agent, Selitrichodes neseri, for the environment after long use. Host resistance implementation of such programmes.

Recently, KEFRI built a state-of-the-art the management of BGC. This parasitoid is native is also not currently a viable option as the bug to Australia. attacks a broad range of Eucalyptus species quarantine facility at its Muguga headquarters Further studies have established that S. neseri is and hybrid clones (over 30 species currently to carry out both pests and exotic biocontrol host specific to BGC. Laboratory parasitism rates of reported), and there is yet no Eucalyptus spp. that agents research work in a controlled environment.

The facility will also help in more than 70 per cent have been multiplication of the required recorded and a cost-effective numbers for field releases. laboratory mass-rearing method Networking with relevant has been developed to produce institutions to help the exchange appropriate parasitoid numbers and sharing of mutual research for field releases. This biocontrol information is being accelerated agent has recently been released through signing of memoranda in South Africa, Brazil and Chile, of understanding. with promising results.

Kenya Forestry Research The writer is Principal Forest Institute (KEFRI) applied and Entomologist, Central Highland Ecohas been granted permission Region Programme (CHERP), Kenya by the authorising body - Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Standing Technical Committee Biological control agents. From left to right S. neseri for BGC, and C. noackae for Email: estonmutitu@gmail.com 1 Females produced from unfertilised eggs. bronze bug. (Photos: KEFRI and FABI)

Miti July - September 2015

21

FORESTRY

Growing eucalyptus on rocky soil Tree farmer shows that clonal eucalypts can thrive on marginal lands

BY DIANA AHEBWE

A

bubaker Mwima started growing trees in 2006. He first planted 4.5 hectares of Pinus caribaea then later planted Eucalyptus grandis. He grows eucalyptus for transmission poles while the pine is for timber.

After learning about eucalyptus from a former employer who was a pioneer of eucalyptus hybrids in Uganda, Mr Mwima set up Kisaana Clonal Nursery in 2012. The 4-star nursery is certified by the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme/Uganda Timber Growers Association (SPGS/UTGA).

Mr Mwima believes cultivation of trees is beneficial. “Again, as a forester, I value trees and could not just be an onlooker as others plant,” he says.

Mr Mwima’s trees range in age from one to nine years. His four-year-old 19-hectare clonal eucalyptus plantation is on a rocky area in Mityana District, where it is growing impressively.

The planting area is generally rocky, with a thin layer of gravel. The area is usually dry and does not hold much water and is considered marginal for agricultural crops.

“Eucalyptus clones are very resilient,” says Mr Mwima. “All I do is to ensure good silvicultural practices like good weeding; for the rest, I leave to mother nature.” He plants during the first rains of March to early June as well as during the rains of September to November.

Mr Mwima has so far planted 25 hectares besides running one of the biggest clonal nurseries in Uganda. Currently, the nursery has the capacity to produce 500,000 plantlets a year. Mr Mwima employs over 100 workers, both permanent and casual, depending on the workload.

He has planted nine acres of mixed clones close to his nursery in Mityana as a demonstration site for clients who come to buy the clones. This plantation is also very impressive.

Mr Mwima has clients all over the country, including large planters like New Forest Company Ltd, Global-woods AG as well as medium and small growers around Mityana and Mubende.

He also trains other people to start up clonal

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nurseries. Mr Mwima’s passion for trees and commitment to his work have contributed to his success as a tree-planter and nursery manager.

“I would grow trees even if I was not expecting any commercial returns,” he says.

Challenges Fires, especially during the dry season, have presented a challenge to Mr Mwima. Tree diseases and pests like termites have also attacked his eucalyptus plantation. In addition, some neighbours are hostile, seeing eucalyptus trees as a threat to soil fertility. Mr Mwima engages his neighbours in tree-planting, sensitising them about eucalyptus in an effort to erase the notion

that eucalyptus has adverse effects on the soil.

Mr Mwima encourages tree growers to explore marginal lands for tree-planting. “Leave wetlands for other environmental benefits and very fertile land for food crops,” he says. He recommends eucalyptus hybrids and clones for marginal lands.

Above all, Mr Mwima emphasises commitment as forestry requires a lot of time and resources. He encourages everyone to plant trees every season. “We all benefit from trees,” he says. “We all need trees.”

The writer is the Miti magazine Country Representative - Uganda Email: diana@mitiafrica.com

Miti July - September 2015

TREE SPECIES

Timber tree needs saving Mvule, which produces excellent wood, faces a bleak future

BY FRANCIS GACHATHI

M

vule is a huge tree-growing to over 30 metres. It has a straight ashgrey trunk clear to 20 metres or more and 2-metre diameter. Mvule is among the tallest trees in East Africa. The crown is composed of a few stout, widely spread branches. The leaves are large, about 18cm, with 10 - 18 pairs of prominent veins and finely toothed margin. Flowers are small and dioecious, that is, male and female borne on separate trees; males in slender hanging spikes, females in stout erect spikes. The fruit is like a long, green mulberry.

The scientific name of mvule is Milicia excelsa, previously known as Chlorophora excelsa. It is in the fig family Moraceae, characterised by the presence of white latex in all parts. Members of this family include the fig trees and the jackfruit, locally known as mfenesi.

Local names for Milicia excelsa include mvure in Digo, muvuli in Kamba and murumba in Luhya. The Luo call the tree olua, the Meru mururi and it is known as mvule in Swahili. The tree is found in lowland moist relict forests and wooded

Miti July - September 2015

grasslands of the coast, Meru and Nyanza, at 1 to 1350 metres above sea level.

The dark, handsome heartwood of mvule is highly prized for furniture, panelling and floor

parquets. It is traded under the names iroko, mvule and African teak. As a result of high demand for the attractive timber, mvule has been heavily exploited and has become very rare indeed. Its future seems bleak considering that it is a poor seeder, its seeds lose viability quickly and germination is slow and poor.

For propagation purposes, the caterpillarlike mature ripe fruits are collected from the tree crown. They are soaked in water overnight and crushed by hand to extract the seeds. Seeds are dried in the shade.

Under ideal conditions, seeds germinate within 25 to 40 days. Expected germination rate of healthy seed lot is 45 per cent on average.

There are 450,000 – 550,000 seeds per kg depending on the provenance and the climatic conditions of the ripening year.

Mvule tree deserves extensive planting to allow sustainable exploitation.

The writer is Principal Research Officer, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Email: gachathif@yahoo.com

23

SUCCESSFUL TREE-GROWER

Passionate about trees Retired soldier is today a crusader for commercial tree-farming

BY WANJIRU CIIRA AND SAMUEL NAKHONE

R

etired Lt Gen Humphrey Njoroge is passionate about trees. He loves trees and loves growing them. He advocates growing commercial trees even when one owns just an acre of land. “Growing trees on just one acre can make you a millionaire,” he says.

An acre, he explains, can take 650 trees - at 2.5 metre spacing. If the trees are for poles and one sells them at Ksh 3,000 each, one will make Ksh 1.9 million. Of course this will not happen overnight. Depending on the species, it will take eight to 15 years to get the money. “So, if you are not patient, I would not advise you to go into commercial tree-growing,” cautions Lt Gen Njoroge.

In 2007 Lt Gen Njoroge planted over 3,000 eucalyptus trees, which are now ready for harvesting. “I invested only 30,000 shillings per acre but I am now expecting between 10 and 15 million shillings,” he says. Lt Gen Njoroge explains that one requires some Ksh 40,000 to establish an acre of trees.

Before the trees mature into transmission

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poles, the tree farmer will have done three thinnings and the by-products used for firewood, fencing posts, roofing trusses and in the farm for supporting other crops like tomatoes, runner beans and bananas. A farmer will also have used the leaves as fodder for livestock – although not for eucalyptus. All these bring in some money for the farmer. For instance, fencing poles sell for Ksh 200 and the smaller multiple-use pieces at Ksh 100 per piece.

Lt Gen Njoroge says everyone should plant trees. He advises every farmer to set aside a part of their land for trees. “If your land is small and you cannot set aside part of it for trees, then plant trees along the boundary,” he says.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Njoroge’s love for trees started way back when he was growing up in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County. “I was born and brought up on the edge of Aberdare Forest,” he says. “I came into contact with trees as soon as I began crawling.” His family went into farm forestry in the 1960s at Wanjohi, in Nyandarua. “That was when my interest in trees was really cultivated.”

When Lt Gen (Rtd) Njoroge joined Kapsabet

Boys School and later Kagumo High for “A” levels, his love for trees blossomed because the two institutions grew different species, which they labelled using botanical names.

“After high school in 1965, I was torn between joining Egerton Agricultural College to study dairy technology or the military,” he narrates. He ended up in the army following the advice of one Captain Edward Flay, a former Kapsabet High School principal, who had been trained in the British military.

“Captain Flay’s reason was that while in the army, we would be trained in different professions including law, medicine, engineering, veterinary medicine and farming,” explains Lt Gen Njoroge.

Capt Flay was proved right. Lt Gen Njoroge learnt many things in the military, where he started as a second lieutenant and rose through the ranks to become a deputy army commander.

During his military career, Lt Gen Njoroge served as a commandant of the National Defence College in Karen, Nairobi. He retired from the military in 2004.

In keeping with his interest in farming and

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tree-growing, Lt Gen Njoroge had in 1984 bought 100 acres of land at Lengenet, Rongai in Nakuru County. ”Lengenet” means yellow in Kalenjin, referring to the Acacia xanthophloea trees that grow naturally in the area.

At the Rongai farm, Lt Gen Njoroge has planted trees on 30 acres. In addition, he has 10 acres of trees in Ngata Farm, also in Rongai and another 60 acres at Wanjohi in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County. He mainly grows eucalyptus species, specifically E. grandis clones, E. camaldulensis and E. maculata. “I grow different varieties to counter diseases,” he says.

Well, Lt Gen Njoroge has suffered loss from diseases. In 2014, he lost more than 10,000 fiveyear-old E. camaldulensis trees to snout beetles, a virulent pest that can decimate acres of young eucalyptus trees. “If the beetles had not attacked my 20-acre eucalyptus plantation, this year I would be harvesting trees worth over 20 million shillings,” he says.

The tree farmer noticed that only the camaldulensis variety was attacked. “The maculata was not attacked,” he says. He notes that the hybrid clones are fast-growing, take a straight form but the only downside is that they get water stressed in Rongai area because of the altitude.

To deal with the snout beetle attack, Lt Gen Njoroge sought advice from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). After doing tests, the KEFRI scientists advised Lt Gen Njoroge to cut down the trees. “The beetles bore holes into the leaves, drying them and consequently drying the trees,” he says. He harvested the trees for firewood.

Lt Gen Njoroge’s main buyer of his eucalyptus trees is Kenya Power. However, the trees are also in demand in the construction industry. In addition to the eucalyptus trees, Lt Gen Njoroge grows Acacia abyssinica for firewood, the fig tree or mugumo (Ficus natalensis) for conservation, muiri (Prunus africana), mukima (Grevillea robusta), muchorowe (Nuxia congesta) also for conservation, casuarina, Mexican ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and the giant bamboo.

“Trees are good. Apart from earning money from them, they have numerous environmental benefits,” says Lt Gen Njoroge. “They provide attractive scenery. They help in carbon reduction and clean the air. Again, they attract hundreds of birds, which help beautify my farm.”

Challenges According to Lt Gen Njoroge, it is not easy to obtain quality tree seeds. In addition, quality seeds are expensive. For example, a kilogram of eucalyptus seeds costs Ksh 3,000.

Miti July - September 2015

“Farmers also need technical advice on managing tree nurseries, how to tend the crop, and general silvicultural practices,” he says. The forestry service should provide these extension services. “Trees need deep ploughing, and correct fertiliser or manure application when they are still young,” says Lt Gen Njoroge. “Weeding is crucial for the first three years to avoid ending up with stunted or weak trees. The weeds can even kill the young trees.”

In addition, to counter disease, the government needs to control the movement of seeds and seedlings. “There should not be uncontrolled global movement of seeds.”

Tree farmers, on their part, need to be organised so they can influence the tree market.

“We need to form a tree marketing cooperative or a farmers producer organisation to address issues of value chain addition, along the same lines as the coffee or dairy boards,” says Lt Gen Njoroge. “This would cut out the brokers who reduce the profit margin for farmers. That said however, brokers are important entrepreneurs who should be part of value chain addition in the forest product.”

Related to this is the fact that trees are not considered a crop, for instance, not like coffee, wheat or maize. “As a result, banks do not give loans for tree-growing,” says Lt Gen Njoroge.

Tree formers have to look for other ways of raising money for their tree farming activities.

Lt Gen Njoroge’s outlook is different. “My trees are to me what cows or maize crops are to other farmers,” he says. However, since trees take up to eight years to mature, a tree farmer needs another source of income as he/she waits to reap from the trees.

Lt Gen Njoroge’s fall-back is his dairy unit. He practices mixed farming on 20 acres of his 100 acres. There he keeps 50 dairy cows from which he gets 150 to 200 litres of milk daily. He also keeps sheep and geese and grows maize, part of which he feeds his animals.

Looking forward All said, Lt Gen Njoroge is happy that tree-farming is gaining recognition. The fact that according to the Forest Act 2013, Kenyans are required to set aside 10 per cent of their land to trees is a demonstration of this recognition. However, he says the government should consider giving tax exemptions and a platform for lobbying on farm forestry issues to tree farmers.

Lt Gen Njoroge, through his Rongai Ostrich Farm, is playing his part in increasing the forest cover in the country. He shares the benefits of planting trees with his neighbours at Lengeret.

He goes a step further by providing both indigenous and exotic seedlings to farmers throughout the year. These seedlings include Eucalyptus grandis, E. camaldulensis, E. maculata, cedar (Juniperus procera) and Mexican ash. He also grows indigenous species such as red stinkwood (Prunus africana), different acacias, bamboo, mukima (Grevillea robusta), mutamaiyu (Olea europaea), muchorowe (Nuxia congesta) and water berry (Syzygium cordatum).

He sells seedlings at between Ksh 30 and Ksh 140, depending on the species.

“Farming has helped me cope well with my retirement,” says Lt Gen Njoroge. “I put part of my pension into farming and I have not regretted it.” And he has a message for those who are employed, particularly the youth: “Don’t wait for retirement then go into farming. Start early as you prepare for retirement,” he says. “Once you leave employment, go and manage your farm.

You will not have to worry about money.”

Wanjiru Ciira is Managing Editor, Miti magazine Email: wanjiru@mitiafrica.com Samuel Nakhone is Forester, Better Globe Forestry Email: samuel@betterglobeforestry.com

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SUCCESSFUL TREE-GROWER

Minister pioneers bamboo-growing Plant the right species and secure the land from animals, advises the avid tree grower FLAVIA MUNABA, a State Minister of Environment in the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda, is a lawyer by profession, and also holds a master’s degree in philosophy. She talked to DIANA AHEBWE, the Country Representative of Miti magazine in Uganda, about growing bamboo.

Below are excerps from the interview.

What motivated you to grow bamboo?

I love forestry naturally. I have always had fruit trees like jackfruit, avocado, guavas and mangoes in my compound. I have a natural forest at my home, which has been threatened by people who cut the trees to make charcoal. When I became a minister, I took time to study and attend conferences in different countries, especially China.

I wanted to understand natural resources and how we can manage them as a business, leading to conservation. I found that the National Forestry Authority (NFA) was more into conservation of natural forests. I visited China in October 2011 for a forestry and bamboo expo. I was impressed by the products that come out of bamboo such as food, charcoal, paper, clothes, timber, roofings, construction poles, furniture, toothpicks, etc.

Bamboo can be utilised processed or raw. I have also visited a Chinese bamboo project in Rwanda.

In addition, bamboo is good for ecological functions such as carbon sequestration, holding soils firm on hill slopes thus preventing landslides, and it is not so much affected by fire. Bamboo is renewable in the sense that it sprouts and it is harvested for a long time once it has matured.

How did you begin commercial bamboogrowing and how many hectares have you planted?

I have always had bamboo in my compound but I decided to grow bamboo on a commercial basis in 2012. I bought degraded land in my constituency in eastern Uganda. I first purchased 3,000 seedlings although only 580 survived. I have planted on 10 acres of land, but some of them having been destroyed by the local communities.

I introduced the idea of bamboo-growing to NFA but they were hesitant. We are trying to have a memorandum of understanding between NFA and the Chinese to grow bamboo in eastern Uganda.

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Detail of Yushania alpina. In case we forget, botanically this is a grass.

(Photo: Flavia Munaba)

Miti July - September 2015

How old are your trees, what species and why the particular species?

The oldest bamboo that I have is five years and the rest are three years old. There are over 120 species of bamboo known so far, but I have planted the giant yellow bamboo, the edible bamboo, the small ornamental and dwarf bamboo.

Where do you get seedlings from?

I bought the first seedlings from Luzira Prison but they were expensive. The Uganda Industrial Institute in Kabaale also has seedlings. I decided to raise my own seedlings but it was labourintensive, especially the potting. I decided to learn different ways of doing things especially raising the bamboo seedlings. I have learnt how to use cuttings, which are buried in the ground with incisions on the cuttings that are filled with water and with soil pressed hard on them, so they start developing roots.

What are the ecological details of your planting area?

Kariro District is very hot with a bimodal rainfall pattern of between 1200 to 1350mm on average per annum. My land is close to a swamp. Although some researchers have said bamboo grows in highlands, it also grows well in lowlands. It is all about exploring different options.

What is your planting regime?

I plant mostly in the rainy season but I also plant during the dry seasons as long as I water the seedlings every morning. It is good to plant during the long rains because bamboo requires a lot of water.

How many workers do you employ – full-time and casual?

I employ four people on permanent basis and six others are casuals from the surrounding community. I have also built a church and a school where I will introduce bamboo as a source of income. I am training more people including my son whom I sent to the Uganda Industrial Research Institute to learn about processing and the different products that can come out of bamboo.

Where do you sell the bamboo or where is the potential market?

There is a high market potential in Uganda for bamboo because it can be used processed or raw. Instead of using eucalyptus for roofing or construction, we can use bamboo. It can also be used for firewood, charcoal as well as charcoal briquettes and its leaves offer good feed for chicken and pigs. Besides the local market, there is an international market such as China.

Miti July - September 2015

How much money have you invested in this venture?

At first I spent a lot of money because of lack of information and know-how. For example, I would buy seedlings at 4,000 shillings. Afterwards, I learnt of cheaper methods such as using cuttings which cost 200 shillings a piece, and I also use ash as a rooting media. Bamboo matures within five to 10 years but can even be utilised at three to four years. It can be strengthened through finger-jointing and it can be used for different purposes.

Is it a worthwhile investment?

It is certainly a worthwhile investment because the market is there, both local and international.

Bamboo has worked elsewhere. Why not try it in Uganda?

What has made you succeed in commercial tree-growing?

Persistence and willingness to learn. I have not succeeded in growing other tree species.

I had planted three acres of eucalyptus but was not successful because of lack of proper management. I have learnt through experience, trying out new things, especially raising the seedlings of bamboo, slashing the grass, doing spot weeding and sweeping the litter that could create fuel for fires.

What challenges have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

Some seedlings have dried especially the first lot I obtained. Also, growing bamboo on a commercial basis is new in Uganda so there is no professional experience in the country. There has also been a challenge of convincing the community around the plantation that bamboo is a profitable crop. In addition, it is not easy to convince other people in government of the benefits of growing bamboo.

I have tried to make the community my allies by sensitising them about bamboo and the good things that can come out of it. I also assist them in income generating activities as they work in

groups. I have also constructed a shallow well for them to provide them with water, so that they don’t have to walk through the bamboo plantation to get water from the swamp.

We have also faced a challenge of snakes since they are common in bamboo plantations but we have eliminated them. I have also experienced fires twice because of the leaves that litter the ground but we have learnt how to manage it by clearing the ground.

What do you want to do with mature bamboo?

Do you have plans to increase acreage or to process the raw bamboo?

I would like to plant 20 acres of bamboo in five years’ time. After the training my son is undergoing at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, I will buy for him the necessary equipment and we start with making briquettes, which we can promote to reduce the use of charcoal. We have the mature bamboo at home that we can start with. We shall also get an ecostove to demonstrate how to use the briquettes.

What advice would you give to investors, especially those who have just started growing bamboo or have yet to start?

Get the right species. You must know what you want. Secure the land from animals because they like eating the young bamboo shoots. Plant during the long rains because bamboo requires a lot of water and by the time the rainy season ends, they will have grown and cannot be affected by the dry season.

Do you have anything else to add?

I thank Miti magazine for promoting different tree species for commercial purposes. People who have land should try tree-planting for wealth creation.

The writer is the Country Representative of Miti magazine in Uganda Email: diana@mitiafrica.com

27

WOOD TREATMENT

Organising the wood-curing sector The Kenya Wood Preservers Association seeks to raise treatment standards

BY GODFREY ALI

T

he Kenya Wood Preservers Association (KWPA) was registered by the Kenya government on June 21, 2011 as a fullyfledged and independent association.

KWPA was formed with the objectives of promoting the preservation of wood and wood products and guaranteeing standards in the undertaking. The body also monitors product quality by ensuring members adhere to good manufacturing practices.

Other objectives are: • Liaise with relevant statutory agencies on behalf of members.

• Ensure that the industry is represented fairly and positively at all times.

• Draw to the attention of the members any information which may lead to the improvement of their products.

• Liaise with bodies of similar objectives around the world.

Membership The association’s founding members were Cabro East Africa, Kakuzi Ltd, Alogo Enterprises and Tipsy Wood Preservation. Membership has since grown to over 40 fully paid-up members with others still applying for registration. Membership

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is not cheap though; it stands at Ksh 100,000; with a yearly subscription of Ksh 50,000.

Membership to the association is open to licensed wood preservers or treatment plants and individual associate members or corporates with interest in the wood preservation industry. Non-resident membership is open to manufacturers, traders or persons not based in Kenya but who are marketing treatment plants, preservatives, treated timber, analysers, gang nails, and other wood treatment products, through an appointed agent or agents in Kenya.

Aims of KWPA The four main aims of the association are: • Ensure members satisfy the available markets and customers through on-time delivery and reliability of products.

• Ensure employees safety at work; training and professionalism.

• Advocate for the proper disposal of chemical wastes to reduce pollution; quality treatment to help lengthen the life of poles and thus reduce cutting of trees.

• Ensure reduced production costs, increased production capacities and improved quality of products through implementation of the association’s code of practice.

Achievements of KWPA KWPA is proud of a number of achievements.

The organisation has established an office at Hamza, along Jogoo Road, Nairobi with a resident wood scientist who handles inspection of plants and offers full-time quality surveillance.

Another achievement is starting of an internship programme with Moi University for fresh graduates. So far, 19 graduates have benefited from the sponsorship.

The association is involved in the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Technical Committee and has drafted a code of practice for treatment plants based on existing international standards.

The KEBS Technical Committee is currently reviewing the draft for adoption as a national code of practice.

KWPA has engaged the Pest Control Products Board for registration of various preservatives in the market to ensure availability and stabilisation of prices. The chemical mostly used for treatment of poles is copper chrome arsenate (CCA), which is supplied by different companies under different brand names.

The association is working with the National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) on a chemical policy.

Miti July - September 2015

Treated poles ready for the market. (Photo: KWPA)

Challenges faced by KWPA The introduction of concrete poles in the market threatens the operations of members of the association. In addition, the number of treatment plants has risen, while the market remains the same with the same demand, sometimes resulting in unhealthy competition between members.

The purchase price of poles has risen to around Ksh 9,000, while the cost of the chemicals has increased too, due to the current exchange rate. However, the price of treated poles has not risen, meaning that profit margins are lower now.

Member companies have to adhere to specifications by the procuring entities, Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). The specifications are in many cases unreasonably higher than the national standards.

Charging of poles for treatment at Truck City Ltd. (Photo: KWPA)

Miti July - September 2015

Some private contractors also install poles, but they do so in much smaller quantities.

The association also faces financial constraints.

The way forward A well-treated pole should last for at least 25 years, depending on the conditions of the area in which it stands. However, Kenya Power today complains that wooden poles are lasting for barely three to five years. This is because the poles are not treated properly. For this reason, Kenya Power and REA are increasingly using concrete poles, thus threatening the livelihoods of farmers and pole treatment plants.

To remedy the situation, KWPA is placing emphasis on proper treatment of poles according to the KEBS standards. Remedial action is also

being considered to lengthen the lifespan of wooden poles. This would reduce the need for concrete poles in the market.

KWPA is liaising with the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), the Institute of Quantity Surveyors (IQS) and other relevant professional bodies to promote the use of pressure-treated construction timber. This will expand the market for treated wood, is good for the construction industry and their clients, and also for the environment as fewer trees would be cut down.

KWPA is engaging Kenya Power for a better working relationship. The wood treatment body is seeking recognition as the voice of the industry in quality assurance matters.

The association is talking to chemical preservative suppliers to set up their production units in Kenya so as to bring down prices. In addition, pole treatment managers need more technical training, with emphasis on efficient operations and plant maintenance.

KWPA carries out regular inspection of treatment plants to enforce standards for proper treatment of poles. The association will also be more visible to the public, posting more information on the website, and will organise more training opportunities.

To achieve its strategies, KWPA is establishing a strong secretariat capable of managing regulatory issues, standards developments and inspections. The association is seeking to entrench treatment into law - from a conservation point of view.

The writer is Chairman of Kenya Wood Preservers Association (KWPA) and also a consultant in the wood preservation industry.

Email: chairman@kwpa.co.ke

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SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY

Changing lives through tree-planting Global-woods AG wants to impact the country and the local communities

BY DIANA AHEBWE

G

lobal–woods AG operates a forest plantation in Uganda, at Kikonda Forest Reserve in Kyankwanzi District, an area that is part of the cattle corridor. Due to decades of uncontrolled logging and overgrazing, the indigenous forest that once existed in the reserve had been seriously depleted by 2002 when the company established its plantation.

Global-woods AG, whose headquarters is in Muenstertal, Germany, holds a 50-year licence to grow and harvest trees in the entire 12,000 hectares of Kikonda Forest Reserve. However, only about 9,000 hectares of the land is suitable for tree-planting of which 6,500 hectares have been planted. The rest of the area is left as corridors for biodiversity and traditional land use.

The planted area receives approximately 1,000mm of rain per year, occurring in two seasons. The area lies at approximately 1,000m above sea level. The terrain is flat with deep, fertile red soils rich in iron and aluminium.

Global-woods AG has not acquired land outside the forest reserve but the company donates seedlings to farmers who can grow the trees on their own land. So far, some 350 farmers have benefited from this support. The forest is located within the Uganda Timber Growers Association (UTGA) organised Albertine Cluster, where other tree growers are planting mostly pine and eucalyptus.

Global-woods AG started tree-planting in Uganda in 2002 and the core business idea was to finance reforestation projects through the sale of carbon credits. The carbon market did not develop as was expected, which led to calling in private investors to finance tree-planting activities.

Global-woods AG has grown from a staff of just two people back in 2002 to more than 800

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employees, including sub-contractors. “Finding qualified sub-contractors was a challenge at the beginning but things have become better over time,” says Johannes Mokwena, Chief Forester of the company. He explains that Global-woods AG has arranged training for sub-contractors and in time, these have gained experience.

Global–woods AG prefers to hire people from surrounding communities. Since the area is dominated by cattle-rearing and agriculture, there is demand for permanent jobs, especially during the peak season (when the bulk of work is to be done both in forestry and agriculture). “We also hire people from other parts of the country as long as they come with the right attitude,” says Mr Mokwena.

Global-woods AG started by planting 25 hectares of Maesopsis eminii (musizi), a local tree species. However, the results were not encouraging since the growth was very diverse making it close to impossible to predict whether or not the efforts would pay off, according to Mr Mokwena. The area planted with musizi has been maintained for growth rate monitoring.

After advice from the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Global-woods switched to pines (Pinus caribaea) and eucalyptus species. They have planted 6,000 hectares of Pinus caribaea and 300 hectares of eucalyptus. The company opted for pine and eucalyptus because both

species are better researched and the technical knowledge regarding future growth, nutrients and water demand is available. This makes it more feasible to manage these species in an ecologically and economically sound manner.

“We still continuously do trials with native species and hope to find one that is suitable for large scale forestry,” says Mr Mokwena. Some of the species tried include Pinus taeda (pine) Melia azedarach (giant lira) and Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine). The company will continue with trials evaluation on several eucalypts as well as indigenous species.

Global- woods AG has a tree nursery with a capacity of 1.5 million seedlings per year. These are mainly for the company’s own planting.

However, other tree-growers can buy seedlings as long as they place orders in advance to allow Global-woods to source and sow the seeds. The company sources pine seeds exclusively from Australia.

What challenges does Global-woods face? “On forestry, lack of technical knowhow regarding site-specific silviculture and management was, and still is, a challenge,” says Mr Mokwena. There is also a challenge with adjusting silviculture interventions like weed control, thinning, etcetera, to the local conditions of weed growth, tree growth, training level of staff, legal and administrative framework. “In

Miti July - September 2015

Small thinning products are either turned into charcoal using an earth mount kiln or left to waste. The photo shows a low-tech but efficient kiln, the Adam’s Retort, on trial at Kikonda Forest Reserve, Kyankwanzi District.

(Photo: Global-woods)

many instances, it is different from the normal routine in other parts of the world,” explains Mr Mokwena.

The Kikonda Forest Reserve was defined more than 50 years ago and its boundaries and its exclusive use for forestry is well known to the local people. Cases in which some people claim to have land use rights in the reserve, often after being misled by fraudulent individuals, are settled by Global-woods peacefully on a case by case basis, respecting all applicable formal and traditional rules, says Mr Mokwena.

“The company also implements a structured community grievance redress procedure to effectively address all emerging issues of discontent on both sides,” explains Mr Mokwena.

People unhappy with the work of Global-woods can complain either directly to the company, to the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), auditors or to the courts of law, says Mr Mokwena.

Global-woods AG is a member of the Uganda Timber Growers’ Association (UTGA) and a client of the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme (SPGS).

These organisations have supported the company technically and financially. “We are grateful to have been able to assemble a team of very dedicated workers, foresters, social scientists, economists, support staff and contractors that are working hard to find solutions for the dayto-day and long-term challenges”, says Mr Mokwena.

According to him, there are no text-book recipes for success in the forestry sector.

“However, with the will to listen and look closely, to be consistent, creative, curious, to use common sense, get up early and go to bed late, there is a realistic chance to succeed,” he says.

On the future, Global-woods would like to make sure that the Kikonda Forest Reserve remains a place where economy, ecology and social matters can prosper and they would like to

A Global-woods worker tries out a motorised pruning saw for high pruning. (Photo: Global-woods)

Miti July - September 2015

Wood piles from first thinnings of pine plantations.

(Photo: Global-woods)

see the whole forestry sector in Uganda grow in a sustainable way.

Given a chance, Global-woods AG would like to increase the scope of their forestry activities beyond Kikonda. The largest part of their plantation is still young but when the time for harvesting comes, they intend to sell saw logs, peeler logs and poles. They also hope to explore charcoal production if it turns out to be economically viable as they have done trials for charcoal production on a limited scale.

Mr Mokwena advises people intending to invest in forestry to make sure they have a profound interest in forestry and all the technical, biological, economic and social aspects it encompasses. “Bite what you can chew,” he counsels investors in the forestry sector. “Investors should pick the right size of operation. A small woodlot that they can handle by themselves or their existing team on the farm can work or a large-scale operation that spreads significant costs over a sizeable area can also work,” he says. “Anything in the middle can get tricky because costs for contracted labour and your overhead costs can easily swallow your returns,” says Mr Mokwena.

Mr Mokwena also advises farmers or those intending to invest in tree-planting to get in touch with other tree farmers and share experiences.

“Don’t get discouraged when you face setbacks,” he says. “There are few things more rewarding than seeing a forest grow that can bring benefit not only for you but for future generations and nature alike.”

As a corporate citizen, Global-woods AG hopes for peace, justice and the rule of law. “This provided, the forestry sector will prosper,” says Mr Mokwena.

The writer is the Country Representative, Miti magazine, Uganda Email:diana@mitiafrica.com

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FORESTRY

Saving indigenous trees in Uganda Conservation and utilisation of native species is important

A Terminalia macroptera (tooke kuru in Luganda) sapling in Nakasongola District. (Photo: Joel Buyinza)

BY JOEL BUYINZA

C

onservation of indigenous tree species is crucial for restoration of ecosystems and provision of livelihood support. Rural communities in Uganda have for long relied on indigenous trees for food, medicine and income. Often, collection, processing and marketing of indigenous tree products represent a significant portion of rural household income, particularly where farming is marginal.

However, with more intensification of agroforestry, exotic tree species have begun to dominate agricultural landscapes. Most tree-planting initiatives are promoting exotic species while ignoring native species on which populations have for long depended. This has led to neglect of indigenous species which are more adapted to local environments.

Again, many indigenous tree species are becoming scarce due to unsustainable land management practices and destructive harvesting methods. For example, harvesting medicine from indigenous trees is often destructive and exposes trees to insect damage and fungal infection, leading to wood deterioration.

Developing sustainable harvesting and processing methods will go a long way in ensuring continued supply of valued products from indigenous tree species. Deforestation trends suggest that rising demand for tree products will be met by increased levels of

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tree-planting and domestication of indigenous tree species with high value products.

On-farm distribution of indigenous trees Trees are an essential component of indigenous agricultural systems. When local communities clear land for farming, they leave a wide selection of indigenous tree species on farmlands, mostly along boundaries and within the crop fieds. Communities prefer planting and retaining indigenous trees in crop fields, along boundaries and in the vicinity of family compounds.

Homesteads are usually preferred because browsing and fire can be controlled and the use of manure and refuse can be applied more easily than in a distant field. Women prefer planting trees near the house so they do not have to leave their homes for a long time in search of medicine and animal fodder.

In addition, planting near home reduces the risk of fruits being stolen. Trees around homesteads are usually multi-purpose.

Planting along boundaries is also done to mark the borders and to ward off stray animals.

Most of the trees are maintained to meet food, medicine, income, handcraft materials and ecological needs of the household.

Several studies have stressed the role of trees in increasing overall farm productivity and improving livelihoods of rural farming communities. For example, integration of

indigenous trees into farming systems is important for on-farm biodiversity conservation and diversification of tree products.

On-farm conservation is the sustainable management of genetic diversity of locally developed traditional tree varieties by farmers within traditional agricultural systems. It is an approach of in-situ conservation of genetic resources, focusing on conserving cultivated plant species in farmers’ fields from which tangible benefits can be accrued. In-situ conservation means preserving varieties cultivated by farmers using their own selection methods and criteria.

Indigenous tree establishment and management options Indigenous tree species are an integral part of land resources that need careful management for sustainable utilisation. Local communities usually prefer protecting naturally growing indigenous tree seedlings than planting them from seed and seedlings. Farmers can regenerate indigenous trees only when the benefits of their investment are guaranteed and considering the economic value such trees can provide to the household.

Apart from pruning, there is hardly any other tree management activity that farmers in Uganda perform on indigenous trees.

Inadequate management of trees on-farm can work against restoration of lost productive

Miti July - September 2015

A young Vitellaria paradoxa (shea butter) tree growing in the wild. (Photo: Joel Buyinza)

capacity on farmland and promotion of local enterprises, as well as reduction of poverty and food security.

Uses of indigenous trees In Uganda, farming households have for long relied on indigenous trees for firewood, timber, food, handcraft materials, fodder, charcoal, herbal medicine and household income from the sale of tree products. The National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) recently conducted a study on use-values of selected indigenous tree species.

The NaFORRI study findings show a smaller range of tree use-values compared to a similar study conducted in the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania. Since varying characteristics make some trees more suitable to provide certain values to the local communities, some tree species are considered more important than others.

For example, the local people place the highest use-value on a tree like the mango (Mangifera indica), although it is not indigenous.

They value the tree for fruit, fodder, firewood, medicine and shade. Tree species suited for more than one use are in great demand, placing them at risk of over-exploitation.

The NaFORRI study also identified a set of tree species with low use-values. These low values could be associated with erosion of

Miti July - September 2015

traditional uses of indigenous trees, generational changes of preferences and probably shrinking traditional knowledge.

Although the study did not analyse the past use of plants, we can hypothesize that the low use-value recorded in this study for species such as camel’s foot tree (Piliostigma thonningii), redhot poker tree or ejjirikiti (Erythrina abyssinica), Terminalia macroptera and velvet bushwillow or ndagi (Combretum molle) might be due to a decrease in their use and knowledge over time.

For example, the local communities were unable to consider categories such as ritual or sacred uses, which used to be of great value to past generations. This makes use-values dynamic and changing through time in a human group or between sectors of a human group at a given time.

Other cases are the substitution of tree products by commercial non-tree products.

For instance, wooden stools and chairs have now been replaced by plastic chairs. However, low use-value scores of some indigenous tree species could also be associated, in part, with their scarcity. This is because the use of a plant resource is normally a function of its abundance, with more abundant species being more extensively used.

Way forward for indigenous trees Local communities in Uganda have seldom been

An Albizia coriaria (mugavu, ober, kumupeli) tree. The bark has been removed for use as medicine. (Photo: Joel Buyinza)

consulted about which tree species they consider valuable and why, yet technical interventions should be based on tree species that are locally acceptable and useful. Conservation is greatly influenced by perceptions people have towards planting trees on their farmland due to the benefits that they get from trees. Therefore, building a sustainable on-farm conservation initiative for indigenous trees requires the use of participatory approaches to research and plant breeding.

Sustainable utilisation of indigenous trees will benefit from better understanding of their role in people’s lives and conservation of both high and low use-value tree species of economic and ecological importance. It is likely that the most important species will suffer the greatest harvesting pressure from local communities.

Therefore, while evaluating indigenous tree species for relative importance and use, the objectives of such evaluation must be critically examined in light of the interest of the different tree resource user groups. There is also need for development of appropriate propagation and management techniques for most indigenous tree species, to ease their multiplication.

The writer is an Agroforestry Scientist, Agroforestry Programme, National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) Email: joebuyz@yahoo.com

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FORESTRY

Growing a wide variety of tree species Apart from pines and eucalyptus, Uganda farmers should consider planting other trees

BY OBED TUGUMISIRIZE

T

ree-growers in Uganda plant eucalypts and pines more than any other species. This is probably because knowledge on the management of the two species, both at nursery and in a plantation setting, is widely available. These species were the first to be introduced and popularised by the Forest Department from the 1940s to the 1960s so forest practitioners have over the years acquired experience in handling the two.

Seed is also easily available and manageable. In addition, the two species, especially eucalyptus, provide a wide range of products like timber, poles and fuel wood.

However, there is growing interest in planting indigenous and other species for timber and agroforestry benefits in order to increase the diversity and minimise the biological risk associated with monoculture plantations.

Species other than pines and eucalypts most in demand currently are Terminalia superba, Albizia coriaria, Markhamia lutea and Maesopsis eminii, Melia azedarach, Khaya senegalensis and Milicia excelsa for provision of shade in coffee, tea and banana plantations in addition to timber and forage and Prunus africana for medicinal purposes.

Below are the characteristics of some of the species being promoted: • Terminalia superba, (commonly known as superb terminalia), a species indigenous to West Africa, is now in great demand. This is probably due its fast growth and good peeling characteristics. Farmers who planted this species around 2003/4 have already sold off the first rotation and replanted the areas for the second rotation.

The species is easy to establish as it develops a large thick canopy colonising the area easily, hence reducing weeding costs in the early years. The wide spacing of up to 4m x 4m enables intercropping for about two years, further reducing establishment costs. In

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Uganda, it grows in low moist tropical forests, colonising forest, forest edge and mixed forest.

Propagation is by seed and a kilogram yields about 5,000 seedlings. Appropriate rotation is about 15 to 20 years.

• Maesopsis eminii, commonly known as musizi, is an indigenous species popular for timber and agroforestry systems. In natural forests, it is mainly used for rehabilitation of degraded areas since the species is a coloniser.

Used for firewood, charcoal, timber (furniture, light and general indoor construction), poles, veneer/ plywood, fodder (fruit), shade (tea and coffee), and ornamental.

Spacing of 4m x 4m can be used for plantations but wider spacing of 6m x 6m can be used for agroforestry situations with the objective of producing timber. Intercropping with short crops can be done as long as the root system of the trees is not interfered with.

Appropriate rotation is about 20 to 25 years.

Birds and primates like chimpanzees feed on the fruits and help in its dispersal. Seed count is about 900 per kilogram with viability of about 75 per cent.

• Markhamia lutea, commonly known as nsambya or lusambya in Luganda, favours high-rainfall areas, forest edges and river valleys up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It occurs in most parts of Uganda. It will stand acidic, heavy clay soil but not water logging.

It prefers red loam soils and has deep roots.

The tree can be scattered in croplands with spacings of 4 - 5m. It is used for firewood, charcoal, timber, poles, posts, tool handles, medicine (leaves), bee forage, shade, mulch, soil conservation and as ornamental. It has a high seed germination rate.

The number of seedlings per kg is 30,000.

The seed does not store well, and needs to be sown fresh. It is a very useful general timber and can be an attractive avenue tree. The wood is fairly termite resistant.

Young markhamia trees are often attacked

by shoot borers, resulting in crooked stems.

Average rotation is 25 to 30 years. The timber is in high demand due to its light cream colour.

It looks like Chrysophyllum albidum (nkalate) that is currently sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo for making furniture. Due to high demand, the species is getting depleted in most valleys of Kiboga and Mubende where it occurs naturally.

• Albizia coriaria is a multi-purpose timber tree commonly known as mugavu in Luganda. It demands light and the seed can store for long. The tree is used for timber, fuel wood, agroforestry (fodder, bee forage, shade, nitrogen fixation). It is also medicinal and ornamental. It has a seed count of about 9,000 per kilogram.

• Prunus africana, commonly known as red stinkwood or ntasesa in Luganda, is a timber, agroforestry (bee forage) and high value medicinal tree whose bark is known for treatment of prostate cancer. The bark has been harvested for certain pharmaceuticals manufactured locally and is widely used in concoctions by herbalists. The leaves are also of medicinal value.

The seed loses viability easily and hence should be sown immediately. It is fairly slow-growing and produces strong timber.

A kilogram of seeds may produce 3,000 seedlings.

• Khaya senegalensis, commonly known as African mahogany, is common in woodlands of northern Uganda. Good for timber for heavy construction and agroforestry purposes. A kilogram in many cases produces only 2,400 seedlings. Planting out in the field should be done when the seedlings are about four months old. It is termite resistant and needs a minimum rotation of 40 years.

• Melia azedarach, commonly known as giant lira, is a good, high value timber tree.

A field spacing of 5m x 5m, then thinned to 10m x 10m is recommended. The tree can also

Miti July - September 2015

Tree species currently available at the nursery at Namanve S/No

Species

Annual production

Major uses

S/No

Species

Annual production

Major uses

1

Albizia chinensis

30,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

14

Milicia excelsa

10,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

2

Albizia coriaria

25,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood, medicinal

15

Prunus africana

10,000

Agroforestry (bee forage, mulch, shade, wind break), timber, fuel wood, poles, medicinal

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

16

Tamarindus indica

5,000

Agroforestry (windbreak, shade, nitrogen fixation, mulch) timber, fuel wood, poles, food, fodder, medicinal, ornamental tannin

17

Tectona grandis

50,000

Timber, fuel wood, poles,

18

Terminalia superba

100,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

19

Maesopsis eminii

200,000

Agroforestry (fodder, shade), timber, fuel wood, poles, ornamental

50,000

Agroforestry (bee forage, shade, mulch, soil conservation), timber, fuel wood, poles, medicine, ornamental Agroforestry (fodder, bee forage, shade, mulch, soil conservation, boundary marker), timber, fuel wood, medicine

3

Albizia zygia

10,000

4

Antiaris toxicaria

2,000

5

Azadirachta indica

30,000

6

Bathedavia

50,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

7

Calliandra calothyrsus

20,000

Agroforestry, bee forage, fodder), fuel wood

21

Cordia africana

5,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood, medicinal

20

Markhamia lutea

8

Dovyalis caffra

10,000

Agroforestry, live fencing, fuel wood

9

Grevillea robusta

50,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

22

Afzelia africana

2,000

10

Khaya senegalensis

60,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

23

Sesbania sesban

10,000

11

Leuceana leucocephala

1,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

24

Terminalia brownii

10,000

12

Melia azedarach

20,000

Agroforestry, timber, fuel wood

25

Senna siamea

20,000

Agroforestry (bee forage, shade, mulch, boundary marking), timber, fuel wood, poles, medicinal, live fencing

26

Spathodea campanulata

13

Croton megalocarpus

be used for fuel wood, poles, and agroforestry purposes - bee forage, construction post, tool handles, mulch and green manure. Fast-growing, it can produce timber within 15 years, and it coppices. It is termite resistant.

Miti July - September 2015

• Milicia excels, commonly known as mvule, occurs naturally in most parts of the country but is more abundant in central, east and northern Uganda. Needs a minimum rotation of 60 years.

Agroforestry (shade), timber, fuel wood, poles Agroforestry (fodder, mulch, soil conservation, nitrogen fixation, shade, fibres) timber, fuel wood, poles Agroforestry (fodder, mulch, shade), timber, poles, fuel wood, medicine Agroforestry (bee forage, shade, mulch, soil conservation, wind break), timber, poles, fuel wood, medicine, ornamental Agroforestry (shade, mulch, windbreak), timber (carving), fuel wood, medicine (bark), ornamental

The writer is a manager, National Tree Seed Centre, Namanve, National Forestry Authority (NFA) Email: obedt@nfa.org.ug, obetug@yahoo.com

35

FORESTRY PRACTICE

Towards better forest management Forestry Society of Kenya seeks to regulate forestry practice in the country

BY JAMLECK NDAMBIRI

F

orest resources in Kenya are valuable natural endowments that must be managed sustainably by all for present and future generations. Forest resources offer a range of benefits and opportunities for local and national economic development, improved livelihoods and provision of environmental goods and services such as watershed protection and carbon sequestration (Draft forest policy 2014).

Kenya’s forest sector continues to grow despite challenges arising from inadequate provision of regulatory frameworks for enhancing professionalism. Forest standards used in independent Kenya were borrowed from the colonial administration. Despite our research and management institutions investing enormous resources in developing forest management standards draft blueprints, most of them have not been implemented and those that have been introduced are not enforced.

As a result, whoever plants and manages any tree estate is referred to as a forester and no matter the style of managing a particular forest, we are all happy because he/she is contributing to the increase of tree or forest cover.

Among the biggest challenges that forestry practice in Kenya faces is inadequate national standards and not incorporating the standards to the current regulations and legislation governing the sector. This has led to uncoordinated and nonenforceable methodologies of tree-planting and management. As one travels in the countryside, one sees many examples of tree-planting and management activities that are not standardised; for instance, trees species planted on unsuitable sites.

Kenya requires a standard methodology that foresters and other tree-growers can follow when making decisions to invest in forest conservation or commercial forest establishment. This would place forestry on a par with other professions like accounts, medicine or engineering where codes of standards are well established and enforceable.

As was alluded to during the Forestry Society of Kenya (FSK) 9th annual conference, forestry needs to equip itself to ensure the realisation

36

of the over 10 per cent tree/forest cover in our country. We must influence our community to ensure everyone in our country engages in a tree activity at least once a year. This will be realised by incorporating forest science in all our tree-planting advocacy activities as well as deliberately influencing policy makers to lead the process.

The status of forest practice in Kenya The Forests Act (2005) recognised for the first time the existence of forests and woodlands in communal and private lands. This is turn has led to the recognition of the contribution of these forests to the various economic sectors of our development. As a result, Kenyans have taken it upon themselves to invest in tree farming as well as the establishment of commercial forest plantations and climate change mitigation/ adaptation forests.

Never before has the enthusiasm for forest

management and conservation enhancement been so high in our country. The situation has seen big landowners doing away with traditional short rotation cash crops like maize, to establish commercial forest plantations.

A report presented by the Secretary General of the Kenya Forest Growers Association (KEFGA) during the 9th Scientific Conference of Forest Society members showed that KEFGA has over 100 members who own over 10,000 hectares of commercial forests.

The enactment of the Forest Act also brought on board the concept of public participation in planning and decision-making in forest management through the engagement of local communities. The Act also promotes private sector investment in gazetted forests, with the accompanying institutional and organisational change, notably the formation of community forest associations (CFAs).

These reforms have created an enabling

Miti July - September 2015

environment for new opportunities for sustainable forest management, including financing both at national and international level. The country needs to take advantage of these opportunities and maximize the rate of social and economic development for the benefit of all citizens.

Civil society organisations, on their part, have become more organised and are involved in decision-making and resource management processes in the forestry sector. The revised forest policy and forest bill recognises the role of professional forest bodies in shaping and influencing good forest practices in the country, even as the challenges facing forest conservation and management are addressed.

FSK has introduced a raft of measures including drafting a professional foresters bill to regulate the practice of forestry in Kenya.

What the draft bill proposes The bill defines the functions of the society including: • Advocating and promoting internationally recognised principles of sustainable forest management • Regulation of the practice of professional forestry • Issuance of practising licences • Enforcement of codes of conduct and standards of forestry practice jointly with other stakeholders • Information dissemination and research, and • Advising government on matters affecting the forest profession.

The bill makes it mandatory for anyone practicing forestry in Kenya to be registered by the society and proposes very punitive penalties to those found engaging in forestry practice without certification.

In the context of licensing, every forest practitioners will be required to be vetted by the society. The practitioner will be required to present appropriate credentials, one of which is evidence of continuous professional knowledge improvement. The forest practitioner must have retained the necessary agreed credit points within the year to be granted the practising licence.

The Forestry Society of Kenya anticipates that with the enactment of the bill, forestry practice in Kenya will be elevated and never again shall non-professionals purport to own tree nurseries whose seeds and germ plasm are of unknown source.

As FSK, we look forward to ensuring that all forest practices as well as tree seed and tree nurseries are certified. To be certified, these forestry practices must have a forest profession on board. This will ensure tree nurseries are

Miti July - September 2015

managed as per the standards of good forestry practice and our young graduates from university are able to practice forestry.

FSK will ensure practising foresters are engaged by forest land owners to ensure all who want to invest in forestry have management plans based on the management objectives of each land-owner. This way, we believe the current pattern of tree planting will change so that we start investing more on quality and health assurances of forests that are already established and new ones to be established.

Launching of continuous professional development (CPD) online platform During the 9th FSK conference in Kisumu, FSK launched the on-line platform for claiming continuous professional development (CPD). FSK members were taken through the procedures of how to claim CPD points and the various activities one requires to gain CPD points.

From the onset, FSK members were made aware of the importance of continuously improving on professionalism. This is the only way to establish a clear division of responsibilities between forest professionals and non-professionals who purport to assume responsibility for forestry matters in the country.

With increased professionalism, foresters will be able to play an oversight role in national forest policy formulation and regulatory functions.

Forest professionals will also be able to pay attention to the management of forests on public land, both at national and county levels. They will assist in implementing national policies and

county forest programmes, including the delivery of forest extension services to communities, farmers and private land-owners.

CPD will also focus on improving the capacity of foresters to deepen community participation in forest management through strengthening of community forestry associations. Foresters will also impart skills to equip community forest associations with skills to negotiate on benefitsharing arrangements for their natural resources.

FSK, through increasing the skills of members, will ensure national standards for forest management and utilisation are prepared and operationalized. They will also ensure a clear chain-of-custody system for timber and wood products and legal origin and compliance certificates for exporters of timber and wood products are established. This will facilitate meeting the threshold requirements of forest management sustainability and compliance to national and international forest instruments.

We are therefore proud this CPD framework provides a road map for improved forest governance and partnerships with training institutions that offer forest professional courses. It also offers an opportunity for increased collaboration with government and non-governmental actors to enable the sector contribute in meeting the country’s growth and poverty alleviation goals within a sustainable environment.

The writer is the Chairman, Forestry Society of Kenya Email: jkndambiri@gmail.com

37

TREE-PLANTING

A mango (Mangifera indica) orchard in Kibwezi, Makueni County, in Kenya. The crop requires watering for optimal fruit setting and maturing, meaning water has to be available in sufficient quantity, and the cost of pumping needs to be factored in. The choice of the variety also needs to be considered carefully. Is it for pulping or table, for export or local consumption? (Photo: Jan Vandenabeele)

To plant trees for timber or for fruit?

Some pointers to help potential investors make a choice

By JAN VANDENABEELE

T

he choice between planting trees for timber or poles, and trees for fruits depends on many variables. It is a choice between a yearly crop and a crop to be harvested after several years. This translates into a choice between different scales of involvement and investment.

On the one hand, we have the example of agriculture or horticulture, where operations on a yearly basis are intense; with land preparation, fertilisation, crop protection, eventual watering, pruning and harvesting. It requires a higher degree of managerial involvement. On the other extreme is forestry where operations are more spread out, less intensive but requiring longterm planning. And then there are intermediate

38

A passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) plantation in Sagana, Central Kenya. This is the purple variety, popular for export, with high profit margins. However, it is susceptible to disease and the export market is very sensitive to pest residues. (Photo: BGF)

Miti July - September 2015

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree in Lutoto, Western Uganda. It is grown mostly for local consumption which limits its commercial planting to proximity of big urban consumption centres. (Photo: BGF)

options. Here we are looking at establishment and management of fruit orchards with species like mango, avocado, grapes, bananas, citrus, custard apple or even passion fruit and many more different species.

Marketing requirements are roughly similar whether growing trees for timber or for fruits.

In either case, good marketing knowledge is required to run a profitable operation. Closeness to the market is always an advantage, and more so in the case of transportation of fruits, being seasonal, perishable and fragile.

On the financial side, the differences are stark. In agriculture, or horticulture for that matter, there is a higher yearly investment but also a yearly income, most likely exceeding what can be gained from a one-off forestry crop when calculated on a yearly basis.

Now, one can argue that forestry tends to become more agricultural, and more intensified, adopting such practices as fertilising and even crop protection. It is equally true that fastgrowing clonal tree species like eucalyptus hybrids, provide more than one harvest, and that those can be achieved fairly quickly.

Miti July - September 2015

The jackfruit. It grows even bigger. (Photo: BGF)

An example would be eucalyptus growing in good soil and in proper rainfall conditions, achieving maturity for transmission poles at

eight years, and afterwards through coppice management again after five to six years. The point here is that good soils should be reserved

An avocado (Persea americana) plantation in Tibu Farm, Narok County, Kenya. The trees on the photo are three years old and starting to bear fruit. In most Kenyan conditions, the trees would need additional irrigation during the fruiting stage. If the plantation is sufficiently big, the kernel can be pressed for oil for use in the food and cosmetics industry. (Photo: BGF)

39

The wood alternative. A beautiful stand of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea variety hondurensis) in Lutoto, Western Uganda. It is barely nine years old, and has just gone through its second thinning. (Photo: BGF)

Another wood alternative. Believe it or not, a two-year-old Eucalyptus grandis plantation in Bitereko County, Mitooma District, Western Uganda. (Photo: BGF)

40

for food production, while traditionally forestry has always been relegated to poorer quality sites.

There is also growing evidence that agroforestry systems might be the ideal answer for land use. The degree of mixing crops with trees can be wide-ranging. In the case of a small-holder possessing one to five hectares, intercropping seems the answer.

For land-owners with larger pieces of land, a mosaic-like land utilisation system with fruit orchards in the more fertile parts and forest plantations on slopes or more stony places is a good option. Soil quality will be a determining factor here and a land holding of more than 100 hectares can be demarcated in terms of land units, and accordingly be planted.

A small-holder could plant some trees for firewood, for sticks for supporting specific crops and even pollarding for livestock fodder supplement during the dry season.

To conclude; • Specialised knowledge is required for both forest tree crops and fruit crops, both for growing and marketing. The knowledge gets more detailed in the case of fruit trees.

• Fruit orchards require more intense care than forest plantations. In other words, the investor/manager needs to put more of his/her time in it. Forest plantations need less direct supervision because of fewer operations.

• Optimisation of land use can be achieved by having different crops on the same land holding, either integrated through intercropping, or in a mosaic form. One should use intercropping when land area is limited; and mosaic lay-out when more land is available.

• The return on investment takes a longer time in forest plantations, while a yearly income is available in fruit cultivation.

One has to ponder carefully these variables, and get one’s figures right before throwing money onto one’s preferred option. Specialist advice is required (although sometimes hard to get). In tree-planting, mistakes take years to correct or/and quite some money to do so.

The writer is the Executive Director, Better Globe Forestry Email: jan@betterglobeforestry.com

Better Globe Forestry Ltd

Making Africa greener

Making Africa greener Better Globe Forestry (BGF) is part of The Better Globe Group from Norway, which focuses on the need to fight poverty through promoting massive tree planting and sustainable agricultural programmes.

BGF’s vision is to create secure commercial projects with vital humanitarian and environmental activities and as a result become the biggest tree planting company in the world within 20 years.

Land in Kiambere before planting.

Note the omnipresent soil erosion

The mission of BGF is to make Africa a greener, healthier place in which to live and eradicate poverty by focusing on the development of profitable, commercial tree plantations that will deliver environmental as well as humanitarian benefits.

Miti magazine is a publication of Better Globe.

It is the policy of BGF to, among other things: • Create attractive financial opportunities for present and future investors, Continuously identify and address the needs of employees, suppliers, customers, shareholders, the community at large and any other stakeholders, • Focus on the need to help fight poverty, through promoting massive tree planting • Create and sustain motivation throughout the organisation for meeting its business objectives, • Continuously maintain and review an effective and efficient Quality System which as a minimum satisfies the requirements of the appropriate Quality System standard(s), • Continuously improve the performance of all aspects of the organisation.

Workers clearing a thicket in Nyangoro in preparation for tree planting

Our nursery at Kiambere

A two-year-old plantation of Melia volkensii in Kiambere

Workers in BGF’s plantation in Kiambere, after receiving a food donation

A Melia volkensii plus -tree part of our genetic improved programme

Preparing for planting in Kiambere

The committee of Witu Nyongoro ranch with Rino Solberg and Jean-Paul Deprins

www.betterglobeforestry.com

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