The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) is set to kickstart a project to plant 2,000 native tree seedlings across Busia County.
During the official launch at Siteko Primary School, Dancan Musingo, the NGAAF Coordinator for Busia County, explained that the planting would take place within the next two weeks.
Musingo remarked, “Today we’ve planted 300 tree seedlings to inaugurate the project, and the remainder will be planted within two weeks under the Forest Conservator’s supervision.”
Busia County’s Forest Conservator, Vitalis Osodo, highlighted the region’s low forest cover, standing at 7.8 percent with a mere 0.005 percent in actual forest.
However, he noted an improvement in local attitudes toward tree planting over the past three years.
“Our forest cover has increased from 5.5 percent to the current 7.8 percent,” Osodo stated while mentioning that the national average stands at 12.5 percent.
Osodo emphasized the directive to plant 15 billion seedlings nationwide, with Busia County assigned a target of raising 4 million seedlings annually.
By 2032, they aim to have planted 500,000 hectares to achieve a 30 percent tree cover in Busia County alone.
He added that the Kenya Forest Service, along with other stakeholders, is collaborating to plant trees in Busia County.
“Today, in partnership with NGAAF, we’ve planted 300 seedlings in this school,” Osodo mentioned, expressing a goal of planting at least 4 million seedlings within Busia County during the long rainy season.
However, Osodo acknowledged challenges in obtaining resources to meet their targets, necessitating partnerships with other organizations.
Mwachaunga Chaunga, the Busia County Commissioner, commended the Woman Representative for the initiative, stressing the vital role of trees in the environment.
Chaunga highlighted the importance of involving the younger generation in tree planting to instill an understanding of its significance.
“We need to raise future generations who value tree cultivation rather than exploiting them,” he asserted.
He urged local residents to plant trees on their properties, noting the county’s abundant rainfall conducive to tree growth.
Chaunga warned of consequences for those allowing their animals to damage tree seedlings planted in public areas.
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