By Michael Oduor
Over 1000 tree seedlings have been planted in Chome Primary school and Chome community in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County.
Spearheading the tree planting activity, the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAF) Chair, Taita Taveta County Ever Kiseu encouraged farmers to continue planting trees even in their homes.
Kiseu told them that trees are a good source of income.
She also added that pupils in the schools will also get a place to hide from the scorching sun and get fresh air, encouraging a conducive study environment in schools.
“As we carry out this activity in this school, farmers present should make tree planting their habit. Trees will not only help in bringing rainfall, but also as a source of income when harvested upon maturity. The pupils will also get shade while here preventing them from the sun during sunny seasons,” said Kiseu.
She also added that farmers in the region should also consider planting fruit trees which will act as a source of fruit, providing food, to the children and community as a whole.
Mentioned, was also the benefits of planting fruit trees, which were noted as a source of income to farmers that can be used as school fees for their children.
Among the strategies put in place to ensure growth in forest cover in Taita Taveta County is partnerships with institutions such as KENAF, wildlife conservancies and Kenya forest services.
KENAF targets to plant about 50 million trees by 2030, through reaching 50,000 farmers in Taita Taveta County.
So far, KENAF has 10,000 registered farmers in the region.
