Sustainable development cannot be achieved without prudent conservation and environmental management.
Unless we use our resources prudently, we deny future generations the chance of a better life.
We can adopt lifestyles that respect and work within nature’s limits without rejecting the many benefits that modern technology has brought.
However, where resources are scarce, conflicts are inevitable. Kenya’s population continues to increase tremendously and our resources will not last unless there is less waste and extravagance.
It is estimated that forest cover is less than three per cent of the total land surface. Local communities, particularly in rural areas depend on forests for wood fuel and non-wood products for their livelihood.
There is an acute shortage of wood fuel and timber for domestic and industrial use in tea growing areas around Mau Forest thus leading to encroachment into the forest.
This has caused widespread deforestation of natural woodlands, riverine zones and water catchment areas.
Apart from wood fuel demands, trees are also required for timber, electricity poles, fencing, building and other needs. Although farmers in Mau have been trying to plant trees, they are not offered any incentives.
Lead the way
The Kenya Tea Development Authority should lead the way in advocating for planting of more trees because it is a major consumer of timber.
Lack of diversification into commercial forestry has also led to degradation of other indigenous forests in districts around the Mau.
Owing to their slow growth and sensitivity to logging, encroachment and overgrazing, these forests cannot meet the demand for wood. To reduce this problem, there is need to establish woodlots throughout the districts to supply wood and poles.
Currently, wheat farmers, who pay peanuts for land rent, exploit residents. If this land could be diverted to commercial forestry, the community stands to gain more compared to what they are paid for wheat farming.
There is need for the Government, development agencies and stakeholders to embark on an initiative to use forest plantations as a tool for economic development.
{Cheruiyot Baliach, via e-mail}
