KENYA: Some 330 farmers in Embu East sub-county are set to benefit from a tree-planting initiative.
The initiative seeks to plant 66,000 trees in the area for the next six rain seasons.
Dubbed ‘Trees for Wealth’, the initiative will have five farmers in every location receiving 200 Grevilea robusta and Eucalyptus seedlings every rain season.
The ambitious project, an idea of a former teacher turned businessman, Samuel Muriuki, is projected to cost Sh2.3 million.
The project will run for three consecutive years, where 22,000 seedlings will be planted annually starting from the March-April season. Mr Muriuki estimates that each tree to be valued at an average of Sh3,000 on maturity, will contribute to a favourable and conducive environment.
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“We are optimistic that farmers will earn over Sh200 million at the onset of 2019 and the years to follow. We have mobilised resources to ensure the achievement of the project, and we will partner with the county and the national governments,” he said.
Speaking in Embu town where he handed over the project proposal to environmentalists, Muriuki said the initiative will cover approximately 140 square kilometres, and will supplement Government efforts to improve forest cover and the incomes of peasant farmers.
