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The Forestry and Wildlife Minister, Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa, recently launched the Lake Victoria Basin Eco-Regional Research Programme
(LVBRRP) and unveiled the new KEFRI-Kakamega research facility. The twin event whose theme was /Forestry Research for Sustainable Livelihoods and Environmental Conservation Towards Achieving Vision 2030 was held at Lurambi in Kakamega County on September 9th, 2011. Above: Forestry and Wildlife Minister, Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa delivers speech at the opening ceremony. |
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Speaking during the event the Minister noted that achieving 10 percent forest cover for the country will be impossible without appropriate multi-sectoral interventions since 80 percent of Kenya's land is either arid or semi arid. He called on farmers to plant fast growing trees as the demand for wood-fuel energy is rising. However, he asked farmers to seek advice from on tree experts in order to achieve the desired results. Said the Minister: " The two events are milestone both to KEFRI as well as the Ministry. Forestry research is important in development, improving livelihoods as well as fostering healthy environment" , adding that increased tree cover would also increase the supply of wood and non forest products for both domestic and commercial use. Background Implementation of the LVBRRP was made possible through the collaboration of partners from both government and non-governmental organisations with a focus on the entire region. The choice was ideal as the area is richly endowed with natural resources coupled with favourable economic, cultural and political conditions. |
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KEFRI's partners and collaborators include the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute,
National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Others are both local and international non-governmental organizations like the World Agroforestry Council (ICRAF), Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF), and Nature Kenya. The launch of the programme is a milestone in offering solutions to the challenges faced in the management of several forestry and allied natural resources in the region. Lake Victoria basin's eco-system includes tropical woodlands, wetlands, urban eco-systems and water towers that host many indigenous plants species and animals. In his remarks KEFRI Director, Dr. Ben Chikamai, noted that through its fourth five years Strategic Plan, (2008-2012), KEFRI has realigned its research objectives with the Government's Vision 2030 blue print. "This plan revolves around conservation of natural forests, increment of forest cover, poverty alleviation and promotion of forest based industries", he stated. KEFRI has adopted the eco-region based approach in implementing its research mandate in cognizance of the country's diverse and distinct forest resources. The launch of LVBRRP follows the successful launch of the Coast Eco-Regional Research Programme, which was rolled out in September 2009. Challenges The Director noted that key among the challenges facing forest development are rapid population growth leading to forest degradation and global warming. Speaking at the occasion the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Mr. M.A.M Wa-mwachai, observed that greenhouse gases were responsible for climate change and depletion of the ozone layer. He said that the necessary measures must be adopted urgently in order to mitigate the effects of this phenomenon. Exhibitions During the occasion KEFRI showcased its technologies in both propagation and production. Bamboo products on display included armchairs, tables, mats and fancy items. Mondia whytei a popular non-wood product due to its flavoured roots was also exhibited. Indeed, 15,000 farmers in Kakamega County have planted mondia whytei seedlings. Tree seeds for both indigenous and exotic tree species were displayed. Various publications were displayed as one among the methods of technology transfer and dissemination of research findings. Collaborating institutions that attended the occasion and showcased their technologies included: Kakamega Education Programme - Concerned with conservation, creating awareness of the Kakamega forest, tour guiding and management of bandas. Buteyo Miti Park - A project started in 1969 on a 132-hectare plot with trees dating back to about 300 years. Focus on preservation of indigenous trees, soil and underground water protection, and conservation of the forest as a source of herbal medicine. African Christian Organisation - A project started in 2008 whose aim is to impart knowledge to farmers on various technologies such as the use of biogas from agricultural waste, use of briquettes, improved cooking stoves for energy conservation and reduction of indoor air pollution. Others included a butterfly project, KFS, KWS, NMK, Nature Kenya and Masinde Muliro University. Minister's Maragoli Hills visit Before launching the programme the Minister visited the degraded Maragoli hills reserve and witnessed the ongoing reafforestation trials. The ongoing rehabilitation interventions were put in place by KEFRI scientists in collaboration with KFS, Water Resource Management Authority, NEMA, International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, KWS and Resource Projects Kenya. |
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KENYA FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE P.O Box 20412 - 00200 Nairobi Tel: +254-724-259781/2, +254-722-157414 Wireless +254-2010651/2 Fax 254-20-2386353 |
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