Machakos County Deputy Governor, Francis Mwangangi has urged residents to plant trees during this short rain period to boost forest cover.
Speaking at Thatha Catholic Church in Kivaa ward, Masinga Sub County, Mwangangi termed deforestation as one of the causes of global warming and thus called for aggressive tree planting.
“Population has increased around the world; people have cleared forests to pave way for development including factories with so many devastating effects. Let’s try to increase our vegetation cover through tree planting,” said Mwangangi.
According to him, trees preserve soil and water, provide shade, moderate local climate, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the land’s ability to adapt to climate change.
He particularly encouraged residents to plant fruit trees to boost their income as well as nutrition and promised the county government’s support in afforestation efforts. He asked organizations and well-off individuals to donate trees to the less fortunate.
He further noted that planting trees will boost the county’s economy which is heavily reliant on tourism and rain-fed agriculture, both of which are vulnerable to drought.
By Caroline Mutheu
