Restore Africa, a nongovernmental organization has embarked on a programme to plant 4.1 million exotic, indigenous, and fruit trees in Elgeyo Marakwet County in the next five years.
The initiative that the organization is undertaking in conjunction with two other NGOs, Self Help Africa and World vision aims at conserving the environment and enhancing nutrition in the region.
And in readiness of the programme to be launched soon, a four-day sensitization workshop for stakeholders is currently ongoing in the county’s Kapsowar headquarters.
Presiding over the opening of the workshop yesterday, area Water and Environment CEC, Mr. Jason Lagat, urged the stakeholders to embrace the program, adding that it will address food security, improve livelihoods through income-generating activities, and also address food nutrition through fruit trees.
Nancy Kipkemoi, Self Help Africa Project Manager for Elgeyo Marakwet said the workshop intended to equip members with knowledge and requisite management skills to effectively fast-track the implementation of the program.
“We will formulate strategies on how to mobilize and sensitize farmers to plant the trees towards achieving the minimum threshold required,” she said.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Mr. John Korir who also attended the function pledged his office’s support in efforts to re-green the County.
“Here our main aim is to unbundle the contents from each stakeholder, gain insights, and comply with regulations,” he said.
Among the participants who all pledged to work together to achieve the set targets and ensure the programme’s sustainability are the County Government, local leaders, NGOs, CBOs, farmer, and environmentalists.
The workshop is expected to create a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, learn from each other, and develop partnerships toward achieving the common goal of restoring degraded land and improving food security.
The Restore Africa Organization has been implementing similar programs in other African countries.
By Rennish Okong’o
