LEARNING AGRICULTURE LAW : LESSONS FROM MY VISIT TO MARY'S TREE NURSERY IN KARATINA.

"Every person who owns or occupies agricultural land shall establish and maintain a minimum of 10 per cent of the land under farm forestry which may include trees on soil conservation structures or rangeland and cropland in any suitable configurations"

This is Rule 4(1) of the AGRICULTURE (FARM FORESTRY) RULES, 2009 as envisaged in the Agriculture Act Cap 318 Laws of Kenya.

My "Gemba" visit of this quarter was a trip to a tree Nursery Karatina to experience the impact created by Tupande - One Acre Fund on farmers through access to viable tree seedlings. From both the Kenya Agroforestry lead Benard Kibet and the Tree Nursery Owner Ms. Mary, I learnt that:

1. Planting of trees and reforestation is one of the most effective ways to contribute to SDG 13 on Climate Action since tree planting helps combat the climate crisis and restore biodiversity;
2. Trees are also pivotal in the reduction of floods by slowing down and absorbing rainwater;
3. The best time for farmers to plant trees is during the country’s long rains season (March-May) and this is why a nursery like this one is set to start distribution of trees this week;
4. Most of the trees in the nursery are planted alongside crops and this contributes significantly to soil health by controlling soil erosion and giving the soil nutrients for better food productivity;
5. Most of the trees grown in the nursery have a maturity period of 3-4 years which is just enough time for the farmers to start harvesting fruits from the trees or even use the trees for fuel, sale or other needs;
6. The use of trees for fuel and firewood is not necessarily unsustainable. This is because the tree team encourages occasional pruning of the trees. The pruned branches can be used as firewood. Pruning in turn enhances tree stability, appearance, shape, and fosters growth by giving the entire tree access to sunshine.

It should be noted that Rule 4(1) mandates the planting of tree varieties that do not have adverse effects on water sources, crops, livestock, soil fertility and the neighbourhood.

The most specific example under the rules is the prohibition of the planting and maintenance of any species of Eucalyptus in wetlands and riparian areas.

From my visit, it is important to note that tree planting and this seed distribution initiative is a big step towards attaining SDG 1 by ensuring ending poverty through an increase income for some households and encouraging economic empowerment in our communities.