We eat trees: Tree planting and land rehabilitation in West Pokot District, Kenya: a baseline study (Working Paper)

During early discussion with the management of the VI Tree Planting Project, it appeared to the author that there were three lodestars to guide the project's activities. First, by enclosing waste lands and planting trees in the semi-arid parts of West Pokot district, a rapid improvement of the environment is brought about. Grass invades the enclosed areas, soil erosion is arrested, and the productivity of the land is improved. This impresses the farmers of the area, who become interested in land rehabilitation. Secondly, in the higher potential areas of West Pokot district and in Trans Nzoia district, the project concentrates on producing and distributing seedlings of rapidly growing leguminous species. These will improve soil fertility and provide fuelwood in these densely populated and treeless areas. Thirdly, through cooperation with the many women groups on the settlement schemes in Trans Nzoia, the project hopes to reach a large number of families and encourage them to plant trees. (author)