The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has signed an agreement with three Meru based Community Forest Associations (CFA) aimed at forest conservation and transformation of lives.
KFS signed the participatory Management Plans with Ngaya, Nyambene and Ruthumbi CFAs which will guide members of the community on how to exploit forest resources sustainably while promoting conservation of the ecosystem.
They will now be allowed to farm, bee keeping, fetching firewood, fish farming among others.
Greens Zones Project Manager Mwanzia Jerome said Meru has a culture of planting trees and Green zones which is funded by African Development Bank recommends and champions for conservation.
He said that taking care on the environment by planting trees is the only avenue to end flooding and droughts frequently experienced in the Country.
Speaking at Themwe KFS station in Igoji Meru county, the Deputy Chief Forests Conservator Beatrice Mbula said their partnership will help curb deforestation and degradation.
She noted that KFS was doing resource mobilization where CFAs have to benefit to transform their lives, adding that KFS anticipate the signing will enhance both conservation and livelihood improvement.
“We must chase away poverty where CFA drive development in the villages. We have influential and life transforming CFAs with examples of Ngare Ndare and Njukiri Karura which have changed community lives. Some have given scholarships to learners. The Forest management agreement with user right ranging up to 18 will benefit many residents,” Mbula said.
KFS has restored 400 hectares through Ngaya CFA, 800 hectares in Nyambene and 2000 hectares in both lower and upper Imenti Forest.
Currently, Meru boosts of 29 per cent forest cover.
