The sustainable management of the schools’ tree nurseries and woodlots will provide them with a renewable source of wood fuel thus reducing pressure on surrounding vegetation and forest resources. It also accords the schools an opportunity to diversify their income through the sale of timber & non-timber products.
The afforestation project is designed as a challenge mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas, with prizes awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation in growing the trees.
The GIC V involved participating schools from the three counties of Embu, Machakos and Kitui compete to plant and nurture drought resistant Terminalia brownie, Senna siamea and Melia volkensi tree species in 0.5 acre woodlots in their school compounds.
The sustainable management of the schools’ tree nurseries and woodlots will provide them with a renewable source of wood fuel thus reducing pressure on surrounding vegetation and forest resources. It also accords the schools an opportunity to diversify their income through the sale of timber & non-timber products.
The afforestation project is designed as a challenge mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas, with prizes awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation in growing the trees.
The best performing schools stand a chance of winning education scholarships, school trips, infrastructural developments and cash awards.
The second phase of the competition had a total of 100 schools and is continuation the competition’s success showcased in the previous phases.
The GIC aims to raise the awareness and participation of school children in environmental conservation activities, and develop a culture of tree planting within communities.
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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer