UK To Bolster Kenya’s Forest Restoration Drive With Sh74m Project To Restore Forests In Makueni

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 23- The UK on Tuesday launched Sh74 million of support to Kenya’s forest restoration drive, in a boost to the ongoing efforts to restore the forest cover in Kenya.

Just weeks after the global climate change talks in Glasgow, COP26, this new project by the UK will help farmers to restore degraded land on their farms and conserve water and soil to boost their ability to adapt to changing weather and climate, the British High Commission said in a statement on Tuesday.

At COP26 140 countries, including the UK and Kenya, pledged to stop and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

The Tuesday announcement was launched with the Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana on the eve of the Devolution Conference.

“It will also help women have a stronger voice in where and how land is restored by providing training on how to involve women farmers in restoration planning,” reads the statement.

“Restoring forests is essential to help countries adapt to changing weather patterns, and empowering women on the forefront of climate change is key. The UK is proud to work with Kenya as the country makes strides towards the target of 10% tree cover,” speaking ahead of the Devolution Conference, British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott said.                                                                                        

At the Devolution Conference, the High Commissioner speak on a panel on how to tackle human security challenges caused by climate change alongside the Governor of Mombasa Hassan Joho.

“She will bring Glasgow to Makueni, sharing how the global climate change talks can help Kenya’s counties to tackle climate change,” the British High Commission said.

The funding to the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry comes after the UK announced partnerships in Glasgow earlier this month to help Kenya tackle climate change, including using climate data, electric bodas and cutting-edge satellites.

“With UK support we will work with Makueni County to design and share new, affordable and locally appropriate restoration methods that promote the role of women in restoring Kenya’s landscapes. These natural solutions are vital to curbing climate change while securing food, biodiversity and livelihoods,” ICRAF Kenya Country Coordinator Professor Catherine Muthuri said.