Governor, H.E. Governor Andrew Mwadime, has met conservation stakeholders from World Agroforestry and Africa Wildlife Foundation AWF
Governor, H.E. Governor Andrew Mwadime, has met conservation stakeholders from World Agroforestry and Africa Wildlife Foundation AWF to discuss delivering nature-based solution outcomes through strengthened policy implementation, institutional capacity and enhanced monitoring and reporting of forest and landscape restoration in the county.
Governor welcomed this move to have such an introductory meeting expressing that it aligns with his manifesto which talks of promoting the conservation of the county’s environment in a sustainable framework.
The county boss noted that a good area of collaboration would be to build check dams in highland areas and hilly landscapes that connect to lowland areas to create a source of water for agricultural purposes.
“ Areas of Mwanda, Mghange, Nyache, and Mbololo would be good candidates for this thought. The check dams will further be vital to control water velocity, conserve soil, and improve land,” Governor Mwadime stated.
Meanwhile, stakeholders present gave a nod to this idea saying that it aligned with their core functions of reversing land degradation, climate change, food and nutrition inadequacy, and improving biodiversity and equity.
Leigh Winowiecki, a Soil Systems Scientist from ICRAF also remarked that there is an upcoming project whereby Taita Taveta County is earmarked for collaboration to enable the restoration of farms, forests and range lands.
“We will incorporate monitoring restoration, measuring soil health, check tree diversity and water infiltration on the soil to ensure that we are providing the required solutions. We will apply research findings that we carry out based on people’s needs, “Winowiecki stated.
Senior Manager Joyce Kasyoki noted that expected win-win outcomes would include improved food baskets, landscapes and livelihoods.
Governor Mwadime concluded that this project set to actively involve grassroots farmers would help his county have enough tree cover and boost restore its glory of being a formidable food basket.
The upcoming project yet to be launched will be based in Taita Taveta and Makueni.
