- green-spots
- reforestation
- Kenya
- Reforesting Kijabe Forest, Kenya
Problems
Deforestation in Kijabe forest
Kijabe forest is a dry upland forest on the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley in central Kenya. It is part of the eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot and hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as East African sandalwood, olive, and pencil cedar. The forest also provides vital ecosystem services to an estimated 200,000 people in the catchment area, such as water supply, soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and forest products1. However, the Kijabe forest has been facing severe threats from deforestation and degradation due to human activities such as encroachment, illegal logging, charcoal production, grazing, and firewood collection. The forest has become geographically isolated from the larger Kikuyu Escarpment Forest Reserve and has lost much of its original cover and quality. According to Global Forest Watch2, Kenya lost 6.29 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2022, equivalent to 3.29 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Kijabe forest was one of the most affected areas by this loss.
Solutions
Reforestation of Kijabe forest
To halt and reverse this trend, the Kijabe Forest Trust (KFT), a local non-governmental organization, has worked collaboratively with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the forest’s legal custodian, and the local communities to improve forest management and conservation. Since 2017, KFT has deployed ranger teams to patrol the forest daily and prevent illegal activities. KFT has also restored degraded areas by planting indigenous seedlings in nurseries and greenhouses. In 2020 alone, KFT planted 51,000 seedlings in the forest. In addition to these efforts, KFT has promoted alternative livelihoods for the surrounding communities compatible with forest conservation. These include developing non-timber forest products such as leleshwa oil, pine resin, croton nuts, and juniper berries and encouraging eco-tourism activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. KFT has also been raising awareness and education among the local people about the importance and benefits of the forest. The results of these interventions have been positive and promising. The ranger teams have reported increased sightings of wildlife such as leopard, hyena, bushbuck, suni, eland, honey badger, aardvark, and black and white colobus. Habitat restoration has improved the forest’s health and resilience. The alternative livelihoods have generated income and reduced dependence on forest resources. The awareness and education have fostered a sense of ownership and stewardship among the locals. Eco-tourism is starting to take hold in the area, with hikers, rock climbers, and mountain bikers bringing income to the neighboring communities. Kijabe forest is a valuable natural asset for Kenya and the world. It deserves to be protected and restored for its biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural significance. The efforts of KFT and its partners have shown that it is possible to achieve this goal through collaborative and community-based approaches. However, more support and resources are needed to sustain and scale up these efforts in the face of increasing pressures and challenges.
Source: https://www.kijabeforest.org/
Gallery
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Timelines
2022
The KFT launched a reforestation drive to end landslides and soil erosion in Old Kijabe town and its environs. Old Kijabe town is located at the edge of the Kijabe Forest and has been affected by frequent landslides due to deforestation and heavy rains. The KFT aimed to plant 100,000 trees in Old Kijabe town by June 2022 with the help of volunteers from schools, churches, and community groups. The KFT also continued its reforestation efforts in other parts of the Kijabe Forest.
2021
The KFT’s partnership with Intrepid Travel ended in February 2021, but the KFT continued to receive funding from other sources such as Ecologi and ICFC (International Conservation Fund of Canada). The KFT also continued to plant more indigenous seedlings in the Kijabe Forest and protect it from threats such as fires, pests, and diseases. The KFT also engaged more local communities in the conservation of the forest through education, training, and empowerment.
2020
The KFT planted 51,000 indigenous seedlings in the Kijabe Forest, reaching over 200,000 trees planted since 2017. The KFT also partnered with Ecologi, a platform that allows individuals and businesses to fund climate solutions by planting trees and supporting carbon reduction projects. Through Ecologi, the KFT received funding from Intrepid Travel, a global adventure travel company that supports sustainable tourism. The KFT also monitored the growth and survival of the previous plantings and maintained them as needed.
2019
The KFT planted 30,000 indigenous seedlings in the Kijabe Forest, restoring more habitat for wildlife and improving the water catchment area. The KFT also helped to promote eco-tourism in the area, attracting hikers, rock climbers, and mountain bikers who bring income to the neighboring communities. The KFT also collaborated with other stakeholders, such as schools, churches, and government agencies, to raise awareness and support for the conservation of the Kijabe Forest
2017
The Kijabe Forest Trust (KFT) started working with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the local communities to improve forest management and halt deforestation and degradation of the Kijabe Forest. The KFT hired ranger teams to patrol the forest daily, preventing illegal logging, charcoal burning, and poaching. The KFT also began habitat restoration by planting indigenous seedlings in degraded areas.
2012
Environmentalists raised a red flag over the massive destruction of the Kijabe forest by loggers and charcoal burners. Fear of a major mudslide in the forest could affect communities living downhill, especially around Kijabe Mission Hospital. Boulders hang dangerously in the forest as heavy rains continue to ponder the area.