Kenya and Jica have partnered to enhance tree growth, climate resilience, and livelihoods in arid regions by supporting farmers and high-value species.
Last week, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry signed the agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) during a ceremony attended by key officials, including Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi and Forest Development Secretary George Tarus.
This initiative focuses on Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which comprise about 80% of the country’s territory and experience erratic rainfall, high temperatures, and shifting sand dunes.
Mugambi highlighted that this agreement strengthens the long-standing partnership between Kenya and Japan in promoting sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration.
He noted that the Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Change Response Project, backed by Jica, has improved forest governance, built institutional capacity, encouraged community involvement, and advanced landscape restoration nationwide.
“For over 40 years, Kenya and Jica have collaborated in the forestry sector, delivering impactful programs that enhance sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation,” Mugambi stated.
Officials emphasized that this agreement will enhance collaboration to tackle environmental challenges, boost climate resilience, and improve tree cultivation capacity.
Tarus explained that the MoU responds to the pressing environmental, social, and economic issues faced by ASAL communities.
“Our partnership with Jica has evolved over the years, implementing numerous programs in the forest sector, especially in arid regions,” Tarus said.
He mentioned that the agreement would kickstart tree-growing initiatives in select ASAL counties, aiming to reverse environmental degradation and uplift livelihoods.
“We’re in the process of selecting two counties to start with, and we anticipate expanding the program to cover more areas in the future,” he added.
Tarus emphasized that the project will empower smallholder farmers with extension services and technical support, encouraging them to embrace tree-growing as a viable business and climate adaptation strategy.
“We plan to provide active support so farmers can adopt tree-growing for both economic benefits and climate resilience,” he stated.
A critical aspect of the project involves enhancing the production of high-quality seeds for tree species suited to dry climates.
Tarus mentioned that the government has identified high-value species like Melia, Indian sandalwood, and Boswellia, which hold significant economic promise.
“We aim to produce high-quality seeds for these species,” he said.
The project will also assist counties, institutions, and farmers in producing sufficient seedlings for commercialization.
Following the MoU signing, project development will proceed, with implementation slated to begin in April next year, and the program is expected to last three and a half years.
