Getong'anya: RECLAIMING VILLAGE FOREST COVER AND WATER BODIES

RECLAIMING VILLAGE FOREST COVER AND WATER BODIES

In a report released early 2014, Migori County forest cover was placed at 3.7%, three times lower than the recommended national average of 10% and 10 times lower than the targeted and recommended global cover of 30%. 3% was even lower than North Eastern’s 5%. To term it sad would be derogatory. Bottom-line is an urgent action is required and it must be done now.

Where do we start? Well, it is always safe to start from the known. What is known currently is that we have destroyed our forest cover to the bare minimum. We cannot do much deforestation. There is no tree to be cut. For fire or whatever reason. All we are left with is replanting. And that we MUST do.

I am a native and resident of KURIA West. I will point out what I know as the true picture of my village. Getong’anya village has one major river passing through it; River Hibwa, a tributary of River Migori. In addition, it is blessed with a number of seasonal streams-Kemotogo served by Kemahera and Gekimwencha streams and some other notable swamps. Hibwa has gotten into the league of seasonal rivers. Nothing much can be said of the feeder streams. They are either dry, awaiting rains to resurrect or have been turned farms for tobacco and maize. They just can never be made swamps or streams again.

But all is not lost. We can recreate the streams and a few swamps/water catchment zones. How, u may ask!

I won’t demand much from residents. All I need is a small strip along the river banks. And maybe a small ground at swampy zones, we plant trees. I seek to indulge Kenya Forest Service for advice on the best tree species which would grow along water bodies without causing any negative impact to the ecology as well as ensuring that there is increased or maintained production of water. Two, I will ask that persons living in such areas sacrifice a little of their land, along or within the water bodies for the exercise. This will be a lifelong commitment. Just let the trees grow; let bushes grow along the water bodies. I am sure this sacrifice will go down as the most one would have done to generations to come.

The current generation may well be in their last days of living. But there are children and grandchildren to come. Where will we leave them? In a desert, under the scorching sun? With no rains or water to grow crops, food on? Let’s all unite to make our village a better place for our sons, daughters and the next generations to come.

It may be an exercise within Getong’anya, but am convinced that the same will be picked by like-minded residents of other villages. We will then have a forested, more greener and friendly Kuria, Migori and Kenya.