The Pragmatic Social Action (PSA) mobilized its network members in Busia, Vihiga and other counties to participate in tree planting on Friday, May 10 when the government called upon the citizens to this important national duty.
In Busia County for example the PSA joined county leadership in ensuring that more than 5000 tree seedlings get planted in the county.
Speaking at the tree planting site at Siositeko wetlands in Samia Sub County on Friday, Busia County Forest Conservator Vitalis Osodo said that the seedlings consisted of both indigenous and bamboo trees.
‘I’m glad to say that today we have planted 5,000 indigenous trees and 250 bamboo trees, totaling to 5250,’ he said.
Osodo recognized roles played by partners such as the Pragmatic Social Action and added that the County needs such partners to attain the 30% tree cover by the year 2032.
“Our projection as Busia County is that we will have planted 50,000 hectares by 2032 which translates to 27%,’he said, adding that the County’s tree cover currently stands at 8.3%.
He pointed out that a number of the local residents were planting trees but they did not report to the relevant offices for record keeping.
According to the National Forest Resources Assessment (NFRA) Report 2021, Busia County has a canopy cover of 8.8 per cent, well below the minimum average national cover of 10 per cent.