Barnabas Bii
3 October 2007
Nairobi — Farmers from four districts in the North Rift region want the Government to reinstate the shamba system in public forests to boost food security.
The farmers from Nandi North and South, Uasin Gishu and Keiyo districts petitioned the Government to allow them to carry out farming activities in public forests while taking care of the planted tree seedlings.
"The system had proved beneficial in terms of attaining food security and improving afforestation efforts hence the Government should consider re-introducing it," former assistant minister for Planning Elijah Sumbeiywo said.
The system was banned more than five years ago as a measure by Government to contain wanton destruction of forest cover through illegal logging activities.
Environment and Natural Resources minister David Mwiraria recently disclosed plans by the Government to re-introduce the system following pleas from some leaders and farmers.
But the North Rift farmers asked the Government to prepare a clear environmental conservation policy instead of banning the shamba system.
"Lack of sufficient manpower and adequate financial allocation has made it impossible for the Kenya Forestry Services to carry out tree planting exercise on cleared plantations," said Mr Samuel Kirui of Nandi South district.
The farmers at the same time protested against flooding of the market with imported grains which they said will affect local produce.
Maize and wheat traders have flocked the region with the grains selling to private millers at Sh1,150 and Sh2,700 per 90 kg bag respectively.
Neighbouring country
Some of the traders said the produce is mainly from the South Rift region where harvesting is on while others are sourced from a neighbouring country.
"Most millers in the region offer better prices, especially for wheat, at a lower transport cost as compared to taking the commodities to markets in Nairobi and other parts of the country," disclosed one of the traders.
The farmers petitioned the Government to ensure that NCPB buys 90 kg of maize at Sh1,300 as promised by Agriculture minister Kipruto Kirwa.
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