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Background Kenya forest cover stands around 1.7%

Rehabilitation of degraded river-line in Mount Kenya Region * Njeru R W, Wambugu F, Kagunda J, Wamahiu P & Mutahi E Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International P O Box 642-00621, Nairobi, Kenya 2 nd World congress of Agroforestry Nairobi Kenya, 22-28 th August 2009.

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Background Kenya forest cover stands around 1.7%

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  1. Rehabilitation of degraded river-line in Mount Kenya Region*Njeru R W, Wambugu F, Kagunda J, Wamahiu P & Mutahi E Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation InternationalP O Box 642-00621, Nairobi, Kenya2nd World congress of Agroforestry Nairobi Kenya, 22-28th August 2009

  2. Background • Kenya forest cover stands around 1.7% • Deforestation effect : Flooding, uncontrolled erosion & excessive siltation of Hydro-electric dams • Major water towers degraded & include: Mt Kenya, Aberdares, Cherangani hills, Mau complex & Mt Elgon

  3. High dependency on wood fuel: domestic usage contributes to deforestation

  4. High dependency on wood products-contributes to degradation Power distribution poles, timber for construction & furniture

  5. River Rutui-mount Kenya water tower • Importance • source of 55 registered water intakes belonging to farmer groups, institutions and coffee factories. • supplies water to >1258 rural households plus population of Kerugoya town. • 7 micro hydro power plants power to local • Tributary of river Thiba which drains into River Tana-seven folks dams • River Thiba source of water Mwea rice scheme

  6. Challenges • Population whose livelihood depend on waters from River Rutui were concerned why? • Declining water volumes resulting in • Water Rationing • Micro-hydro dams running below capacity-less power generated • Water pollution. • Increased cases of water borne diseases • School absentee due to water related sickness • Water unfit for household use- look for other distant sources & more time in search of water

  7. Problem diagnosis & action • Villagers sought help from Water Resource Management Authority(WRMA) & • Outcome formation of River Rutui users association & leaders of all 17 villages represented. • Formed core team- Members of the community, Riparian land owners WRMA, Kenya Forest Service, Ministry of Agriculture & then • Walked along river-lines River Rutui & 5 tributaries (Gaturu, Icere, Kirogo, Mutuangunyi, Kanyiriri and Riagatogo)-58 km • Shared findings & resolutions reached in baraza

  8. Major problems & solutions 25 illegal furrows directing water to the farms –Those bordering Raparian - resolved to stop diverting water illegally (left) Garages close to river damping waste into the river-practice ceased (right)

  9. Wrong- exotic tree species planted close to river-line & cultivation close to river bank

  10. Organisations directed Raw sewage into the river (schools, Hospital, council & coffee factories

  11. Problem diagnosis & action contd • Pit latrines constructed close to the river • Cattle sheds build close to the river & polluting the waters • Cultivating close to the river-line

  12. Rehabilitation-Implementation strategy • Partnership with collaborators • Ministry of energy centers • Kenya Forest service • Water Resource Management Authority • Ministry of Agriculture • Tree Biotechnology Project Trust • Kenya Forestry Research Institute • Private & public nurseries • Micro-finance institutions • Local communities • Empowered communities to raise seedlings

  13. River Rutui • Site matching planted >25,000 indigenous trees & fruit trees • Users association • Police the river line • Protect trees & > 90% survival • Ensure there is no pollution in the river

  14. Leaders & community involvement

  15. RESULTS Increased water supply - Micro hydropower plants Clean energy source for over 400 households

  16. At George Kimotho’s home in Dodo Location in Kirinyaga • Benefits: • Radio & charging mobile phones

  17. Before and… After

  18. Current status River Rutui Benefits Clean water High quality seeds Training on tree agronomy & group governance

  19. Key outcomes of the Intervention • Regular supply of clean water- no rationing • Reduce incidence of water borne diseases • Improved school attendance • Micro-hydro dams fully functional- electricity supply to 400 households • Income from sale of seedlings • Improved skills- tree manangement • >90% tree establishment • Cultivation close to river bank ceased

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