Tree Nurseries for Climate Resilience

Tree Nurseries for Climate Resilience

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has trained 21 patrons of 4K Clubs in in Primary Schools in Kitui County on establishment and management of tree nurseries. Also trained were 30 Environment Faith Champions.

The training is part of NCCK’s ongoing efforts to combat deforestation, promote climate resilience, and establish sustainable environmental practices within schools and religious communities.

The Patrons and Environment Champions were then commissioned to equip their groups and communities with the same skills. The tree nurseries established will be essential to the region’s agroforestry and reforestation initiatives, assisting in the restoration of damaged landscapes and encouraging community-driven conservation initiatives.

The training focused on critical topics that included site selection, seedling selection, seedbed preparation, watering and maintenance, pest and disease management, and transplanting.

Mark Musyoka, an environmentalist at the Greencare Association, emphasized the importance of local community involvement in conservation efforts.

“Tree nurseries offer a long-term solution to environmental degradation. Their success however depends on the commitment of everybody including schools and faith-based centres,” he emphasized.

Following the training, , expressed his excitement about the program.

“The training has provided us with the information necessary to not only teach our students about environmental conservation, but also to take real actions to establish nurseries that will benefit both the school and the community,” said Alex Musyimi, a 4K Club Patron from Ndivuni Primary School, adding, “We look forward to establishing a tree nursery and involving our students in every step of the process.”

Pastor Dancun Munyao, one of the faith champions, shared his thoughts on the training, saying it was informative and timely.

“Caring for the environment is a responsibility that aligns with our faith, and this training has given us the tools to lead our congregations in practicing good stewardship of God’s creation. When we establish tree nurseries within our churches, we will lead by example and inspire others to do the same. It will be joyous if every church takes a lead in making our environment green.”