By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key highlights
- Shamba system introduced by colonial government
- It aims to afforest degraded plantations
- One has to be a member of CFA to be allocated a forest plot
- It is not applicable in indigenous forests
- It is implemented by the Kenya Forest Service, a government agency
The Plantations Establishment for Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS), commonly known as the Shamba System, is an agroforestry programme introduced in Kenya in 1910. Though it faced bans and reinstatements over years, it was re-introduced in 2011 to rehabilitate degraded forests. It was also meant to allow communities living near these forests to grow their own food crops for three years.
Radio Baraza sought to establish the impact of this programme on rural communities living in Trans Nzoia County.
Shamba System and Food Security
George Wanjala, a farmer allocated a plot in Kitale Township Forest, stated that the Shamba System is a game changer in addressing food insecurity and environmental conservation.
“Many of us who are landless are now able to put food on our tables because of the program. All you need to secure a plot is to be a member of the Community Forest Association (CFA),” Wanjala said.
Divinson Nyerere, who manages about an acre in Suam Forest, noted that the program has transformed many lives.
“The Shamba System has had a great impact on our community. Most of us are who we are today because of it,” Nyerere said.
The Kenya Forest Service provides CFA members with tree seedlings to grow in their temporary plots. Farmers are required to nurture the seedlings while also tending to their crops.
The programme addresses families’ nutritional needs as well. Joyce Masiza added that although growing maize in forests was outlawed in 2022, they are permitted to grow other nutritious crops.
“We are allowed to grow beans, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, and vegetables, among others. When we harvest these crops, we store some for ourselves and sell the surplus to buy maize,” Masiza stated.
Shamba System Creates Employment Opportunities
The 2022 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), indicated that 3.5 million youth in Kenya are unemployed. Through the Shamba System, Bernard Kamau, who works as a farm manager, is able to provide for his young family.
“Although I don’t have my own plot here, I am engaged as a manager and therefore get paid every weekend,” Kamau told Radio Baraza.
He added that without the Shamba System, he might have been idle and susceptible to engaging in immoral or criminal activities.
“I come here day in and day out to take care of my boss’s crops, and by the time I leave, I’m always tired and go home to rest,” he said.
Farmers are not allowed to grow crops in indigenous forests. Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator Alexander Lemarkoko emphasized that the program is intended to afforest areas where mature exotic trees have been harvested.
“CFA members are allocated plots in forests where exotic trees like Cyprus, eucalyptus, and pine, have been cut down. No one should encroach on our indigenous forests in the name of practicing the Shamba System; the law does not allow that,” Lemarkoko advised.
Trans Nzoia Forest Cover
Trans Nzoia County Ecosystem Conservator, Elly Tinda, revealed that the County currently has 13% forest cover. The Shamba System is instrumental in ensuring that the county’s annual target of growing 11.9 million trees is met.
“About three years ago, we started restoring degraded forests. We are on course to ensure that all our degraded forests are rehabilitated,” Tinda affirmed.
The Shamba System supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending extreme poverty (SDG 1) and achieving food security (SDG 2).
It also aligns with the Environmental Pillar (Sustainable Environment and Climate Change) of the Kenya Vision 2030. This system promotes sustainable management of natural resources, as outlined in Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Related stories
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/1144000082/rumble-in-the-jungle-as-shamba-system-returns
https://thekenyatimes.com/conservation/is-the-shamba-system-ideal-for-kenya/
