ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I
would like to dedicate this work to all stake holders who have given me support.
I would like to thank entire Egerton University, especially to the department
of Environmental Science. Special gratitude goes to industrial attachment supervisors;
Mr. James Maua and DR Clifford Amaganga for availing their time to ensure my
success during the attachment period.
ABSTRACT
Attachment
period is critical period for students as it equips one with the knowledge and
skills in applying the concepts learnt in class, it is the policy of the
university for the purpose of fulfillment of the course. Every student must be
attached to an institution to get exposure of what is happening outside class.
KEFRI
Kakamega substation is a seed collection center. Seed procurement is done to
ensure seed quality for forestry. I was
exposed to practical application of the value addition as it focuses on forestry
and the interactions between employees to ensure success of the institution. The
report contains various activities carried out during the attachment period.
Nursery management practices, grafting techniques and KEFRI’s programmes such
as participatory forest management, seed technology and all activities pertaining
resource utilization and conservation within Kakamega forest are discussed.
Recommendations on the institution and on attachment programme are also
highlighted in the report.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION TO KEFRI
KEFRI
is public institution established in 1986 under the science and technology act.
KEFRI has a service charter which is a guideline of an organization showing
quality service and timely provision of its services and products. The service
charter creates awareness of organizational importance to the client .It
include:
·
Mandate
·
Mission
·
Vision
·
Core values
KEFRIs
vision is to be a center of excellence in forestry research technology and dissemination
of information for development. Its mission is to conduct research in forestry
and allied resources, disseminate research findings, cooperate with other
research bodies within and outside Kenya and establish partnership with other
organizations and institutions of higher learning in training on matters of
research in forestry. KEFRIs Core values and principles include:
·
Teamwork promotes
correlative participation of its staff in carrying out its mandate.
·
Collaboration builds
strong synergistic linkage with stakeholders and parties.
·
Financial justification
and inputs remains sensitive to cost for all activities and maintain clean
environment.
·
Integrity upholds fairness,
openness, transparency, accountability in provision of services to clients.
Research
and developed programs include:
·
Farm forestry
·
Natural forestry
·
Dry land forestry
·
Forest plantations
·
Service program
·
Partnership and
networking
1.1.0 KEFRI ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
|
|
|
DIRECTOR
<CEO>
|
|
BOARD OF
MANAGEMENT
|
|
AUDIT
OFFICER
|
|
HUMAN
RESOURCE MANAGER
|
|
CO-OPERATION
MANAGER
|
|
DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
|
|
FINANCE
|
|
ADMINISTATION
|
|
NATIONAL
PROGRAM CORDINATOR HEAD
|
|
DEPUTY
DIRECTOR FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
|
|
RESEARCH
CORDINATOR
|
|
DRY LAND
MANAGER
|
|
NATURA
RESOURCE MANAGER
|
|
FARM
MANAGER
|
|
SERVICE
PROGRAM MANAGER
|
|
FOERSTY
MANAGER
|
KEFRI
regional centers include; Kitui, Muguga, londiani, Maseno, Karura and Kete. The
sub centers include; Nyeri, Kibuezi, Marigat, Turkana, Turbo, Kakamega and Gucha
River. The facilities within Kakamega substation are; conference hall, lecture
room, hostel, data and internet, catering facilities and demonstration plots.
Kakamega
substation provides the following services and products:
·
Forest technology and
scientific information
·
Publication
·
Showroom for products
·
Supply of seeds
·
Training in seed
collection and processing
KEFRI’s standard of service is committed
to providing quality and timely service. It has client expectations which
include:
·
To be treated in
courtesy respect and integrity
·
Prompt to response to
inquiries
·
Transparency
The
client obligations include:
·
Treat staff in respect
·
Request in clarity
·
Make requisition in
time
·
Abide with rules
available
Other
roles of KEFRI include corruption protection, feedback through welcoming for
comments, suggestions and committed to service delivery for instance; serve
with courtesy, respond within 30 days of time, concern treated with
confidentiality, transparency and accountability, publication that are easy to
read and provision of information.
1.2.0 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
KEFRI’s
substation is located in western Kenya, north east of Kisumu along north east
of Lake Victoria basin. It is found in Kakamega central district, Lurambi
constituency and at Ingotse junction, 500 meters inside on right from Kakamega
town. It is located directly opposite Kenya Forest Service neibouring the
Agricultural Society of Kenya showground on the left.
During
my attachment period at the substation, I learnt various skills and roles of
KEFRI through seed collection, carrying out policies and guidelines, dissemination
of information, nursery activities and diversification of its Activities
through bamboo development.
CHAPTER TWO
2.1.0 TREE NURSERY PRACTICES
This
chapter highlights all activities carried out in a tree nursery. They include sitting
of a tree nursery, identifying nursery pests and diseases and their control,
layout of the seedbeds, grafting techniques and problems facing tree nursery
management. Under fieldwork we visited a tree nursery in Isicheno station, to
identify major problems facing tree nursery management.
2.2.0 Tree nursery
This
is a place where young healthy, vigorous and robust tree seedlings are raised
before planting in the field. We identified factors determining the size of a
tree nursery which include:
·
Labour availability
·
Cost of raising the
trees
·
Availability of
certified seed
·
Size of containers used
Other
essential aspects to establishment of a tree nursery are: Factors considered in sitting of a tree nursery
for instance should be on a gentle sloping ground, central place to enhance
accessibility, should be sheltered, well drained; fertile soils and water
should be available. The main components of e tree nursery are; toilet or
latrine, nursery site, a water tank, nursery shed and a security fence. We
identified various seedbed types which include; the ordinary seedbeds,
swazibeds which are faster in pruning and raise many seedlings although they
encourage the spread of dumping of and restrict handling and the sunken beds.
2.3.0 Seedbed preparation
After
site selection for a suitable place to make a seedbed within the KEFRI’s
compound with the main objective of learning nursery management practices,
finding germination capacities for different tree species and the preparation
of a tree nursery record we prepared four small seedbeds. The seedbeds were to
raise seedlings of Khaya anthotheca [100
seeds], Cordia africana [100 seeds], Croton megalocarpus [100 seeds] and Mysopsis eminii [50 seeds]. We cleared
the site, removed trash, roots and stamps and the soil made to fine tilth. The
seedbeds where laid out.
2.4.0 Seed pretreatment
During
seed treatments of Khaya anthotheca, Cordia africana, Croton megalocarpus and Mysopsis
eminii seeds we identified several pretreatment methods which include:
nicking, scarification, soaking, cracking of seed coat and burning. The seeds
were soaked in water to soften the seed coat and encourage imbibitions. Using a
scalpel the cordia africana seeds
were cut to enhance rapid imbibitions and reduce dormancy. The seeds that
floated in the containers were removed as they were considered not viable.
2.5.0 Seed sowing
Before
sowing the seeds the dried seedbeds were watered to ensure suitable moisture in
the soil. Cordia africana, Croton megalocarpus and Khaya anthotheca were sowed
in four rows for each species. Each row had 25 seeds and for Mysopsis eminii
two rows were made. The seeds in the rows were covered lightly with soil and
dried grass placed on top to reduce the effect of direct sunlight, followed by
continuous observation and routine management to ensure successful germination
of the seeds.
2.6.0 Germination capacity
Germination
capacity is the germination percentage which will produce normal seedlings. It
is usually influenced by the collection of the seeds and storage conditions.
Germination tests are done to ascertain germination capacities where the sample
size depends on the seed size and the type of the test. We carried out two
germination tests, the bench test where germination is done under laboratory
conditions and the use of the seedbed
2.7.0 Bench test
This
is a seed germination test done in the laboratory. We used blot paper, filter
paper, Petridis, sand and agar as the testing media. The petri dish was
sterilized using methanol, dried using the blot paper and the soaked filter paper
placed in the dish. The filter paper was soaked in distilled water. 5g of Eucalyptus grandii were sprinkled on the
soaked filter paper and covered with another Petri dish before being placed in conducive
conditions [25 degrees Celsius].After a week the seeds had germinated and the
germination capacity was found to be 78%. The germination capacity was low
because of:
·
Fungal attack
·
Some of the seeds were
not viable
·
Germination conditions
were not favorable
Seeds
may have a lot of trash and other materials due to small size of the Eucalyptus grandis seeds.
2.8.0 Germination capacity using seedbeds
From
the period between may25th and June 28th routine
observations were carried out to identify any possible germination of the Khaya anthotheca, cordial africana, Croton
megalocarpus and Mysopsis eminii seeds. After germination we calculated
germination capacity. The below shows germination capacities of the seeds sowed
in the seedbeds.
|
Species
|
Number of seeds germinated
|
Germination capacity[%]
|
|
Khaya anthotheca
|
45
|
45
|
|
Croton megalocarpus
|
83
|
83
|
|
Cordial africana
|
0
|
|
|
Mysopsis eminii
|
0
|
|
The
poor germination capacities were attributed to excessive shade in the KEFRI’s
compound, poor drainage and the soils are not fertile [excessive rain leach out
nutrients]. Cordial africana and Mysopsis
eminii seeds did not germinate because the seed dormancy is long, long
storage period hence lost viability [the seeds should not be stored for more
than 6 months].
2.9.0 Nursery management practices
We
carried out pricking out for Khaya anthotheca and Croton megalocarpus
seedlings. It is done when the seedlings have 2-3 leaves. During pricking out
the seedlings should not be exposed to direct sunlight. We prepared tubes for
potting by mixing fertile soil and making it to finer tilth. The precautions
during pricking include:
·
Use a dibbler
·
Make hole at the center
of the tube
·
Water the bed before
pricking out
·
Hold the seedling by
leaves not by the stems
·
Use a dibbler to press
the soil in the tube [removes air which can cause rotting of roots]
Root
pruning is the cutting of roots that have grown beyond bottom of the tubes. We
used a sharp knife followed by watering. Hardening up is where the healthy
seedlings are exposed to hardships in preparation to adapt field conditions.
Other practices done included: nursery curling where healthy seedlings are
separated from diseased and weak seedlings, shading, weeding and we also
collected wildings from Kakamega forest.
2.9.1 Nursery pests and diseases
We identified various diseases, pests
and their control as indicated in the table below
|
PEST
|
EFFECT
|
CONTROL
|
|
Butterfly
and moths
|
Feed
on leaves and reduce rate of photosynthesis [defoliators]
|
Pesticides
,green house nets
|
|
Termites
|
Feed
on roots and bark
Hinder
anchorage, water and mineral absorption
|
Vermicides
Spraying
Cultural
control
|
|
Crickets
|
Feed
on roots
Inhibit
absorption of water, minerals and reduce photosynthesis
|
Application
of chemicals e.g. decimal gladiators
|
|
Cutworms
|
Cut
roots and stems
|
Weeding
Pesticides
|
|
Beetles
|
Barrow
in stems and form tunnels in wood [become avenues for pathogens]
|
Spraying
|
|
Grasshoppers
and locusts
|
Defoliators
|
Spraying
|
|
Armyworms,
aphids, centipedes and millipedes
|
Feed
on leaves and branches
Aphids
feed on sap
Centipedes
and millipedes form tunnels in soil thus improving soil aeration and
infiltration
|
Spraying
|
The table below shows nursery diseases
and their control
|
DISEASE
|
SYMPTOMS
|
CONTROL
|
|
Chlorosis
|
Yellowing
of leaves due to lack of chlorophyll
|
Ensure
sufficient sunlight
|
|
cold
mildew
|
Whitening
of leaves and scorching due to cold nature
|
Spray
using pesticides
|
|
Dumping
off
|
Affects
seeds ,germ nuts and seedlings
Pre-emergence
dumping off affects seeds and germ nuts before they emerge from soil.
Post
emergency affects young seedlings
Caused
by fungi
Cause
decay of hypocotyls causing seedlings to topple over
Post
emergence dumping off is difficult to control
|
|
|
Cotyledon
blight
|
Caused
by fungi
|
Spraying
|
|
Rhizocotia
|
|
Spraying
|
In
disease management we identified cultural, chemical, and biological disease management.
Cultural disease management is achieved through high seed quality, pretreatment
of seeds and proper use of reusable containers. For chemical treatment,
sanitized seeds, wash seeds with clean water and coating with fungicides before
sowing. Weeding can also be used to
control pests and diseases.
2.9.2 Grafting techniques
Grafting
is a horticultural technique whereby tissues from one plant are inserted into
other tree tissues. The set of vascular bundles join together commonly used in
asexual propagation. We visited Kenya Agricultural Research Institute in Kakamega
where we learnt grafting techniques. Materials for grafting in: secateurs,
knife, grafting wax, grafting tape, budding strips, nails and watering can.
Types of grafting include; cleft graft, bark graft, side veneer, splice graft,
whip and tongue graft which is mostly used in nursery crops, saddle graft, bridge
graft and stub grafting. We identified the main limitation to grafting as it
can’t produce a variety of different species.
2.9.3 Plantation pests and diseases
The
economic importance pests and diseases include: lower quality of final yield,
increase cost of production, increase market for pesticides and research work. We
visited Kakamega forest, malava plantation forest and mountain Elgon forest to
identify tree plantation pests and diseases. The table below shows plantation
diseases and pests.
|
DISEASE
|
TREE AFFECTED
|
CONTROL
|
|
Cyprus
aphid
|
Cyprus
|
|
|
Blue
gum Chasid
|
Yellowing
of leaves of eucalyptus
|
|
|
Dothstroma
needle blight
|
|
|
|
Chestnut
blight
|
Chestnut
trees. kills the roots
|
|
|
Bacterial
wet wood
|
Cause
root decay and trunk rot
|
|
|
Canker
rot
|
Affects
red oaks leading to death of the trees and also leads to curling in
hardwoods.
|
|
|
Other
diseases include: beech bark, fire blight, fusiforum blight, cronatium rusts,
anthracnose rusts, annosus root rot and
amillaria root disease
|
|
|
CHAPTER THREE
3.0.0 SEED TECHNOLOGY
Under
this chapter various activities involving seed survey, seed collection,
processing and seed storage are discussed. These activities were carried at the
KEFRI’s sub center.
3.1.0 Planning for seed collection
The
following factors were taken into consideration:
·
Quantity of seeds to be
collected
·
Manpower
·
Equipment
The
quantity of seeds to be collected depends on the demand of the seeds of that
particular species, while manpower depends on the collection technique;
quantity of the seeds, the conditions during collection and the skills of the collector’s
equipment to be used depends on the method of collection. Equipment used includes: cotton bags, sisal
sacks, canvas, hooks, looping shears, climbing gear, safety harness, helmet,
climbing and descending ropes, safety ropes and a first aid kit
3.2.0 Seed survey
We
were to collect seed of Olea africana
from mountain Elgon forest and Bischovia javonica
seeds from KEFRI’s tree plantations. During the seed survey, to determine
whether the expected seeds can be of good standards. We carried out a
representative cutting test on almost all the trees used as seed source. The
samples were taken randomly for the cutting test and since the seeds appeared
mature apon cutting test we decided to collect the seeds. Cutting test is
necessary it prevent the cost of fruitless collection of premature seeds or
infected seeds. Although for some species it is hard to do a cutting test e.g.
eucalyptus species. Moreover it is important to record the phonological
observations as this will help with information for future seed survey.
3.3.0 Seed collection
The
collection seeds of many tree species need a proper timing. We discovered it’s
not advisable to collect seeds at the beginning and the end of the ripening
period since early or late maturity seeds lower the vigour of the seeds whereas
many legumes with indehiscent fruits don’t require precise timing or harvesting
[most acacia]. It is highly recommended to meet proper management i.e.
·
Pulpy fruits attract
birds, monkeys and other animals who act as fierce competitors for the fruits
e.g. Bischivia javonica
·
Seed imports or
capsules dehisce on the tree and dispersed
·
Fruits which drop to
the ground are subjected to deterioration [affected by fungi, over drying or by
animals.
During
collection we used two techniques, the ladder and climbing techniques. We were accompanied
with certified climbers as we were not allowed to climb the trees. Before
collection following factors were taken into consideration: proper equipment,
to ensure variations seeds were to be collected from different trees within the
seed stand, consider the quantity of seeds to be collected from each tree and
only the twigs are to be cut using the looping shears. The canvas was spread on
the ground below the trees to enhance collection. Excessive twigs and leaves
were removed to reduce the bulk of green harvest. The seeds of Bischovia
javonica and Olea africana after
harvesting were weighed before being taken to the station using sacks.
3.4.0 Seed processing and extraction
It
is the fruit which is harvested from majority of the tree species. Extraction methods
depend on the types and characteristics of the fruit. Both Olae africana and Bischovia
javinica are pulped fruits. The principles of handling pulped fruits are;
·
Must be depulped for
better and faster germination
·
Must be done as soon as
possible
We
used the following depulping methods: we fermented the fruits for two weeks,
placed the fermented fruits on a mesh wire and rubbed to remove the pulps,
washed the seeds before drying them.
3.4.1 Cleaning
The
seed were obtain after depulping they were washed, sorted where chaff and
deformed and damaged seeds where removed. Methods involved included;
handpicking, winnowing and floating in a bowl with water.
3.4.2 Drying
Drying
is the most crucial process in seed processing as exposing the seeds to high
temperature affects the seeds. Orthodox seeds can withstand high temperatures
while recalcitrant seeds can’t withstand high temperatures. Bischovia javonica
and olea africana seeds are orthodox
seeds so we dried them in direct sunlight for three weeks.
3.5.0 Seed storage and distribution
It is usually done to ensure steady
supply of seeds on demand. The precautions taken to retain seed quality under
storage include: store in ventilated bags, ventilated rooms and avoid anaerobic
conditions.
4.0.0 BAMBOO DEVELOPMENT
Bamboo
is the first growing woody grass which mostly grows in mountain ranges,
highlands and the middle lowlands of east Africa. In Kenya most of bamboo
resources comprise of one indigenous species, the alpine bamboo. It is
currently estimated that bamboo covers about 150,000 hectares in Kenya. Bamboo
thrives well in Aberdares ranges, mountain Elgon, mountain Kenya and
Cherenganyi hills. Most of bamboo species do well in altitude range of 2400M to
3400M and in Kenya little cultivation of bamboo has been done. We visited
KEFRI’s bamboo plantations in Nandi hills, collected shoots and identified
problems affecting bamboo cultivation in Kenya.
Bamboo
cultivation is continuing to gain popularity due to its multipurpose uses .e.g.
timber, protection of water and soil resources in forest catchment areas,
fencing, basketry and other uses. The uses make a significant income to the
rural population but depletion joins the role to diminish its status. In Kenya
it is mostly used in residential fencing, toothbrush, basket making, and
horticulture. Policies were spearheaded in 1980s and these environmental
measures and strategies were set to control overharvesting of bamboo resources.
In 1986 there was further curtail and a ban on cutting of bamboo was
introduced. The ban remains up to date.
Past
research and development activities have been growing in KEFRI since 1986
following the ban on harvesting of bamboo resources. Exotic species were
introduced in late 1980s from Asia. They include:
·
Bambusa
bambos
·
Bambusa
nutan
·
Bambusa
talda
·
Dentrocalamas
aspa
·
Dentrocalamas
strictus
·
Bambusa
vulgaris etc
Trail
plantations were established in six counties; Kakamega and its environs, Muguga
and the Coast. Other initiatives have been initied by private and NGO’s .e.g.
ICRAF that has been promoting bamboo development to control soil erosion in
Lake Victoria and river Nzoia and the greenbelt movement concerned with biodiversity.
Other trading companies produce seeds, furniture and other products of bamboo
.e.g. trading green in Kisumu, KAPI that produces pyrethrum based insecticides
and uses bamboo stick for growing bamboo and RAIPLY that produce boards etc.
4.1.0 Constraints to bamboo development
During
the visit to KEFRI’s bamboo plantations in Nandi hills we identified various
constraints to bamboo development and cultivation in Kenya. They include:
·
Image problem where
bamboo is regarded as a poor material for construction. This is due to lack of
adequate publicity of its uses
·
Harvesting ban has
lowered seedling production, industrial processing and marketing
·
Lack of credit
financing global competition
·
Institutional failure
4.2.0 Uses of bamboo
Bamboo
is a multi utility grass:
·
Soil stabilization
·
Beer making
·
Medicinal value
·
Fencing
·
Food
·
Ornamentation
·
Chopsticks
·
Fibre for textile
industry
·
Pulp and paper making
·
Furniture, toothpicks,
sugar dishes, slim tablets, water gutters, bangles etc
4.3.0 Bamboo propagation
Bamboo
can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, rhizomes, tissue culture and
through use of wildings.
For
stem cuttings we collected from bamboo plantations in Nandi hills. Precautions
that were considered included:
·
The cuttings must have
a node and be cut in length of 30 to 45 cm
·
The cutting tools
should be sharp to avoid breakage and tearing
·
The cuttings were taken
to KEFRI’s nursery and potted to produce seedlings
For
seed propagation we found out this method is unreliable because:
·
Flowering stage of
bamboo is long .i.e. 40 to 120 years depending on the species
·
The seeds have a low viability
.i.e. 6 to 18 months
Bamboo
wildings can be collected from indigenous forest. For alpine bamboo its
wildings are found in mountain Aberdares, Mountain Kenya and Chereng’anyi hills.
After collection of the wildings they were taken to a nursery although this
method is difficult as care is required because the wildings appear like grass
in the field.
Tissue
culture is done in the laboratory for mass production of propagating material.
For bamboo it is concerned with alpine
bamboo and eucania. This method
is suitable for those that are not able to be propagated with other methods.
4.4.0 Harvesting of bamboo poles
Clumping
bamboo is usually in a U shaped to facilitate harvesting the old and mature
clumps at the center. Immature culms are weak and crack while the mature ones
are harvested towards the end of the dry season. Once cut they stacked with
their leaves intact to enable respiration [remove moisture].
4.5.0 Treatment of bamboo poles
We
identified two types i.e. traditional methods and the chemical methods. The
choice of the method depends on the state of the bamboo poles
4.6.0 Traditional treatment methods of bamboo poles
These
methods are cheap and reliable. They include:
·
Smoking is done in a
chamber. The heat and toxic substances produced by the smoke destroy the starch
making it immune to insect attack and also blackens the culms.
·
Baking over open fire
after applying oil on the surface of the poles cause rapid drying of the outer
shell and induces partial charring and decomposition of starch and other
sugars. It is important in simultaneous straitening of bamboo poles in round
form.
·
Whitewashing is done by
painting the poles with slaked lime to treat the bamboo poles. This prolongs
the life span there by delaying and reducing the absorption of moisture while
being repellant against insects.
·
Soaking of freshly cut
bamboo poles can also be used to treat bamboo poles. Water ponds can or running
water can be used for 3 to 4 weeks to leach out starch. However the process
does not provide complete satisfaction in the long term.
4.6.1 Chemical treatment methods
For
this method preservatives are used. These methods are well established
providing good protection even in adverse conditions. They include:
·
In tenalised method
compound such as ammonical copper arsenate [ACA] are used. These compounds are
very toxic and carcinogenic and are impregnated under pressure or boiled.
Tenalized poles should not be burnt and the products are non biodegradable.
·
Boric acid can be used.
This is mixture of boric acid and borax with the result of formation of
disodium octaborates. Boron salts are effective against borers and termites.
Due to its high salinity boron salts can cause environmental toxicity.
·
Lime water can also be
mixed with water and the mixture is decanted after 24 hours and the poles are
soaked in the mixture. Other treatment methods include; boiling in linseed oil
and thermal treatment e.g. kiln drying in autoclave.
To
encourage rapid development in bamboo cultivation the main break through is by
teaching people and creating initiatives that publicize the importance of
bamboo resources. Bamboo cultivation can be viable enterprise as it can be used
to stabilize soils and a source of income.
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0.0 NATURE BASED RESOURCES IN KAKAMEGA FOREST
During
our field trips into Kakamega forest we identified social and economic value of
the forest. Kakamega forest consists of 410 species of plants, 367 insect
species, 400 species of butterfly and seven primates’ species. The information
on total biodiversity in Kakamega forest is found in Biodiversity Information
Center [BIC].Nature based resources in Kakamega forest include:
·
Honey
·
Mushrooms
·
Mondia whitey that is
used as a beverage locally known as ‘Mukhombera’
·
Silk
·
Snake cages
·
Fuel wood and timber
·
Bee keeping
·
Nursery soil
·
Traditional medicine
harvesting
·
Wildlife
·
Picnic sites
·
Tour guides
·
Seed collection
Tree
nursery establishment .e.g. Isicheno tree nursery
These
resources generate income, provide habitat for wildlife, research, medicinal
value, timber, and wildlife sanctuary. Kakamega forest is divided into eight
zones which include
·
Kakamega zone
·
Buyangu zone
·
Bunyala zone
·
Kisera zone
·
Kibiri forest zone
·
Lugari forest zone
·
Nzoia forest zone
We
visited ICIPE [International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology] in
Kakamega which enhances farmers with skills in apiculture. The center provides
education, collect honey from farmers, process and sell the honey for farmers.
We learnt skills in apiculture i.e. beehives, management practices, honey
harvesting and processing.
5.1.0 Medicinal plants of Kakamega forest
During
our field trips to Kakamega forest we identified plants with medicinal value.
The table below shows plants and their medicinal value:
|
PLANT
|
PART TAKEN
|
MADICINAL VALUE
|
|
Imbuli yu mutakha [ajuga remota]
|
All parts above the ground
|
Malaria, fever, dysentery, tooth
aches, high blood pressure, stomachaches
|
|
Shilulu [Dotura stramonium]
|
Leaves, green fruits and seeds
|
Coughs, asthma, bronchitis, ringworms,
fungal infections, rheumatism, joint swellings, wounds and skin ailments
|
|
Shirandalu [Solanum incanum]
|
Roots, leaves and fruits
|
Toothaches, stomachaches, ear aches,
snakebites, ringworms.
|
|
Lirakalu [Acanthus pubescens]
|
Young leaves
|
Liver and spleen problems and after
birth pains
|
|
Limenenambusi [Lantana trifolia]
|
Roots, leaves and stems
|
Sore eyes, liver diseases,
indigestion, colds, coughs, rheumatism
|
|
Mwonyi [Ocimum kilimandscharium]
|
Leaves, flowers
|
Colds ,coughs, malaria, fever,
measles, skin diseases, and mosquito bites
|
|
Liriku [Dioscorea bulbifera]
|
Aerial tubers
|
Measles
|
|
Inderema [Busela alba]
|
Leaves and vines are cooked
|
Chest pests, rheumatism, sore throats,
gonorrhea, headaches, fever, purgative, emetic
|
|
Lwabari [Toddalia asiatica]
|
Roots, leaves, branches and fruits
|
Malaria, fever, bronchitis, nose ailments,
stomach ailments, purgative
|
|
Lusiola [Markhamia lutea]
|
Leaves and barks
|
Eye problems
|
|
Mutukhuyu [Olea capensis]
|
Barks
|
Tapeworms, skin rashes, high blood
pressure
|
|
Lunyri
|
Leaves and roots
|
Sore throat and purgative
|
We
also indentified threats to forestry resources in Kakamega forest. These
threats include:
Human
encroachment due to increasing population, forest land being converted into
settlement and land for agriculture. This is leading to fragmentation of the
forest.
·
Forest fires leading to
lose of biodiversity
·
Extinction
·
Inequitable resource
allocation
·
Poaching
·
Exotic and invasive
species
·
Ineffective
participative forest management
5.2.0 Charcoal production technologies
Forest
provides timber and fuel wood. The wood can be used for burning charcoal. We
learnt about charcoal production technologies which include; earth kilns, metal
kilns and masonry kilns.
5.3.0 Earth kilns
There
are various types with the most common one is the traditional earth kiln. The
yields and quantity varies with the design and the skill of the operator. The
traditional earth kiln contributes to 90% of charcoal production in Kenya. For
low investment it is always sited near the wood source. TEK requires high
skills in making charcoal although it yields inferior charcoal quality due to
lack of carbonization control and soil contamination. TEK gives a recovery
between 10% and 15%. It uses wet wood.
The
improved earth kiln was developed by KEFRI in 1990s. It provides a better
carbonization control due to inclusion of chimneys.. It yields 24% to 28% where
the carbonization cycles take 3 to 5 days depending on the size of the stack.
The
casamance is modified earth kiln earth kiln developed in Senegal. The kiln is
staked in a circular way with the woods standing upright. It has one chimney on
opposite end of the lighting point. It has a 30% recovery where the hot flues
are redirected into the kiln to facilitate pylorisis.
5.4.0 Masonry kiln and metal kilns
Masonry
kilns have a high recovery up to 30% although they require more time to cool
and the designs and the metal kilns has several designs .e.g. the drum kiln
with 25% recovery and high capital cost and the meko kiln.
Kakamega
forest is a potential natural resource with adequate management and protection
is able to protect a big deal of biodiversity. Through various incentives and
education by Kenya Forest Service [KFS] and other organizations sustainable use
of resources is emphasized.
CHAPTER SIX
6.0.0 PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT [PFM]
In
this chapter PFM, its objectives, steps in involved, forest management, roles
and the responsibilities of strategic forest management plan are discussed. We
visited Cherenganyi forest studied and reviewed the forests PFM.
PFM
is a forest management approach which deliberately involves forest adjacent community
and other stakeholders in management of forests within a framework that
involves forest management. In the past forest management had laid emphasis on
protecting forests through command and force. Communities have been alienated
from participation and sharing of resources. The main objective of PFM is to
preserve biodiversity while enhancing livelihood and to ensure sustainable use
of forest resources.
6.1.0 Steps involved in PFM process
The
process has eight steps:
Step
1
Identify
forest area to be managed. Initial contacts on the area of study and the
stakeholders are made. The checklist for
step 1 includes:
·
Has information on the
area [size, adjacent population, villages, local attitudes, land ownership,
land use and land suitability]
·
Conflicts
·
Ideas on conservation
or management
·
Current licensing and
issues and the traditional rights under forest act
·
Perception on the role
the government toward forest management
·
Expectations of local
people
Step
2
Conduct
a social economic survey and analysis. The checklist for step two includes:
·
Identify the uses made
by man and women from the forest and how do they differ
·
Identify areas used by
different communities
·
Historical trends and
changes occurred or occurring
·
Are there single uses
·
What are critical
information concerning the forest and the values to attached to services by the
traditional people?
·
Criteria used should be
understandable to local community
·
Present analysis in a
visual format
·
Seek community ideas on
how to protect and seek conservation needs
Step
3
Formation
of a local planning team. The local team that prepares a five year management
plan which should balance local needs, conservation needs and the national
priorities. The team also agrees on overriding objectives for management. They
also identify and agree on stakeholder’s assumptions and expectations
Step
4
Forming
of a forest association. It includes five steps:
·
Identify existing
common structures that can be transferred
·
Provide technological
and management advice to community to help them establish local rules and
regulations to govern there forest association
·
Organize and facilitate
transparent and fair elections to forest association communities
·
Provide capacity
building on site available on cost benefit analysis will be reacquired to
undertake
·
Initiate formation of
forest management committee
Step
5
Negotiating,
drafting and signing agreements of the PFM
Step
6
Implement
the plan
Step
7
Review
and analyze the plan
Step
8
Monitoring
and evaluation of the process
The
objectives of PFM include are to suggest the kind of organization set up and
resources for running the forest and to enable owners to undertake
responsibility of managing forests effectively. We also learnt how to prepare a
report on PFM.
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0.0 CONCLUSION
KEFRI
Kakamega substation is mainly concerned with seed collection, processing and
distribution of seeds. Various collection and processing technologies are
employed. We also learnt about knowledge management skills for instance
knowledge conversion methods.
KEFRI
also is involved in enhancing of sustainable agriculture and environmental
management through bamboo development and production of agro forestry tree
species which enhance sustainable agriculture. We visited Kenya Agricultural
Research Institute [KARI] Kakamega where we learned sustainable agriculture,
national peace and cohesion, research in sugarcane, service industry [banking,
mobile services] and their contribution to ensuring conservation of the
environment
KEFRI
also in partnership with International Center for insect pathology and Ecology [ICIPE]
which helps farmers in apiculture. Farmers are enhanced with knowledge in bee keeping,
harvesting of honey and processing and sells honey for the farmers. Farmers are
also provided with beehives.
Trough
research in medicinal plants, KEFRI is emphasized on conservation of plant
species within kakamega forest that have medicinal value. Forest communities
are been taught on the importance of
conserving these plant species. There is an initiative where farmers are
allowed to cultivate food crops within tree plantations and forest [shamba
system] .They tenders the young growing trees.
KEFRI
clinic provided health services to its workers. They are sensitized on their
rights as workers and management of HIV/AIDS. The implications of Kenyan
constitution on HIV/AIDS programme and provisions of the constitution to a
worker are taught. And also they are taught on the importance of practicing
forestry as a source of income and general conservation of the environment.
KEFRI through its research is enabling the conservation of forestry resources
and the environment.
CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0.0 RECOMENDATIONS
I
would wish to comment on some of what I had undergone at KEFRI’s substation in
Kakamega. The front office management is and administration is well organized
and controlled to ensure consistency in production of quality seeds to meet
targeted clients and ensure success in forestry programmes.
However
labour shortage remains a real challenge at the station which hinders seed
collection, survey and processing. To at least counter these personnel should
be increased through hiring of labourers to ease running of activities within
the institution. More equipment should be should bought and employ adequate
technologies in research i.e. provenance trials and seed germination capacity tests.
Seed processing techniques should be used to increase production of seeds.
Other than the institution establishing its own seed collection stands, the
institution should encourage farmers to plant trees stands for production of
seeds. A well equipped laboratory should be built to enhance carrying out of
experiments. Funding of field attachment should be enhanced to enable more of
field work as students on attachment are usually exposed to little field work
due to inadequate funds. At the station, I noted that the soils are infertile
and a lot of rainfall affect nursery practices and seed germination capacity
test using seedbeds, I therefore recommend use of greenhouses in raising of
seedlings and laboratory seed germination tests.
9.0.0 REFERENCES
Eerthscan,
(2008).Climate Change. Financing Global Forest. The Eliasch Review, UK and USA.
ICRAF
(1992). A Selection of Useful Trees and Shrubs for Kenya. National Museums of
Kenya.
KEFRI
(2004). Resent advances in Forestry Research and Technology for Sustainable
Forest Management, Muguga, Kenya.
KEFRI
(2012). The Right Tree for the Right Place. KEFRI journal 2012.
Maundu,
P and Tengnas, B (2005). Useful Trees and Shrubs
for Kenya. World Agro forestry Center, Nairobi.
GOOD reporting skills
ReplyDeleteEXcellent i was here too
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