Stop Deforestation, Save the future.

We are often reminded to conserve the environment, from an early age we were taught to keep our environment clean, utilize resources efficiently, and protect the ecosystems in which we and our animals, domestic and wild cohabit.

One of the major topics in the world today as repeatedly highlighted by people from all walks of life, the highest and lowest in society, from leaders, religious and political, to subjects and even within family spaces and in the confines of our homes is climate change and how its impact is causing major concerns to important socio-economic aspects of life. Climate change has been brought about by a persistent abuse of the environment by the human race. We have ourselves to blame for not creating harmony with nature as it was purposed to be by the creator. Deforestation has been our major undoing.

Deforestation occurs when formerly wooded areas are cut down to make way for new purposes, such as agriculture or urbanization. The truth is that deforestation has scarred both the planet and its inhabitants. It has played a major role in the deterioration and acceleration of global warming and the catastrophic climate changes we are experiencing today, from heat waves to snow storms and prolonged droughts that are preceded by heavy devastating rains that come with floods and destruction (Deforestation: Definition, Effect & Causes StudySmarter, n.d.).

In this article, we look into the Kenyan context to analyze the causes of deforestation as well as its repercussions. With this piece we hope to offer a shining light on the way forward, revealing some of the creative mitigation strategies that hold the promise of mending our ravaged woods and ensuring our nation's long-term viability.

The clearing of land for farming is a major contributor to forest loss. The need for farmland in Kenya is growing as the population rises. Subsistence and commercial farming often result in the clearance of forests, leading to deforestation. The Mau Forest Complex in Kenya is a case in point since it has seen significant deforestation as a result of illicit logging and land encroachments for farming, illustrating the influence of agricultural growth on deforestation in the country. A recent newspaper article on the standard highlighted rather alarmingly how Kenya is losing 6,290 ha of forest cover to deforestation. Illegal logging and encroachment of forest land by neighboring communities for farming continue in the Mau and Aberdare forests as Kenya’s largest water towers go dry (Juma, 2012).

Fires, whether started intentionally or accidentally by lightning or drought, are another contributor to deforestation. To clear land for farming, fire is frequently used. The Aberdare Range region is one in Kenya where fires have caused significant deforestation. A combination of natural causes and human interference led to a spate of devastating wildfires in the Aberdare Forest in early 2020. Furthermore, the likelihood of forest fires was heightened by illegal logging and land encroachment for agriculture in the area (Wangari, 2016).

Effects of Deforestation

When trees are chopped, there’s a large possibility of soil Erosion. Trees have a key function in intercepting rainwater. When they are chopped down, there is nothing to block the fall of rainfall. This leads to the direct effect of rain on the soil, which may loosen soil particles and transport them away. Without these roots, the topsoil, rich in nutrients, may be readily carried away by water. This erosion process renders the soil less productive, harming agricultural and ecosystem health (Washington, 2021).

Deforestation also increases the risk of landslides. Vegetation, especially trees, plays an important role in avoiding landslides in mountainous areas. The dirt is held in place with the aid of their root systems. As a result of the absence of vegetation, soil particles tend to wash away during times of high precipitation or saturation after tree removal. Slopes may become unstable, which can cause landslides (Consequences of Deforestation, n.d.).

Clearing forests for human uses like agriculture or urban development leads to the extinction or endangerment of many plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems for survival. In addition, trees are crucial in reducing air pollution. They take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Reducing or eliminating tree cover contributes to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, which in turn exacerbates global warming (Deforestation: Definition, Effect & Causes StudySmarter, n.d.).

Mitigation measures against deforestation

Adopting eco-forestry, which is a restorative technique of forest management is one ideal approach to mitigating deforestation. This is not focused on economic output but rather on the restoration of the forests. In this approach, specific trees are deliberately plucked while inflicting minimum harm to the remainder of the forest. The long-term purpose of this strategy is to methodically remove mature trees while keeping the forest ecosystem essentially unaltered (Slavikova, 2018).

Law enforcement and regulation entail the stringent execution of current forestry rules to prohibit unlawful operations including logging without licences and land encroachments. Authorities can successfully counteract behaviors that lead to deforestation by enforcing fines and guaranteeing compliance, safeguarding the nation's important forest resources and biodiversity in the process (Slavikova, 2018).

Planting a tree is ultimately the easiest thing you can do as an individual to help stop deforestation. Consider planting a tree as a long-term investment for yourself and your future generation. By any means planting trees has the aesthetic ability to satisfy your physical and mental well-being. To combat the disastrous effects of climate change brought on by deforestation, our government, for example, designated November 13th, 2023 as a national tree planting day for all Kenyans. President Ruto on the 13th personally lead the nation in a nationwide exercise from the Kiu catchment area in Kibwezi, Makueni county. The CS environment, Soipan Tuya had promised and delivered close to 100,000 seedlings for planting at the event in Makueni. To show the government’s full support of the mission, all cabinet secretaries and county commissioners led the exercise across various parts of the country. Many Kenyans took their personal initiative and visited tree nurseries near them where they bought their seedlings and proceeded to plant millions of trees on this day. With this national initiative we have played important roles in reversing deforestation and securing a brighter future for generations to come.

References

Chebet, C. (2023, Oct 16) 6,290 hectares of forest lost in 1 year: Report. The standard.             https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/environment-climate/article/2001483516/6290-hectares-of-forest-lost-in-1-year-report

Consequences of Deforestation. (n.d.). www.kenyaplex.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://www.kenyaplex.com/resources/13721-consequences-of-deforestation.aspx

Deforestation: Definition, Effect & Causes StudySmarter. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/geography/energy-security/deforestation/

Juma, R. A. (2012). The socio-economic impact of deforestation and eviction: a study of the Ogiek community of the Mau Forest, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi, Kenya).

Slavikova, S. P. (2018, March 16). 15 Strategies to Reduce Deforestation | Greentumble. GreenTumble. https://greentumble.com/15-strategies-to-reduce-deforestation

Wangari, F. N. (2016). The effects of fires on plants and wildlife species diversity and soil physical and chemical properties at Aberdare Ranges, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, University Of Nairobi).

Washington, U. of. (2021, November 12). How Much Destruction Deforestation Causes

Every Year. Treehugger. https://www.treehugger.com/overview-of-deforestation-1203589