Kenyan Farmers Assist Govt. In Cutting Down Thirsty Eucalypts Near Water Sources - ENN

[hatrack]

Farmers in central Kenya are cutting down water-hungry eucalyptus tree species growing near water sources as a government directive aiming to save water takes effect.

Environment minister, John Michuki, issued the directive three months ago in an attempt to lessen the impact of the drought that is ravaging the country.

Eucalyptus has been popular with farmers because it grows fast and provides ample stocks of timber and firewood. But it is also a danger to water supplies (see Strategic tree planting could save water in dry areas). Wangari Maathai, Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist, has recently spoken out about the threat, saying that the trees have been "overpromoted for commercial reasons" and threaten biodiversity.

Now, eucalyptus trees growing less than 30 metres from rivers, streams, wells and other water sources are being cut down. Already, farmers in central Kenya have felled virtually all trees growing near water sources. "We agree that eucalyptus growing near water sources has contributed to water sources drying up and that is why we are removing the trees," says Joseck Gatitu, a farmer in the Kamune area of central Kenya, who has cut down 15 trees near a stream that has nearly dried up.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/spotlight/40542

[tabatha]

1. Oh my, how socialist can one be.

:sarcasm:

That is wonderful - all helping toward a common goal.
The leaf litter under eucalyptus trees does not promote diversity, and the trees burn easily.

[kestrel91316]

2. Ecosystem restoration. Warms my heart.......

(damn imported nonnative invasive species!!!)