All of us now recognize the value of our forest, says Geta farmers’ group chairperson

Jamleck Macharia inspects snow peas in Geta Forest where he farms under the government’s Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme, commonly known as PELIS. Following training by WWF-Kenya under the Green Horticulture at Lake Naivasha Basin (GOALAN) project, Jamleck and many other farmers have contributed to the conservation of the upper catchment of Lake Naivasha. PHOTO | LEOPOLD OBI | WWF-KENYA

“Our forests (Aberdares) were in the past under threat while our rivers were exposed to erosion and degradation. We live in the upper catchment, Geta Forest, which is the source of major rivers such as Kitiri, Kinja, Wanjohi and Malewa that feed Lake Naivasha.

We were concerned that if we didn’t conserve the water catchment, the rivers would soon dry up and people in the lower catchment would follow the water to the source, resulting in conflicts.

Then in 2018, we partnered with WWF-Kenya who trained us on conservation and sustainable agriculture under the Green Horticulture at Lake Naivasha Basin (GOALAN) project. Our livelihoods and the environment have significantly improved since.

Jamleck (centre) is the chairperson of the Geta Community Forest Association. Here is with two members of the group in Geta Forest. PHOTO | LEOPOLD OBI | WWF-KENYA

My farmers’ group grows snow peas in the forest under the government’s Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS). We’re are able to earn a living and educate our children by exporting the snow peas.

All of us now recognize the value of the forest and would never dare interfere with it.”

Jamleck Macharia, chairperson Geta Community Forest Association.