This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, Kiragu Kariuki, a resident of Nyeri County, highlighted the need for green regeneration in dry lands in a letter to the editor.
According to Kariuki, community programmes and donor support have been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). However, these efforts are often focused on short-term solutions rather than long-term strategies to reverse environmental degradation.
ASALs are prone to resource-based conflicts, food insecurity, high poverty levels, and disease outbreaks. Despite the devolution of pro-poor service delivery and growth agendas, counties face resource constraints, making external interventions necessary.
Humanitarian organisations in ASALs often focus on technical solutions rather than social infrastructures, which are essential for building resilience and reducing poverty.
The destruction of high altitude ecosystems has a pervasive effect on social, economic, and environmental aspects, contributing to desertification.
Without counter-strategies to address these destructive human activities, restoration initiatives on sustainable land use, reforestation, and reconstruction of water catchment areas are hindered.
Reversing human-engineered destruction of the environment is crucial for poverty reduction, food and water security, climate change mitigation, and adaptation.
Progressively sustainable flows in our rivers can be realised, desertification halted, food production enhanced, and resources equitably shared and used.
Wood fuel and charcoal demands for household use are significant in rural setups, but these can be supplemented through the adoption of green energy and planting of fast-growing tree species like bamboo.
Ultimately, prudent strategy choices and priorities are essential, along with resource allocation and utilisation for intended purposes that guarantee value for money.
With priorities, results can be prompt, and community needs met effectively and efficiently.
— Kiragu Kariuki, Nyeri County
