Environmental policy and administrative management

The biodiversity in the 46 sq km Rusinga island at Lake Victoria has been severely affected by unsustainable use. 200 women from 8 women groups on the Rusinga Island are raising 1,000,000 tree seedlings of at least 7 indigenous species and 3 useful indigenised exotics (Neem, grevillea robusta and schinus molle or pepper tree). Each woman to raise 5000 seedlings. The seedlings will be purchased by local schools, farmer groups and groups working on reafforestation of beach and road surroundings, hills and an arboretum plot. The activities consist of establishing 6 nurseries near lakeshores but situated around the island, fencing off the nurseries with animal proof fencing, procuring certified seeds and training the women groups in nursery management. The project will make sure the women groups are paid when the seedlings are used around the island t the cost of 4 shillings per healthy seedling. Labour contribution from the 200 women for one year will amount to US$26,000.

Kenya