One year after: restoration work shows promise in Logoman Forest
In just under a year, the trees planted in Logoman Forest under the Trees Establishment & Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS) have flourished, now towering over 8 meters tall. The tree-growing took place in two areas, one using the TELIS model and the other in a traditionally planted, non-farmed section.
Under the TELIS approach, farmers are allowed to till the planting fields and grow crops such as potatoes and peas while tending the trees.
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This system ensures the seedlings are consistently cared for through weeding and protection, as farmers also fence the areas to keep out livestock and wildlife. By combining tree cultivation with crop farming, TELIS not only enhances tree survival and growth but also provides farmers with an immediate source of income.
The restoration of the forest was done in collaboration with the Logoman Community Forest Association and Kenya Forest Service, supported by the Integrated River Njoro Catchment Management for Enhanced Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods (NESEEL) project, a Swiss Development Cooperation-funded initiative.
The TELIS approach stands in contrast to the traditional, non-farmed site, offering a unique opportunity to compare outcomes and demonstrate how integrated farming can boost both reforestation efforts and local livelihoods.
“The consequence of planting seedlings in a grassland is that due to competition from grass and browsing by livestock and other animals, the growth rate of those trees is extremely low,” said Gideon Kibusia–Forestry Project Officer, WWF-Kenya.
