Malava forester urges community to protect forest as Macheto CFA holds AGM

In line with the Presidential directive on environmental care and protection, Malava Forester Rhodah Wabwora has encouraged communities living near Malava Forest to actively participate in forest conservation in order to benefit from forest resources.

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Macheto Community Forest Association (CFA), which manages activities and protects Malava Forest, she emphasised the importance of safeguarding the environment.

Referring to challenges discussed during the recently concluded UNEA 7 conference, she urged members to elect leaders of integrity — leaders who are respectful, collaborative, available in times of need and committed to teamwork.

Macheto CFA derives its name from three locations surrounding the forest: Matioli, Chemuche and Township.

The association held its AGM at the Malava Forest Station, where elections were conducted for officials who had served a three-year term in line with the association’s constitution.

The newly elected chairperson, Joseph Sakwa, highlighted the benefits members are expected to gain during his tenure, despite acknowledging shortcomings experienced during his previous leadership term.

He noted that the association, through the International Tree Foundation, had distributed 600 energy-saving jikos to 300 households, with plans to reach over 500 households living near the forest.

Rhino Ark has partnered with the association to identify 20 schools and teachers within the Malava Forest area to educate learners on the importance of environmental conservation and the value of forests to society.

Through environmental clubs and societies, students will be scheduled to visit the forest to learn about wildlife, tree species and biodiversity found within Malava Forest.

Youth and women are set to benefit from grants aimed at supporting education, seminars and workshops through the Kenya Forest Service, sponsored by the Office of the French Ambassador, to help uplift their living standards.

Sakwa thanked the Kakamega County Government, through the County Executive Committee for Tourism and Investments, for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of forest-adjacent communities through tourism and sustainable farming.

The Wangari Maathai Foundation expressed readiness to support members by offering training through various user groups, including mushroom farming, firewood management, tree nurseries and ecotourism, to enhance skills and income generation.

“I call upon all members to work in unity so that we can achieve what we started together as a group. The journey may be muddy, but we must realise our dreams of environmental care and protection,” Sakwa said.

In an effort to attract more donors, Sakwa cited the association’s achievements despite challenges, including providing indirect employment to over 884 youths engaged in tree planting and related activities.

He also noted improved food security, with members allowed to plant maize and beans alongside trees, resulting in high harvests. To date, the association has planted over 4,000 indigenous trees and 15,000 eucalyptus trees.

For the CBO to realise its dream, it has called upon members and donors to support its activities, such as training members to sensitise the community about the importance of the forest to society.

The organisation aims to provide relevant information and education to communities living around the forest through its members, particularly on environmental protection and how members can mutually benefit from forest resources.

The CBO also seeks to establish training centres that will help members learn how to enforce forest rules and regulations, which will be important for the well-being of the surrounding community.

In addition, the organisation plans to expand its activities in the future in order to improve the living standards of people living around the forest.

Other officials elected include Sarah Kulecho (Treasurer), Michael Amutala (Organising Secretary), Solomon Watai (Vice Chairperson) and Zablon Wabuche (Secretary).

The election was observed by Christine Muhonja, an officer from the Social Office in Malava, who thanked members for exercising their democratic right.

“If you destroy the environment, it will destroy us also.”