Community Tree Seedling Production in Maseno Division, Kenya

Abstract

Forests and trees are important natural resources globally. The reduction of forests and tree cover has occasioned the loss of biodiversity, wildlife habitat, ecosystem integrity; increased climate variability and reduced crop yields. These have resulted into decrease in food security thus a key development challenge. The trend can be reversed by promoting on-farm tree planting using quality tree seedlings. Community tree nurseries can provide this; however many are established but soon cease to operate. The reasons for such failures have not been documented. This study, premised on production theory sought to assess tree seedling production processes of such tree nurseries in Maseno Division, Kisumu County. The study sought to: Examine reasons considered while establishing community tree nurseries; understand the factors for community tree nursery location; determine the reasons for producing given tree species; and assess the production challenges in community tree nurseries. Conceptually, tree seedling production cost depends on reasons for establishing the tree nursery, tree nursery site;species and number of seedlings produced augmented by production techniques. Purposive sampling regime with a crosssectional survey was used. A total of 54 tree nurseries were visited and operators interviewed. To triangulate the results ten closed tree nurseries; five farmers growing trees and five key informants were interviewed. Pre-determined interview schedule was used to gather quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions guided by checklists. The study established that: the main reason for establishing the tree nurseries is income (53.7%); water and potting media are considered by 72.2% of the operators while location the tree nursery; Fuelwood ranks high as an end product (33.9%) and Eucalyptus is the most preferred (83.3%). It was also observed that 88.9% of the operators mainly use traditional production techniques resulting into high production costs which can be overcome through training in management of community tree nurseries as business enterprises. The findings are valuable to tree nursery operators, policy regulators and research institutions locally, nationally and international. The results can equally be used in responding to effects of climate change and Sustainable Development Goals.