Eucalyptus a threat to local livelihoods in Kwale

For 15 years, Mr Omari Mwamairi, a farmer from Kinondo in Kwale County, has relied on agribusiness to support his family.

However, for the past two(2) years, his farm has yielded little despite his tireless efforts. 

Crops that once thrived, including maize, rice, vegetables, and cereals, have dried up, leaving him perplexed and frustrated.

"I plant rice, vegetables, maize, and cereals, but for the past three years, my crops have not been doing well. I used to have enough maize to feed my family for an entire year, but now, even though I irrigate and apply fertilizers, I am hardly getting anything," Mr Mwamairi said, his voice tinged with concern.

At first, Mr Omari attributed the crop failures to climate change. 

However, after confiding in a friend, an agricultural expert who inspected his farm, he learned that the issue was not just the changing weather patterns, but something closer to home, his 300 eucalyptus trees.

"Apart from the crops dying, we also noticed wells and wet areas, where we used to plant rice, drying up in our village.I was shocked when my friend pointed to the eucalyptus trees as the cause. I did some research online, and it confirmed what he said ," Mwamairi said.

Omari is not alone in facing the adverse effects of eucalyptus plantations. Along the coastal region, where these trees have become increasingly popular for their quick growth and economic value, locals are beginning to recognize the environmental toll they take.

Chairman of the Gogoni Gazi Community Forest Association Abdallah Mwarima has witnessed first hand the environmental damage eucalyptus trees have caused in the area.

While acknowledging the economic benefits these trees offer to farmers and timber companies, he says the ecological costs far outweigh them.

"Eucalyptus has dried up several rivers in our area, and even the mangroves are dying as a result. It is impacting river flow and the water table. When you cut them down, they just regrow, making it difficult to control their spread. Even when you uproot them, it takes years before the soil fertility is restored," Mr Mwarima said.

Mr Mwarima further explained that eucalyptus trees are known to emit toxins that inhibit the growth of other plants, while also harming beneficial soil bacteria.

"It is not just the trees themselves, but the damage they cause to the entire ecosystem," he added.

To mitigate the negative impacts, Mwarima advises local farmers to look for alternative tree species.

"Instead of eucalyptus, we can plant fruit trees or native trees. Fruit trees can provide food, and we can also sell the produce. Eucalyptus might be useful in flood-prone areas to help absorb excess water, but it's unsuitable for areas near water bodies," he said.

Mr Mshemanga Hamisi, a representative of the Pungu Kidimu Community Forest Association, has also seen how the proliferation of eucalyptus trees has drained critical water sources in the area.

Rice farming, a staple for many families in the region, has become increasingly difficult due to the drying up of rivers and wetlands.

"From Kanana to Mshiu, Mwagwei, we used to have rivers that never dried up, but now they are completely dry," said Mr Hamisi.

Adding that in the past, they  had a few eucalyptus trees, but since people learned about their economic value about 10 to 15 years ago, their numbers have surged, and now most of the rivers  have dried up.

Hamisi advocates for a government ban on eucalyptus planting in water-scarce areas.

"Farmers need to think outside the box and explore alternative trees that are less harmful to the environment," he said.

On Thursday last week, environmental stakeholders in Kwale County rallied behind a Bill that seeks to prohibit the planting of eucalyptus trees near water bodies.

The bill, currently under review in Parliament, aims to amend Section 47 of the Environmental Management Act of 1999, to regulate the planting of eucalyptus trees and other non-native species, particularly near critical water sources.

Dr Evans Mutuma, who is a researcher and scientist specialising in environmental and Blue Economy issues, explained the importance of the Bill during an engagement forum held by Plan International at the Pride Inn Hotel in Diani.

"We are not prohibiting the planting of eucalyptus entirely, as they do have economic value. What we are advocating for is ensuring that these trees are not planted near rivers or wetlands," Dr Mutuma clarified.

Mutuma pointed out that eucalyptus trees consume vast amounts of water, contributing to the depletion of local water bodies.

"Climate change has already put immense pressure on our rivers, and eucalyptus trees are exacerbating the problem," he added.

He further there will be  "transition clause" in the bill, which would provide farmers with a clear timeline for transitioning away from eucalyptus plantations, especially those planted near sensitive water sources.

The Bill also includes provisions for regulating the planting of other invasive species. Once passed, it will provide a legal framework to control the spread of eucalyptus trees and ensure they are planted only in areas where they do not harm local ecosystems.

While the bill has garnered support from environmental stakeholders, the debate surrounding eucalyptus is not without its complexities.

Some participants at the meeting raised concerns that the proposed restrictions could undermine the economic benefits of eucalyptus, particularly in the timber industry and local employment.

"This debate is not easy. We have countries where eucalyptus is planted extensively without causing these negative consequences. We need convincing evidence that eucalyptus is inherently harmful to our environment," said a participant.

Coordinator for Plan International Alfred Rono emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental decision-making.

"Our goal is to find a way to balance economic development with environmental conservation. Eucalyptus is not good for our ecosystems, but we must also offer farmers alternative solutions," Mr Rono said.

The integration of Blue Economy principles was also discussed during the forum. The Blue Economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources, plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Dr Mutuma explained that safeguarding local water systems, including rivers and wetlands, is vital for preserving biodiversity and supporting the Blue Economy.

"Our rivers and wetlands are the lifeblood of our coastal economy," he said.

Adding that protecting them will ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from these resources, both in terms of sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

While eucalyptus may have economic value, its environmental impact cannot be ignored.

The proposed Bill, if passed, could provide a crucial step in managing the spread of invasive species, ensuring that farmers have access to sustainable alternatives while protecting water resources for future generations.