NYERI, Kenya – Through the World Bank Project Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, the Department of Water, Environment, and Climate Change reached a major milestone by giving pixie orange seedlings to the Kihuyo Men Community-Based Organisation (CBO).
Y News understands that a significant step towards improving climate-smart agriculture and sustainable living in the area was represented by the event.
Hundreds of fruit seedlings were given to the Kihuyo Men CBO, which counts over 215 active members from Kihuyo in Nyeri Central Sub-County, as part of a campaign to encourage eco-friendly, revenue-generating endeavours.
According to the devolved unit, through agroforestry and better land use, this support seeks to strengthen the group’s economic standing while promoting climate resilience.
Community leaders, agricultural extension agents, and officers from the County Government of Nyeri worked together to carry out the distribution activity.
How Nyeri residents reacted to the FLLoCA program
Members acknowledged the long-term advantages in terms of household income, environmental preservation, and food security and pledged to raise the seedlings to maturity.
“I’m wishing that our schools are included, starting with Wachee Primary and Rutune Secondary as pilot projects,” said Mukoma Ngure, a resident of Nyeri, while also expressing gratitude for the help.
The success of such programs demonstrates the significance of community participation in attaining sustainable development goals, and the FLLoCA program continues to show its influence at the grassroots level.
Y News knows that a hybrid of tangerines and oranges, pixie oranges are a tasty, seedless citrus fruit.
They are renowned for their unique, sweet flavour, petite size, and juicy, meaty texture.
They are gaining popularity in Kenya for both farming and consumption, and they are a good source of vitamins A and C.
Here are some potential economic and environmental benefits of Pixie oranges:
Economic Benefits:
- Local Economic Growth: Pixie oranges can contribute to the local economy through farming, processing, and distribution, creating jobs and income opportunities.
- Export Opportunities: The oranges can be exported to other regions or countries, generating revenue and promoting economic growth.
- Supporting Farmers: Pixie orange farming can provide a stable income source for farmers, improving their livelihoods and contributing to rural development.
Environmental Benefits
- Water Efficiency: Pixie orange trees are relatively drought-tolerant, which can help conserve water resources.
- Soil Conservation: The root system of Pixie orange trees can help hold soil in place, reducing erosion and promoting soil health.
- Biodiversity Support: The orange trees can provide habitat and food for various pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like other trees, Pixie orange trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, contributing to carbon sequestration efforts.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Many Pixie orange farms adopt sustainable practices, such as integrated pest management and organic farming, which can reduce environmental impacts.
The distribution team was led by Ken Nduati, Nyeri Central Sub County administrator, Danson Wangechi-Forester, Kennedy Kanoga, Environmental Officer, Martin Muriithi, Accountant, Water, and Beatrice Wairimu – Ag. Director Accounting Services Officers – Faith and Harriet, among others.
