The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has banned the widely practiced ‘Shamba-system’ in parts of Kinangop, Nyandarua County, causing an outcry from hundreds of small-scale farmers. The government institution has given farmers 14 days to cease farming activities in sections of the Aberdare forest, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Farmers are appealing for a six-month extension to harvest their crops, warning that the directive could undermine the progress made in forest conservation in the agriculturally rich region. For years, these farmers have cultivated land around the forest while planting seedlings, contributing to a gradual increase in forest cover.
Joseph Mwaura from Rwanyambo village expressed shock over the directive, noting that the shamba system had been beneficial for both the community and KFS. “We have been practicing this system for years, and it has worked well for the community and KFS,” Mwaura said. He added that they had invested significant amounts of money in their farming activities.
Mwaura also warned that the affected farmers might turn to illegal logging if they are forced out of their farms, potentially undoing years of conservation efforts.
Hannah Mwaniki, another farmer, mentioned that they had recently planted hundreds of tree seedlings and assorted crops, only to be told to vacate. She called for a six-month extension, emphasizing that many families depend on the shamba system, and the ban would be devastating for them.
Samuel Ndung’u echoed these sentiments, stating that they had engaged in legal farming activities in cooperation with the Kenya Forest Service for years as part of their conservation efforts.
A senior KFS officer, who requested anonymity, confirmed the ban. The officer explained that the decision was made because some farmers were found to be illegally harvesting forest products.
The farmers are urging the Kenya Forest Service to grant them a six-month grace period to harvest their crops, warning that failure to do so would result in significant financial losses and potentially drive them to illegal activities.