Better Globe Forestry

Jean-Paul Deprins at a tree donation event at the ASK show in EmbuAs part of its corporate social responsibility programme, Better Globe Forestry distributes tree seedlings in Kenya. There are several beneficiaries, but the programme is primarily intended for institutions in the buffer zones around BGF’s plantations. Since 2005, BGF has had an agreement with the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) to donate tree seedlings to embellish the show grounds where ASK holds its annual exhibitions.

ASK is a venerable institution in Kenya, founded in December 1901 as the East African Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Its mandate is to disseminate techniques and trade information for the agricultural sector and related industries. The President of Kenya is the patron of ASK, while the Ministers of Agriculture and for Livestock Development are the organisation’s deputy patrons.

Every year, ASK organises agricultural shows in its different branches nationwide. These the Eldoret National Show in Eldoret, the Western Kenya Branch Show held in Kakamega, the Meru National Show in Meru, the Mount Kenya Branch Show in Nanyuki, the Eastern Kenya Branch Show in Embu, the South Eastern Kenya Branch Show in Machakos, the Nakuru National Agricultural Show, the Southern Kenya Branch Show in Kisii, the Kisumu Regional Show, the Mombasa International Show, the North Eastern Kenya Branch Show in Garissa, the Central Kenya National Show in Nyeri, the Nairobi International Trade Fair, the Kabarnet Branch Show in Kabarnet and the Kitale National Show. There is also a Young Farmers Clubs of Kenya tree-planting day.

Each show attracts exhibitors related to the agricultural/livestock and forestry sectors, the academic world and the private sector. The shows are inaugurated by prominent personalities (guests of honour) such as the President or a government Minister and typically take three to four days, during which the show receives a lot of attention.

Originally, the agreement was for BGF to donate 10,000 seedlings per showground, but in view of available space, this has not always been possible. Nevertheless, the programme has taken off; with 34,629 seedlings donated so far, including a small number of ceremonial seedlings that were planted by the guests of honour. BGF’s representatives then also plant a ceremonial seedling, and it is an occasion to present the company to the principal guests of honour. Apart from providing shade and a green environment to the show grounds, the trees, like all activities at ASK fairs, fulfil an educational function for visitors. ASK guarantees maintenance of the seedlings.

Another partner in the tree donation programme has been the Kenyan branch of SKAL International (International Association of Tourism and Travel Professionals), resulting so far in various donations of 21,200 seedlings. The beneficiaries include Nyumbani Village in Kitui, where HIV orphans are offered a home; and a local NGO, the Woodlands 2000 Trust, whose mission is to provide afforestation and allied services to entrepreneurs, farmers, landowners and other investors involved in the tree industry.

Kiambere School Complex, in the buffer zone of the plantations at Lake Kiambere, received 250 seedlings to complement the refurbishment of several of its buildings by Child Africa.