Farmers cry foul as KFS bans shamba system in Aberdare forest

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has banned shamba system in parts of the Aberdare forest in Kinangop, Nyandarua county, sparking uproar from small-scale farmers.

Farmers have been given 14 days to stop farming in parts of the forest.

The farmers have appealed for a six-month extension to allow them harvest crops in the forest warning that the directive could erode gains made in conserving forests in the agriculture-rich region.

Cleared farm blocks in Geta Forest, Nyandarua. [File, Standard]

For years, the farmers have tilled land around the forest while planting seedlings in a move that has seen forest cover increase gradually.

Joseph Mwaura from Rwanyambo village said they have been practicing the shamba system for years and it had worked well for the community and KFS.

Mwaura expressed shock at the ban on shamba system saying had invested thousands of shillings in farming in parts of the forest.

“This government promised to support the low-wage earners but this has changed and it’s oppressing us despite our input in conserving forests and addressing food security,” he said.

He warned that those affected could be forced to turn to illegal logging.

Hannah Mwaniki said that they recently planted hundreds of tree seedlings and assorted crops only to be ordered out.

While calling for the extension, Mwaniki said that tens of families relied on the shamba system and the move to ban it spells doom for them.

“We are calling on the Kenya Forest Service to give us just six months to harvest these crops as failure to do that will mean major losses for us,” she said.

This was echoed by Samuel Ndung’u who said that they entered farming legally after working with KFS for years in conservation efforts.

“We have been farming in the forest while planting trees for years and we are wondering why the government has abruptly decided to ambush us,” he said.

A senior KFS officer who declined to be named said they imposed the ban after they realized that some farmers were engaging in illegal activities like logging.

“We have come to learn that some of the farmers are using the cover of the shamba system to conduct illegal activities like logging in the forest hence the ban,” said the officer.