Desertification is threatening millions of inhabitant and severely reducing productivity of land and soil, government officer has said.
According to a speech by Minister for Environment and Mineral resources, Ali Makwere delivered by his Assistant Ramathan Seif Kajembe during the National world day to combat desertification at Tarasaa secondary school, said that there is need for Kenyans to conserve the fragile environment which is being destroyed by desertification.
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“There is need to be conscious to conserve the fragile environment and the natural resources in the arid and semi arid areas of the country in order to prevent the emergence and spread of deserts all over the country,” said Kajembe.
He said the theme of this years World Day to Combat Desertification is Healthy Soil Sustains Your life: LETS GO LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRAL adding that it informs that fertile soil is a common wealth that provides Kenyans and the world at large with not only food, but also secures water and energy for present and future generation.
Kajembe went further to add that the current deaths of livestock’s due to drought in the country have been a major concern to the government of Kenyan in terms of food security and economic development of arid and semi arid areas.
“The government has recognized the need to combat desertification and has put in place efforts towards combating desertification,” he said.
Kajembe said the government allocates funds to Arid and semi Arid lands annually for developments adding that the government partners with European Union, Swedish government, Danish government, United Nation Development Program, United Nation Environmental Program for financial and technical support.
He added that the government will fully support the National Environmental Authority to enable them carry out their mandate of ensuring clean and healthy environment.
Kajembe who is also Changamwe Constituency Member of Parliament said Tana River county is one of those areas which has suffered a lot in land degradation stating that NEMA should step in and assist people.
“We have directed NEMA to post county environmental officers to all counties in the country. I have seen Tana River community based organizations work and seen that they work with zeal and enthusiasm in their groups and so there is need for them to be supported,” he noted.
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