People living on arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) face water shortages, long periods of droughts, and sporadic intense outbursts of rainfall. In ASAL regions, soil erosion is a big challenge that is exacerbated by road construction. Hard road surfaces change the hydrology and alternate subsurface flows, and they often generate higher run-off flows with higher velocity. In this way, roads cause problems such as erosion, gully formation, waterlogging, and washing away of fertile soil. These issues greatly affect roads, the landscape, and the adjacent farmland. However, the negative effects can be turned into positive impacts through planting trees and other types of vegetation, coupled with water harvesting. Safeguarding roads, the environment, and farmland is essential to ensuring resilient and thriving livelihoods.
We prepared a “Roadside tree planting manual” which highlights step-by-step procedures for roadside tree planting, maintenance, and management practices as well as the benefits that can be accumulated by this activity. This manual provides useful working information to road engineers/designers, urban planners, field workers, and farmers in Kenya. Please access the manual through this link
Last modified: August 31, 2020