Siaya, Kenya: Breaking the Barriers of Tree Farming
- From
-
Published on
03.06.24
- Impact Area

Siaya County, located in Kenya’s Nyanza region, is renowned for its historical and political significance, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. The county has a tropical climate characterized by two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to June and the short rains from October to November. Annual rainfall averages between 1,200 to 1,800 mm, supporting lush vegetation and making the region ideal for crop farming.
Temperatures in Siaya County remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 26°C to 31°C. The area has high humidity levels, particularly during the rainy seasons. These climatic conditions benefit crop farming, as well as presenting a promising opportunity for increasing the county’s tree cover.
In colonial times, one notable figure who promoted tree growing in Siaya County was Chief Odera Akang’o. A respected community leader, Chief Akang’o advocated for the planting of trees to address environmental degradation and improve soil fertility in the region. He encouraged the residents of Siaya to plant trees for shade, fuel wood, and to prevent soil erosion. Chief Akang’o’s efforts strived to achieve sustainable land use practices and protect the environment for future generations.
Despite its favorable climate, and the efforts of Chief Akang’o, Siaya County has a low forest cover, ranking last among Kenya’s 47 counties at 0.23%. It is only ahead of three other counties in terms of forest cover, ranking 44th at 5.23%. Given the increasing need to address climate change, the county’s favorable climate must be taken as a significant opportunity to restore forests and increase tree cover in Siaya County.
Related news
-
Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet: How Multifunctional Landscapes Safeguard Diversity, Resilience, and Livelihoods
Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program30.05.25-
Biodiversity
-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
-
Environmental health & biodiversity
-
Food security
-
Health
-
Nutrition
Agriculture and food systems have significantly affected over 75% of Earth's land surface, polluted …
Read more -
-
Protecting biodiversity and securing our future: How IRRI champions diversity in rice systems
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)22.05.25-
Biodiversity
By Bushra Humaira As the world faces increasing climate challenges, biodiversity is emerging as one…
Read more -
-
Abidjan – Côte d'Ivoire: Italy supports sustainable cacao value chains in West Africa
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)20.05.25-
Environmental health & biodiversity
-
Nutrition, health & food security
In February 2025, a delegation from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT conducted a…
Read more -