Ideal Research Center revives Suba Kuria cultural site in Mabera with indigenous trees
By MN Reporter
A local organization and moved in to revive the cultural Suba Kuria grounds in Mabera by planting indigenous trees.
The organization, Ideal Research Center has cordon off a section of the field which also houses Mabera sub-county headquarters offices and planted indigenous trees as a means of fostering culture.
“In the past we have several attempts to plant trees in the field which holds a significant place in the Kuruia culture but that has failed because of intrusion,” Cosmas Mokami, a director at the organization said.
The group fenced off the area before planting local trees which is among a plan for December cultural festivals among the three wards making up the Mabera sub-county.
The wards are Tagare, Masabe and Nyamosense-Komosoko.
“We plan to have a Kuria arts and cultural festival at the field later in December where we will pass coercion through songs, dances and arts with competition among various groups,” he said.
At the same time, Migori County residents have been encouraged to plant igneous trees to maintain the tree and forest cover in the county.
Speaking during the planting session Mabera Deputy County Commissioner Joyfila Wambua said that by planting igneous trees the county will hugely benefit from the enormous benefits that trees can offer.
Indigenous trees are known for providing good shade, are ecofriendly and have medicinal value that has long being used by the traditional healers.
Wambua said that it was important for the county residents not only to engage in tree planting but also ensure that the trees fully mature.
“We have been engaging in the process of tree planting forgetting the important aspect of nurturing trees to their full maturity”, she affirmed.
Greenlife Director John Bosco explained that majority of farmers do not engage in igneous tree planting because they have no direct value to the farmers in addition to longevity in maturing.
“The new hybrid variety of trees like eucalyptus and pine have a shorter life span due to tree harvesting and logging making them non ideal in terms of forest cover. When we plant igneous trees, we will not have a reason to cut them down leading to forest cover conservation”, affirmed Bosco.
He advised the local residents to appreciate igneous trees like Elgon teak and Mahogany because of the effects of climate change and the unpredictable weather patterns being experienced.
