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Burning of leaf litter and branches is killing trees in Nairobi, say researchers. Instead, invest in a circular bioeconomy.
Written by Mary Njenga and Ruth Mendum
Nairobi’s luxury neighbourhoods enjoy the presence of beautiful trees that are home to many animals including monkeys and birds that keep people entertained. In hot, dry weather, trees provide shade and, at all times of the year, absorb the sounds of traffic.
From the comfort of their homes, people watch monkeys pick fruits such as avocadoes and gracefully eat and throw the leftovers to the ground, which sometimes hit dogs who fiercely object in return. As they bark the dogs also eat the left-over avocadoes. The psychological relief provided by animals and trees cannot be underestimated.
It is saddening to watch the same trees that are home to animal life, that are natural air cleaners and coolants, and windbreaks endure a slow death by neglect and mistreatment. Careless or ignorant landscapers burn leaves and branches at the foot of the trees from which they have fallen. The tree then slowly dries up and dies. At the same spot at the base of trees where open fire is burned, one finds monkeys looking for fruits.
More detail on World Agroforestry blog.