By James Maina
TIST started its operations in
Laikipia in 2008. It empowers small groups of subsistence farmers to reverse
the devastating effects of deforestation, drought, and famine.
Ann said that she has also been a
member of TIST International since 2008. She informed other members that she
had been receiving carbon credit money during every disbursement.
The international small group tree
planting program (TIST) on May 5, 2014 disbursed carbon credit payment vouchers
to Tandare cluster in Mithiga, Laikipia County. The ceremony which was graced
by Regional TIST quanitifier, Community Forest Association (CFA) officials as
well as Tandare and Njorua cluster leaders saw Ksh 203,818 disbursed to various
groups.
Speaking during the ceremony Francis
Njogu, Tandare Cluster leader reminded the members the core values that the
umbrella organization upholds. He said that TIST International follows
truthfully its principles, values and objectives.
Carbon credit policy works on paying farmers
for the seedlings they have planted. The farmers are expected to have formed a
group and dully registered with TIST International.
David Thuku, Regional TIST Quantifier, took the members through the process of receiving carbon credit money.
David Thuku, Regional TIST Quantifier, took the members through the process of receiving carbon credit money.
Disbursement of carbon credit money
is normally done on a quarterly basis and is disbursed through Safaricom M-Pesa
money transfer. Later members receive their dues as tabulated in the voucher
breakdown.
“For members to receive carbon credit
cash each group must have brought the voucher form with them. Also M-Pesa forms
must be filled correctly. This will guarantee the delivery of the revenue,”
said Thuku.
Thuku urged the members to double
their efforts in planting trees in order to attain their targeted number of
100,000 trees. He said members will get a bonus of Ksh 50,000 if they reach
that target.
TIST-Tandare cluster members following proceedings |
Small groups that received payment
vouchers were; Nyakinyua Kurims, Jikaze, Kiamite Wa Farmers, Green Field, Neighbours,
Muembe, Kirima Tree Nursery, Kiamburi, Kamugi Tree Nursery, Kahirigo Tree Nursery, Jamaa, Green Tree and Victory.
TIST Trainer Joseph Muthee informed
Tandare cluster members that payment is made after verification and
quantification of the member’s trees.
Muthee thanked Tandare cluster
members for the progress that they have made in tree planting and carbon credit
ideology. He urged all members to continue being active in order to enjoy the
fruits of their hard work.
“I would like to be categorically
clear that TIST International registration is transparent, clear and free of
charge. Always remember our policies, values and beliefs,” said Muthee.
Muthee said that TIST-Tandare cluster
has several products like honey, deodorant made from honey and merry go round.
Ann Mwihaki from Community Forest
Association (CFA), urged members to plant more trees and to also conserve the
environment. She said that they are currently nurturing seedlings as they await
the long rains so that they can plant more trees in Lariak forest.
Muthee-Right with some of the Tandare cluster members |
“We started by meeting every Wednesday.
During the meetings we would add bee hives or clear the surrounding from the
unwanted growth and from ants,” said Ann.
Joseph Mukungo, a member of Tandare
cluster warned those cheating others and illegally terming themselves as TIST
International officials to desist from doing that as they are tarnishing the
name of the organization.
“This practice is common in Sipili
locality. We are more enlightened and we can identify those who are masquerading
as members of TIST International,” said Mukungo.
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