The Rusinga Island workshop was conducted to discuss the possibility for environmental intervention on the island. The 40 workshop participants deliberated on possible approaches to tree planting interventions and how to target certain groups such as the youth and schoolchildren. In addition strategies around the greening of hills, feeder roads, beaches and development of woodlots were also discussed. The participants also examined how HIV/Aids can be factored in any such interventions, as well as food security concerns and income diversification as a result of tree planting.
The recommendations made at the end of the workshop were many, yet insightful in order to implement a cluster of projects aiming at greening the island and enhance the livelihoods of the target groups. They provide a wealth of information for the planning of the future interventions and covered all the key issue which emerged over the workshop period. One important consideration was the development of a Master Plan for Rusinga Island, so that the momentum of any initiatives can be sustained over a longer period, as part of a broader plan of development.