American International Journal of Business Management (AIJBM)

ISSN- 2379-106X, www.aijbm.com Volume 07, Issue 06 (June-2024), PP 114-128

Contribution of British American Tobacco to Tree

Planting In Kenya

Joram Kagombe, Peter Gachie, Miraim Gathogo, James Mwaura,

Celestine Ingutia, Stanley Nadir
Corresponding author: Joram Kagombe

ABSTRACT:- Tobacco industry has been associated with claims of degradation. A study in 2016 addressed
the environmental impact of tobacco growing, paying special attention to soil degradation and loss of
vegetation. The objective of the tree census was to evaluate the effect of afforestation programs by BAT tree
planting project to its contracted farmers in Kenya that is Eastern, Western and Nyanza regions. The study
targeted 517 farmers sampled from the total number of farmers estimated at 5500. Consultative and
participatory approaches mainly key informant interviews, documents reviews, questionnaires and focus group
discussions were used. These targeted various levels of BAT customers/beneficiaries. Desk reviews on existing
secondary data and documents were undertaken for: study preparations, reconnaissance, to understand the
study area, methodologies, types of land uses and micro-climates, suitable preferred tree species and their
uses, benchmarking with other similar studies and to develop a comprehensive report. The study suggests
three triggers that lead to vegetation loss associated with tobacco growing namely; forest degradation,
deforestation due to curing and deforestation due to clearance for more growing land. The study noted that,
although the global share of agricultural land used for tobacco growing is less than 1%, its impact on global
deforestation is 2–4%, making a visible footprint for climate change.

Key words: Tree census, tree planting, Participatory, tobacco growing, degradation, deforestation

I. INTRODUCTION
Every year 6.7 million tons of tobacco are produced throughout the world. The top producers of
tobacco are China (39.6%), India (8.3%), Brazil (7.0%) and the United States (4.6%), (US Census Bureau-
Foreign Trade Statistics, Washington DC; 2005).Tobacco is one of the Kenya's largest industries contributing
both to export earnings and creating employment locally. The history of tobacco production in Kenya can be
traced back from the year 1935, when a native tobacco industry was started by settlers in Nyanza province for
making cigarettes. The area increased in 1954, due to the Swynnerton Plan of improved agriculture in Kenya
and in 1956, a cigarette factory was constructed in Nairobi. However, production remained low until the late
1960s. There was expansion of areas under tobacco in late sixties due to stable political environment compared
to the other East Africa Community member states.BAT Kenya started growing tobacco in Kenya in 1975, with
small-scale farmers on a contract basis. It is the largest tobacco company in Kenya with about 73% of the
estimated annual 6 billion stock market.
Tobacco production was organized by BAT on the concept of contract farming- a system whereby
schemes or companies use small holder farmers to produce cash crops. BAT became the third British company
to use the contract system in Western Kenya following initiatives in Tea and Sugar (BabereKerataChacha, 1969-
1999).
The tobacco crop takes six months to grow and mature, from the nursery to the time it is harvested. It
has been a major income earner for farmers in Teso and Bungoma West, providing stability for an estimated
30,000 farmers. The farmers and co-operative unions in Kolanya, Malakisi, Changara and Tamlega said they
earn more than KShs 250,000 every six months. Farmers are currently planning to increase the acreage under
tobacco, despite sustained efforts by several local non-governmental organizations to get them to grow more
wholesome food crops, http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000142451/tobacco-farming-on-rise-
as-growers-bag-lucrative-deals.
Tobacco industry has been associated with claims of degradation. A study in 2012 addressed the
environmental impact of tobacco growing, paying special attention to soil degradation and loss of vegetation.
The study suggests three triggers that lead to vegetation loss associated with tobacco growing namely; forest
degradation, deforestation due to curing and deforestation due to clearance for more growing land. The study
noted that, although the global share of agricultural land used for tobacco growing is less than 1%, its impact on
global deforestation is 2–4%, making a visible footprint for climate change. However, the claims on the fact that
tobacco is a major cause of deforestation also do not take into consideration another factor highlighted by the
FAO that population growth is a major determinant of land clearing in shifting cultivation, through the growth
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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
in requirements for food and other agricultural products. The need for additional land, in this case, is roughly
proportional to the growth in food requirements of the population.

In reality, it is quite normal that agricultural expansion takes place in areas which have already been
free of trees for several years, and therefore deforestation cannot be solely associated with cutting of trees for
tobacco farming. It is worth to note that tobacco industry is involved in afforestation programs in different parts
of the world. Demand for wood fuel is a major driver of deforestation in developing world as wood fuel is the
primary source of energy for most households and therefore forest resource in and around the most heavily
populated regions have been depleted (Kariuki J. G et al., 2008). The exploitation of forests and tree resources
to meet demand for wood fuel has resulted to environmental degradation. The problem is to such a scale that the
Kenya constitution in Chapter 4a has obligated to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and
future generations. It has also under section 69b stated that the State shall work to achieve and maintain a tree
cover of at least 10% of the land area of Kenya. The Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 article 6
(3a, iii) also requires for a program to achieve and maintain a tree cover of at least 10% of the land area of
Kenya. The Agriculture (Farm Forestry) Rules, 2009 Section 6 also requires maintenance of 10% tree cover on
the farms.
BAT Kenya Ltd began an afforestation program in 1976 as way of ensuring that the company
replenishes the wood used for tobacco curing, and also to contribute to the international and national
environmental conservation initiatives. The company started afforestation program that works with farmers as
well as with government agencies, commercial tree farmers, NGOs, private and public institutions. The
company’s aim is to increase the tree cover and conserve the environment in tobacco growing areas and other
parts of the country.

1.1 Statement of the problem

Every year 6.7 million tons of tobacco are produced throughout the world. The top producers of
tobacco are China (39.6%), India (8.3%), Brazil (7.0%) and the United States (4.6%). Tobacco industry has
been associated with claims of degradation. A study in 2012 addressed the environmental impact of tobacco
growing, paying special attention to soil degradation and loss of vegetation. Demand for wood fuel is a major
driver of deforestation in developing world as wood fuel is the primary source of energy for most households
and therefore forest resource in and around the most heavily populated regions have been depleted (Kariuki J. G
et al., 2008).
1.2 Justification
British American Tobacco has been in Kenya since the beginning of 20th century following the opening
to trade of the interior of East Africa. The company has a policy that demands its contracted farmers to grow
trees to ensure sustainability in tobacco curing process. BAT Kenya Ltd began an afforestation program in 1976
as way of ensuring that the company replenishes the wood used for tobacco curing, and also to contribute to the
international and national environmental conservation initiatives. The company started afforestation program
that works with farmers as well as with government agencies, commercial tree farmers, NGOs, private and
public institutions. The company’s aim is to increase the tree cover and conserve the environment in tobacco
growing areas and other parts of the country. This study highlights the contribution of BAT and other
organizations to tree planting in achieving 10% tree cover in Kenya.

1.3 Objectives
1. To verify area planted with trees on community land and proportion contributed by BAT in comparison
with other organizations.
2. To verify the survival rate of trees planted by BAT farmers both from company issued seedlings and
other sources by area and species

II. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Study areas
The study was done in all the three regions of BAT operation in Kenya that is Eastern, Western and
Nyanza. The Eastern region covers Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties. Meru lies between latitudes 1 30’
South and 0 35’ North and between longitudes 30 20’ and 39 5’ East whereas Embu lies between 0º - 35’0
North and 37° 40' 0 East. The topography in Meru ranges from 5200 m above sea level (Mt. Kenya) to the flat
lands of Giaki/Gaitu and lower Nkuene, Igoki and Abogeta of 400 m above sea level, whereas in Embu the
altitude ranges from 760m to 2070m above sea level. The climate and rainfall in this region is greatly influenced
by Mt. Kenya. The long rains occur between March and May and the short rains from October to December.
Rainfall varies from 2,600 mm annually in the upper highlands of Mt. Kenya to 500 mm in the lower dry parts.
The soils in Meru region are dominated with Ferralsols and Acrisols which are well drained, light and

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
moderately deep, dark red, friable, with sandy to clay loam textures (Jaetzold et al., 2009). From Siakago to the
south, the region consists mostly of excessively to well drained, shallow, reddish brown to dusky red, stony and
rocky, friable sandy with clay in some areas and with a humic top horizon soils classified as either Lithosols and
as Cambisols (Jaetzold et al., 2009). Towards North to Ena the soils are predominantly Ferralsols and Acrisols.
These soils are well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark red to yellowish red, friable, with sandy to clay loam
textures. Kanyuambora is in the agro-ecological zone of Lower Midlands (LM3) classified as a cotton zone with
annual rainfall of about 1100mm. The area is dominated with Ferralsols and Acrisols which are well drained,
very deep, dark red or sometimes yellowish red with very friable clays (Jaetzold et al., 2009).
The Western region has 4 areas of tobacco growing namely Malakisiand Mt Elgon (in Bungoma
county) and TesoNorth and Teso South (Busia county). The entire province experiences very heavy rainfall all
year round, with the long rains in the earlier months of the year. The soil in the region are predominantly
Acrisols and Cambisols which are well drained, deep, reddish brown or dark yellowish, friable, gravely sandy
clay to clay, with acid humic topsoil. In some areas, the soils are poorly drained, deep to very deep, greyish
brown to very dark grey and black, mottled, firm to very firm clay to cracking clay; in places with saline and
sodic subsoil classified as Gleysols and Vertisols. The sampled area of Bungoma County (Sirisia, Malakisi,
Lwandanyi) falls into a semi humid Lower Midland (LM 3) a marginal sugar cane zone with a long cropping
season with very good yield potential. The region receives rainfall of 1400-1600mm annually and is
predominated by well drained, very deep, reddish brown or dark yellowish brown, friable, gravely sandy clay to
clay, with acidic humic topsoil classified as Acrisols, Ferralsols or and Cambisols (Jaetzold et al,. 2009).
In the Nyanza region (Oyani), there are three administrative districts namely Migori, Rongo (Migori
county), and Homa Bay (HomaBay county), (Figure 1). Migori has an altitude of 1150 – 1700m above sea level,
temperatures between 25 – 330C, and a mean annual rainfall ranging from 900 – 1800mm. Homabay has an
altitude of between 1100 to 1200m above sea level, temperatures 17 – 340 C, and an annual rainfall of between
500 – 1000mm. The sampled counties were Migori (Uriri, Suba West, Nyatike, Suna East, Awendo and Kuria
West) and Homabay (Ndhiwa sub-county). Suba, Kuria and the region around Migori town fall in the Lower
Midland agro ecological zone (LM3) which is tobacco or cotton zone having a medium to long growing period
with intermediate rainfall. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to deep, reddish brown, friable, very
gravelly sandy clay loam, with acid humic topsoil classified as Acrisols. In dry areas towards Nyatike are
imperfectly drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown to very dark brown, mottled, firm silty
clay; in places abruptly underlying a topsoil of friable loamy sand to sandy loam; in places rocky and shallow; in
slight depressions (50%) classified as gleyic Luvisols or Cambisols. Uriri, Mirogi, Marinde and rangwe strip
fall onto LM 2 (sub-humid Lower Midlands) a marginal sugarcane zone with a long to medium cropping season,
followed by a (weak) medium to short one. The soils in Uriri are mostly well drained, moderately deep to deep,
reddish brown to brown, friable, gravelly clay loam to clay; over petroplinthite/murram; in many places with
humic topsoil; classified as Phaeozems and Luvisols. Ndhiwa region lies in LM 3 (semi-humid Lower Midland)
cotton zone with a medium to long cropping season, followed by a (weak) short to medium one. This strip
stretches towards Kosele all the way from Masara in Migori County. Ndhiwa is dominated by poorly drained,
very deep, very dark grey to black, firm to very firm clay to cracking clay; in places with an acid humic topsoil;
in some places saline and/or sodic horizons classified as Vertisols, Gleysols and Solonetz (Jaetzold et al., 2009).

Plate 1: Location of BAT regions in Kenya Plate 2: BAT Eastern region

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya

Plate 3: BAT Western region Plate 4: BAT Nyanza region

Figure 1: Study sites

2.2 Farmers Sampling

The estimated number of BAT contracted farmers in Kenya is approximately 5500 farmers. Working
with a confidence level of 95% and a confidence interval of 5 (margin error of 0.05), conditions widely accepted
for a social science survey, the calculated sample size would have been 360 farmers
(www.surveysystem.com/sscal.htm, www.raosoft.com/samplesize/html). As per the above sample size (360
farmers) a sample of 131 farmers would have been interviewed in each of the Western and Nyanza regions
while a total of 98 farmers would have been interviewed in the Eastern region. However, the actual farmers
interviewed were 132 for Eastern region and 168 for Western and 217 for Nyanza regions, making a total of 517
farmers. Consultative and participatory approaches mainly key informant interviews, documents reviews,
questionnaires and focus group discussions were used. These targeted various levels of BAT
customers/beneficiaries.
2.3 Desktop Review
Desk reviews on existing secondary data and documents were undertaken for: study preparations,
reconnaissance, to understand the study area, methodologies, types of land uses and microclimates, suitable
preferred tree species and their uses, benchmarking with other similar studies and to develop a comprehensive
report.
2.4 Tree enumeration
To estimate total number of surviving trees in the 7 counties, questionnaires were used to find out the
number of seedlings initially supplied by BAT to contracted farmers and other stakeholders and the year
supplied. Secondary data was also sourced from BAT records to triangulate information given by the farmers.
Physical counting was also conducted to establish the actual number of trees on selected farms per species.
Similar verification was done on community land within the same locality. Species identification and
classification was undertaken by KEFRI taxonomists and reference made using local vernacular and scientific
names.
2.5 Planting support in the regions
To determine the organizations that have contributed in tree planting in these areas, the questionnaire
was used to establish the proportion of trees supplied by BAT in comparison to other stakeholders. Regional
stakeholders’ meetings were also organized to share the experiences on tree planting programs. Other forms of
tree planting support given by BAT and partners to farmers and local institutions were also established.
Consultative and participatory approaches mainly key informant interviews, documents reviews,
questionnaires and focus group discussions were used. Desktop reviews on existing secondary data and
documents were also undertaken. To estimate total number of surviving trees in the three regions, questionnaires
were used to find out the number of seedlings initially supplied by BAT to contracted farmers and other
stakeholders and the year supplied. Determination of Tree planting support by BAT and other organizations
both to farmers and institutions, wood sufficiency determination, tree planting assessment.

2.6 Data analysis

SPSS was used for data analysis and results were presented as tables, graphs, pie charts and plates.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya

III. Results and Discussions

3.1 Tree planting support by different agencies
3.1.1 Tree planting support by BAT
Farmers in by BAT for tobacco growing areas in the Eastern region get free polythene tubes for raising
seedlings (42.7%), loans to support their farming activities (18.1%), subsidized seedlings (13.1%) and training
on tree planting (11.9%) as shown in Table 3. In the Western region, farmers ranked highly the issuing of
subsidized seedlings (61.4%) and soft loans to support their farming activities (30.1%) as the major support
given by BAT. A few (less than 1%) reported as having no support from BAT in their tree planting program.
Quite a significant response (55.3%) of farmers in Nyanza termed the provision of subsidized/loaned seedlings
supplied by BAT for planting as its support in tree planting program. Provision of loans also featured
prominently (26.6%) as another treasured support by BAT to its contracted farmers.

Table 3: Tree planting support by BAT to their contracted farmers

Region, % frequency Frequency (n)
Support Western Nyanza Eastern
Subsidized /Loan seedlings 61.4 55.3 13.5 278
Loan 30.1 26.6 18.1 165
Free polythene tubes 0.0 0.0 42.3 110
Training on tree planting 4.0 4.9 11.9 50
Free seedlings 2.3 6.6 8.1 41
Tree protection from pests and disease attack 1.7 4.1 4.2 24
None 0.6 2.5 0.0 7
Free tree seeds 0.0 0.0 1.9 5

BAT has a policy and a tradition of supporting its contracted farmers with tree planting. This is due to
the realization that trees are very vital in the tobacco curing. The support is much appreciated since even if the
farmer does not have the capacity to plant the trees, BAT through its extension agents do support them in
ensuring that they provide the necessary support. Farmers are provided with loaned/subsidized seedling
according to their capacity to produce tobacco (10 seedlings per every 100 kg of tobacco produced). Though
some farmers talked of provision of free seedlings, they were actually loaned to be deducted during the sale of
their tobacco.
The farmers contracted to raise seedlings on behalf of BAT (Figure 5), are also supported in various
ways. First, they are assured of the market for the raised seedlings since they will be supplied to the BAT
contracted tobacco farmers and institutions for planting. Tree nursery operators are usually paid for the raised
and supplied seedlings in stages. These stages include after potting the seedlings (20%), after pricking out
(20%), after root pruning (20%) and upon issue of the seedlings (40%). The nursery operators are also provided
with potting bags and relevant chemicals for pests and diseases control.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
Figure 5: A tree nursery in one of contracted operators
In Eastern region, the total number of seedlings issued by BAT from 2013 to 2015 from sampled farmers was
36,789, which was projected to 285,672 to cover all the BAT contracted farmers in the region (Table 4).
However, the survival rate was 52.5%, which is below the accepted survival rate of 80%. In the Western region,
approximately 1,061,916 seedlings were issued by BAT to its contracted farmers for planting from 2013 to
2015. The percentage survival was 62.3%.The estimated number of seedlings supplied by BAT to its contracted
farmers in Nyanza region was 951,304. Out of the total issued, about 66.4% seedlings survived.

Table 4: Surviving trees planted by BAT farmers from company issued seedlings
Region Year Trees Total Trees Total % survival
issued survived issued (N) survived
(n) (n) (N)

Eastern 2015 23475 10415 182287 80874 44.4

(n=132,N=102
5)
2014 10916 7234 84764 56173 66.3
2013 2398 1660 18621 12890 69.2
Total 36789 19309 285672 149937 52.5
Western 2015 54039 31897 613729 362259 59.0
(n=168,N=190
8)
2014 28781 18463 326870 209687 64.1
2013 10682 7885 121317 89551 73.8
Total 93502 58245 1061916 661497 62.3
Nyanza 2015 52271 37173 439606 312630 71.1
(n=217,N=182
7)
2014 48172 28279 405133 237830 58.7
2013 12671 9680 106565 81410 76.4
Total 113114 75132 951304 631870 66.4

3.1.2 Other sources of seedlings apart from BAT

Majority of BAT contracted farmers in the Eastern region (83.9%) rely only on BAT for their planting seedlings
requirement. The other major sources of seedlings include private tree nurseries; own tree nurseries (Figure 6
Table 5). About 42% of BAT contracted farmers in Western region get their planted seedlings from other
sources. The other major sources of seedlings include private tree nurseries, neighbours/ friends tree nurseries
and own tree nurseries. BAT contracted farmers in Nyanza region (56%) conceded that they obtain their
seedlings from other sources including private nurseries and own tree nurseries.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
Table 5: Other sources of seedlings to farmers apart from BAT
Region, % frequency
Source of seedling Western Nyanza Eastern Frequency (n)
Private tree nursery 40.0 46.2 41.1 173
Own tree nursery 15.8 33.3 27.4 107
Neighbour/friend tree nursery 20.0 5.4 9.5 43
Wildings 5.0 2.7 11.6 22
NGO 9.2 2.2 0.0 15
Group tree nursery 3.3 1.1 6.3 12
Mastermind tobacco 5.0 2.2 1.1 11
Alliance ONE 0.0 4.8 0.0 9
Government tree nursery 1.7 2.2 2.1 8
School 0.0 0.0 1.1 1

Figure 6: A Farmer owned tree nursery

These other sources supplement the BAT’s tree planting program by availing more trees and more tree species
to the farmers. Among the government entities where trees could be sourced include, the ministry of agriculture,
especially through Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA) which specializes on fruit trees and
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for other type of tree species. Since quite a number of farmers indicated that they
get their seedlings from their own tree nurseries, wildings or friends, they should be trained on how to select
good mother trees, extraction of collected seeds, storage, pre-treatment methods and germination tests to ensure
quality planting material.
Table 6 gives the overall survival rate of seedlings sourced by farmers from other sources. Highest
survival in was reported in Western (74.2%), followed by Nyanza (69%) and Eastern at 65.4%.Survival had
wide variation from year to year.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
Table 6: Number of trees sourced elsewhere by farmers and their survival rate
Region Year Trees sourced Trees Total seedlings Total seedlings % seedlings
elsewhere (n) survived sourced elsewhere survived (N) survival
(n) (N)
Eastern 2015 1747 1369 13053 10630 81.4
(n=132,
N=1025)
2014 1071 387 8316 3005 36.1
2013 340 265 2640 2058 77.9
Total 3092 2021 24009 15693 65.4
Western 2015 10891 6760 123690.6 76774.29 62.1
(n=168,N=
1901)
2014 19700 16359 223735.7 185791.5 83
2013 2456 1394 27893.14 15831.86 56.8
Total 33047 24513 375319.5 278397.6 74.2
Nyanza 2015 50690 40423 426777 340336 79.7
(n=217,N=
1827)
2014 37153 19329 312804 162738 52
2013 5057 4387 42577 36936 86.8
Total 92900 64139 782158 540009 69

3.1.3 Comparison of number of seedlings sourced from BAT to other sources

The Eastern region tree planting program heavily relies on BAT for its tree planting material in which
93% of farmers received seedlings from BAT in 2015. In the year 2013, about 81.3% of the BAT contracted
farmers in Western region sourced their seedlings from BAT as compared to other sources, Table 7. The trend
dropped in 2014 but sharply increased to 83.2% in 2015. In 2013, the proportion of seedlings sourced from BAT
was highest (94.7%) decreasing progressively to 50.8% in 2015 in Nyanza. Results from the three regions show
that BAT as the main supplier of planting material plays key role in success of tree planting program.

Table 7: Comparison of number of tree seedlings sourced from BAT to other sources
Region
Year Parameter Eastern Western Nyanza
2015 Number of tree seedlings from BAT 23475 54039 50690
Number of tree seedlings from other sources 1747 10891 52271
Total number of seedlings planted 25222 64930 102961
% seedlings sourced from BAT 93 83.2 50.8
2014 Number of tree seedlings from BAT 11116 28781 37153
Number of tree seedlings from other sources 1071 19700 48172
Total number of seedlings planted 12187 48481 85325
% seedlings sourced from BAT 91.2 59.4 56.5
2013 Number of tree seedlings from BAT 2398 10682 5057
Number of tree seedlings from other sources 340 2456 12671
Total number of seedlings planted 2738 13138 13381
% seedlings sourced from BAT 87.5 81.3 94.7

In all the three regions, main source of seedlings was BAT and so has a great effect in afforestation and onfarm
tree planting efforts.
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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
3.1.4 Comparison of BAT promoted trees species and those from other sources
About half of tree species supplied by BAT were also listed as ones preferred by farmers. The top ten trees
species preferred by farmers and BAT are listed in the, Table 9. Those that are preferred by both farmers and
BAT include Grevillea robusta, Senna siamea, Eucalyptus spp, Cordia africanaand Markhamia lutea. A record
of 25 trees species were supplied by BAT while 14 tree species were sort by farmers from other planting
material sources.

Table 9: Comparison of BAT promoted trees species and those from other sources (farmers)
BAT promoted tree species Tree species from other sources
Region Tree species % frequency Tree species % frequency
Eastern Grevillea robusta 42.1 Grevillea robusta 39.4
Senna siamea 22.1 Morus alba 15.2
Eucalyptus spp 11 Carica papaya 15.2
Markhamia lutea 10.5 Senna siamea 11.1
Jacaranda mimosifolia 2.8 Mangiferaindica 4.0
Cordia africana 1.3 Eucalyptus spp 4.0
Croton megalocarpus 1.3 Cordia africana 3.0
Croton macrostachyus 1.1 Markhamia lutea 2.0
Brideliamicrantha 1.1 Combretum molle 1.0
Acacia spp 1.1 Citrus spp 1
Western Eucalyptus spp 41.9 Grevillea robusta 43.9
Grevillea robusta 35.8 Eucalyptus spp 36.5
Markhamia lutea 8.6 Mangiferaindica 3.4
Senna siamea 4.7 Perseaamericana 3.4
Acacia spp 2.7 Markhamia lutea 2
Casaurinaspp 1.5 Melia azedarach 1.4
Jacaranda mimosifolia 0.8 Podocarpusspp 1.4
Syzygiumspp 0.8 Casimiroa edulis 1.4
Cordia fricana 0.6 Tipuanatipu 1.4
Melia azedarach 0.6 Senna siamea 1.4
Nyanza Eucalyptus spp 49.1 Eucalyptus spp 67.3
Grevillea robusta 31.9 Grevillea robusta 24.1
Casaurinaspp 4.5 Casaurinaspp 2.7
Markhamia lutea 3.9 Markhamia lutea 1.8
Spathodeacampanulata 2.3 Cupressus lusitanica 1.4
Acacia spp 2.2 Senna siamea 0.9
Senna siamea 1.9 Balanitis aegyptiaca 0.9
Cordia africana 0.8 Croton macrostachyus 0.5
Croton macrostachyus 0.5 Albiziaspp 0.5
Albiziaspp 0.5

BAT supplies some tree species that are also sourced elsewhere by farmers. This indicates that they
consider farmers’ preference in their tree species production. The management should however consider other

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
tree species known to be preferred by farmers, most of which seem to produce multiple products such as fruits.
Another consideration while choosing the tree species to promote is the list of tree species the farmers
proclaimed that they prefer during tobacco curing (Appendix 2). These are probably the species with high
calorific values and hence they produce much heat, burn for a longer time and hence they are consumed in low
quantities to cure a given yield of tobacco.

3.1.5 Reasons for tree seedlings mortality

The most prominent causes of tree seedlings mortality in all the regions included; drought and termite
attack (Table 8). Other notable causes of mortality are site specific and include poor methods of planting and
destruction by animals.

Table 8: Reasons for tree seedlings mortality (farmers)

Region, % frequency
Reason for mortality Western Nyanza Eastern
Drought 59.7 69.4 59.1
Termites attack 30.5 15.0 19.2
Poor methods of planting 0.7 1.3 4.9
Inadequate labour 0.2 0.4 2.1
Not compatible for area 0.4 0.8 3.4
Seedlings not mature 0.4 0.0 3.7
Animals 2.8 9.4 4.0
Late planting 4.6 2.7 2.7
Flooding 0.4 0.6 0.9
Hard pan 0.2 0.2 0.0
Poor seedlings transportation 0.2 0.0 0.0
Fire burn 0.0 0.2 0.0

Prolonged drought featured as main reason for mortality of seedlings planted in the field. This could
easily be lumped together with late planting and wrong tree species site matching. When quality trees seedlings,
of the right size are carefully grown in their correct agro-climatic zones and at the correct timing, the chances of
their survival are very high.

3.1.6 Main planting niches of trees

Majority of the tobacco farmers in the Eastern region have their trees planted along external boundaries
(Table 10). In the Western region, trees were mostly configured as woodlots (47.5%) while in Nyanza region
most of their trees appeared as woodlots (68.6%). Other popular sites include home compound and trees
scattered on farms. These planting niches are shown in plates of Figure 7.

Table 10: Main planting niches of trees

Region, % frequency Frequency
Main planting niche Western Nyanza Eastern (n)
Woodlot 47.5 68.6 15.5 233
External boundaries/fence 18.7 19.1 30.1 99
Scattered on farm 23.7 3.2 18.4 59
Home compound 6.5 5.5 22.3 44
Rows of trees with crops/hedge row/internal
0.0 1.8 6.8 11
boundaries
Contours/conservation structures 2.9 0.5 4.9 10
River/riparian reserve 0.0 1.4 1.9 5
Improved fallow 0.7 0.0 0.0 1

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya

Plate 1; Trees on soil conservation structures Plate 2; Trees planted on internal boundary

Plate 3; Trees scattered on farm Plate 4; A woodlot

Figure 7: Main tree planting niche

3.1.7 Challenges/ Constraints to tree planting
Several challenges were associated with tree planting program in the regions. Terminate attack was attack and
drought were ranked by most of the respondents as the major challenges, (Table 11). See Figure 8 below for the
challenges. For challenges/ constraints to tree growing by species see Appendix 3.

Table 11: Constraints to tree growing by farmers

Region, % frequency
Challenge/constraint Western Nyanza Eastern
Stunted growth 4.9 2.9 15.5
Pests/Termites /Psyllids/ Bronze bug 40.1 37.1 24.3
Drought 34.0 35.3 16.4
Occupies a lot of space 4.9 2.9 19.9
Seedlings not available 2.7 3.2 4.9
Inadequate labour 0.9 3.2 2.2
Poor ecological zone 1.5 1.4 1.3
Theft of seedlings 1.5 1.1 1.3
Destroyed by animals 3.3 4.3 1.8
Diseases .6 2.9 8.0
Late planting 3.3 2.9 4.0
Poor potting bags 0.3 0.4 0.4
Heavy rainfall 0.9 1.1 0.0
Hard pan 0.6 0.4 0.0
Long distance from nurseries 0.3 0.4 0.0
Species does not coppice 0.0 0.4 0.0
Overgrown seedlings 0.0 0.4 0.0
Frequency (n) 329 278 226

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya

Plate 1; Trees/Seedling attacked Plate 2; A tree attacked by Plate 3; Eucalyptus lerp psyllids
by termites Cuscutaspp, a parasitic plant
3.2 BAT Tree Planting Support to Institutions

BAT support to Eastern region institutions was issuance of free seedlings (66.7%), training on tree
planting (22.2%) and tree protection from pests and disease attack (11.1%). In Western region, BAT was
reported to support institutions in their tree planting initiatives largely by provision of free seedlings (45.5%)
and training on tree planting. BAT support to Nyanza institutions was on free seedlings (70%), training on tree
planting (20%) and provision of subsidized seedlings (10%) as shown in Table 12.

Table 12: BAT Tree Planting Support to Institutions

Region, % frequency
Planting support given by BAT Western Nyanza Eastern
Free seedlings 45.5 70.0 66.7
Subsidized seedlings 9.1 10.0 0.0
Free polythene tubes 9.1 0.0 0.0
Free tree seeds 9.1 0.0 0.0
Training on tree planting 18.2 20.0 22.2
Tree protection from pests and disease attack 9.1 0.0 11.1
Frequency (n) 11 10 9

The results established BAT’s outstanding support to institutions in tree planting which demonstrate
BAT Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within tobacco growing region. These trees provide fuel wood and
construction materials to the respective institutions; contribute to the country’s tree cover while at the time
conserving the environment and rehabilitating degraded sites.

3.2.1 Comparison of survival rate among trees issued by BAT and those sourced elsewhere by institutions

The appraisal established that a total of 35,720 seedlings supplied by BAT were planted on community
land of Eastern region between 2013 and 2015 (Table 13), 7,558 in Western and 29,620 in Nyanza. Survival rate
of those provided by BAT in Eastern region was at 47.7%, 68.5% for Western and 78.5 % for Nyanza whereas
seedlings from other sources, the percentage survival was 57.8%, 61.8% and 78.9% for Eastern, Western and
Nyanza respectively. This shows that survival of seedlings from other sources was higher than those supplied by
BAT. However, considering BAT is the main source of seedlings there should be efforts to improve survival of
BAT supplied seedlings.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
Table 13: Comparison of survival rate among trees issued by BAT and those sourced elsewhere by
institutions
BAT sponsored trees Trees sourced elsewhere
Region Year Number of Tree seedlings % Number of Tree %
seedlings survived survival seedlings seedlings survival
issued issued survived
Western 2015 5078 3754 73.9 1200 660 55.0
2014 2480 1420 57.3 434 291 67.1
2013 - - - 152 152 100
Total 7558 5174 68.5 1786 1103 61.8
Nyanza 2015 15920 12389 77.8 3 3 100
2014 10500 7980 76.0 700 640 91.4
2013 3200 2890 90.3 1000 700 70.0
Total 29620 23259 78.5 1703 1343 78.9
Eastern 2015 17300 6330 36.5 100 50 50.0
2014 12820 7590 59.2 80 75 93.8
2013 5600 3130 55.8 2600 1440 55.4
Total 35720 17050 47.7 2780 1565 56.3

Additional information on survival by species of seedlings from BAT and those sourced elsewhere is in
Appendices 4a and 4b.

3.2.2 Reasons for seedling mortality

The general reasons for mortality in different regions were as shown in Table 14

Table 14: Reasons for mortality in seedlings planted in institutions

Region, % frequency
Reason for mortality Western Nyanza Eastern
Drought 44.8 36.0 29.6
Bad practice when planting 0.0 8.0 3.7
Lack of water 0.0 0.0 7.4
Termites attack 20.7 24.0 37.0
Poor timing 13.8 0.0 14.8
Poor soil 3.4 0.0 7.4
Damage by animals 17.2 32.0 0.0
Frequency (n) 29 25 27

Different tree species were faced with different growing constraints. Reasons for mortality amongst different
species of tree seedlings include drought, poor timing and pests attack, especially termites as highlighted in
Appendix 5.

3.2.3 Challenges / Constrains to Tree Growing and Possible Intervention for Institutions
The respondents in institutions found in different regions mentioned drought and termite attack as the
key challenges they face while planting different tree species as shown in Table 15

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya

Table 15: General constrains to growing different tree species by institutions

Region, % frequency
Challenges/constraints Western Nyanza Eastern
Drought 57.1 57.1 33.3
Termite attack 35.7 28.6 50.0
Few seedlings provided 0.0 0.0 5.6
Pesticides 7.1 0.0 5.6
Cutting of branches for sweeping by students 0.0 14.3 0.0
Destruction to pave way for construction 0.0 0.0 5.6
Frequency (n) 14 14 18

Challenges/constraints by species are shown in Appendix 6. Possible solutions suggested include watering trees
during dry seasons, provision of pesticides and timely supply of seedlings by their respective administrations
and BAT management Table 16.

Table 16: Possible solutions for the constraints to tree growing by institutions
Region, % frequency
Challenges/constraints Possible intervention Western Nyanza Eastern
Drought Water trees during dry season 42.9 50.0 100.0
Provision of termiticides/ pesticides 14.3 0.0 0.0
Increase the number of seedlings 14.3 0.0 0.0
Timely supply of seedlings 28.6 50.0 0.0
Termite/ pests attack Water trees during dry season 0.0 0.0 12.5
Provision of termiticides/ pesticides 75.0 66.7 75.0
Increase the number of seedlings 0.0 0.0 12.5
Timely supply of seedlings 25.0 0.0 0.0
Right species 0.0 33.3 0.0
Few seedlings provided Timely supply of seedlings 0.0 0.0 100.0
Cutting of branches for Restriction by teachers
0.0 100.0 0.0
sweeping by students
Destruction to pave way Increase the number of seedlings
0.0 0.0 100.0
for construction
Frequency (n) 13 13 13

V. CONCLUSION
The key tree planting support that BAT gave to institutions was provision of free seedlings. In Western,
the survival rate was higher for trees issued by BAT compared to trees sourced elsewhere. In Eastern and
Nyanza, survival rate was lower for trees issued by BAT. The major reasons for mortality amongst different
species of tree seedlings include drought, poor season timing and pests attack, especially termites. The key
challenges to tree growing mentioned were drought and termite attack and the possible interventions for the
challenges were watering trees during dry seasons and provision of pesticides/ termiticides. The company
should supply tree seedlings in good time and provide termiticides to institution which will increase survival
rate of planted trees.
The study revealed that most of the tree species promoted by BAT in tree planting program are also
preferred from other sources. The Eastern region is leading in the number of farmers wholly relying on BAT for
tree planting support. The most significant support provided by BAT to farmers and institutions in tree planting
initiatives include provision of free, subsidized or loaned seedlings. The most preferred niche for tree planting in
eastern is external farm boundaries while in western and Nyanza include woodlots and external boundaries. The
trend of seedlings survival rate is generally low in eastern region, improving in western and Nyanza regions.

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 Contribution Of British American Tobacco To Tree Planting In Kenya
The major reasons for tree seedlings mortality were noted as drought, termites attack, late planting and
destruction by animals.

General Recommendations
Several recommendations were drawn from the study. To improve on tree planting initiatives:
1. BAT should continue and enhance its tree planting policy
2. Contract more farmers to do tree nurseries to increase number of seedlings raised and reduce distance
for farmers to collect the seedlings
3. Pests and disease monitoring and control need to be enhanced
4. The time for tree planting to be coincided with rainfall to reduce issues of reported drought and late
delivery of seedlings as well as tackling other constraints.
5. The tree-site matching need to be encouraged as well niches, densities and other management aspects
for optimal growth and minimal competition.
6. The farmers to be consulted on their favorable tree species for planting. The listed preferred tree
species for tobacco curing need to be evaluated for their promotion as well as fruit and other multi-purpose tree
species.
7. BAT should expand its tree planting collaboration efforts. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) needs to be
a major partner. The county government also has forestry and environmental programs that could really
complement the company’s tree planting efforts.

LIST OF REFERENCES
[1]. Okalebo, J. R., Gathua K. W, and Woomer P. L. (2002). Laboratory methods of soil and plant analysis:
A working manual. TSBF-CIAT and SACRED Africa, Nairobi;
[2]. Jaetzold R., H. Schmidt., B. Hornetz and C. Shisanya (2009). Farm Management Handbook of Kenya,
Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information. Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi. Volumes IIB
and C
[3]. Moore, J.M., and G. Harris, (2013). NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN TOBACCO FERTILIZATION.
[4]. Http//www. commodities.caes.uga.edu/fieldcrops/tobacco/.../documents2013/5Fertilization2013.p.

KCCAP, 2015
Kariuki J. G et al., 2008
ref/ Zimbabwe/ Malawi
www.surveysystem.com/sscal.htm,
www.raosoft.com/samplesize/html

Corresponding author: Joram Kagombe

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