The women of the Green Belt Movement have learned about the causes and the symptoms of environmental degradation. They have begun to appreciate that they, rather than their government, ought to be the custodians of the environment.

You cannot enslave a mind that knows itself. That values itself. That understands itself.

We tend to put the environment last because we think the first thing we have to do is eliminate poverty and send children to school and provide health.

No matter who or where we are, or what our capabilities, we are called to do the best we can.

Sometimes when I talk to little children I remind them of the fact that when I was growing up myself, I used to play with frog eggs and tadpoles and I used to walk in the field, I used to literally copy whatever my mother was doing on the land. And that may be the reason why I eventually developed the passion for green and for the Earth. So it is extremely important for adults and especially those who are in charge of cities to make sure that we do not lose touch with the land and with the environment. And especially our children.

All through the ages the African people have made efforts to deliver themselves from oppressive forces.

First of all, farmers should work with universities and research institutions in the country, and hopefully with the government.