The arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya, home to millions who depend on pastoralism and small-scale agriculture, are undergoing a significant transformation through the efforts of the Restoration Initiative (TRI). These regions face challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, and overgrazing. TRI’s project employs community-driven approaches to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management practices in the Mount Kulal Biosphere Reserve in Marsabit County & Mukogodo forest landscape in Laikipia County. By introducing innovative practices like beekeeping and pasture seed banks, the project aims to enhance ecosystem services, uplift the livelihoods of local community members, and build resilience against climate change.
The TRI project in Kenya focuses on the ASAL regions, which are characterized by low rainfall and are home to approximately 16 million people who rely on pastoralism and small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods. These areas are particularly vulnerable to land degradation due to deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. TRI’s approach combines community engagement, sustainable land management, and policy support to restore degraded lands and enhance the resilience of local communities. The indigenous peoples of Kenya have been a driving force behind TRI’s Kenya ASAL project, providing insightful knowledge and getting active in implementing restoration strategies.
Significant Impacts and Progression
Since its inception, the TRI project in Kenya’s arid landscapes has been making significant strides in restoring degraded landscapes, bringing 2,408 hectares of land under restoration and 193,931 hectares under improved management. Working with the local community has been a prominent theme in Kenya, with active community engagement propelling restoration efforts and the diversification of income generation receiving significant attention. The project has touched the lives of 57,466 direct beneficiaries, individuals who have all been empowered both economically and ecologically. By equipping local communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain sustainable land management and restoration, the project has fostered a strong sense of environmental stewardship and community ownership.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
One of the innovative practices introduced by the TRI project is the promotion of beekeeping as an alternative livelihood for indigenous peoples. The Mukogodo Forest, a dryland forest in Kenya, has been identified as suitable for beekeeping due to its diverse agro ecological zones. Beekeeping not only provides an additional source of income for local communities but also encourages the sustainable use of forest resources. It is estimated that only 20 percent of the total honey value of the Mukogodo Forest is currently being harvested, indicating significant potential for growth.
The project has also focused on removing invasive species such as Opuntia, which choke grasses and reduce forage for livestock. Through community efforts and the introduction of a machine for making animal feed from Opuntia, the project has reclaimed more grazing fields and improved livestock productivity. Recurring droughts and community conflicts over pasture and water have proven to pose issues. However, the project has implemented innovative restoration techniques such as the Vallerani method and half-moon micro-catchments for water capture and soil conservation. These techniques have proven effective in enhancing soil moisture and promoting vegetation growth in degraded areas.
To instill a sense of longevity in Kenya ASAL’s land restoration initiatives, TRI introduced the Participatory Forest Management Plans, Forest Management Agreements and Community Conservancies as enablers of sustainable land management by the government and Community Forest Associations.
Policy Development
A critical achievement of the TRI project in Kenya has been its contribution to policy development. The project has catalyzed the creation of several key policies, including the facilitation of the Forest and Landscape Restoration Action Plan (FOLAREP) consultation process in all 47 counties in the ASAL region, as well as the development of the 10-Year National Strategy for the Sustainable Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Equitable Benefit Sharing regulations, and 3 finalized County Environment Action Plans (Isiolo, Marsabit and Laikipia Counties). These policies provide a robust framework for the sustainable management and restoration of forest ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s positive impacts.
The TRI project in Kenya’s ASAL regions stands as a testament to the potential of integrated restoration approaches in transforming degraded landscapes into vibrant, productive ecosystems. By combining forest restoration with sustainable livelihood activities, the project not only enhances ecological resilience but also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.