Local | PANORAMA

Supporting the communities with livelihood options to enable them to meet their day to day needs

Community members supported with goats for income generation to meet household needs

FAO

Installed beehives for local honey production

FAO

This building block aims at sustaining communities with day-to-day survival options. As communities engage in restoration work, they need to engage in compensatory and beneficial economic activities as individuals or groups. The communities identified livelihoods of their choice. In this project, the communities chose goat and chicken rearing, mushroom growing and bee-keeping. So far, the project has supported them with chicken and goat rearing and bee-keeping. The benefits from these livelihoods are used to meet household needs such as agricultural inputs, clothing and school fees for children.

Proper community assessment of livelihood options and the availability of funding from the project enabled the provision of livelihood options and the ability to train communities in the production of different options.

Incorporating economic activities into FLR interventions has increased the enthusiasm of communities to engage in restoration work. Initially, some members dropped out of the groups to meet their daily needs through the destructive means when they felt the project would not directly benefit them. After the introduction of the livelihood opportunities, more members rejoined the groups.

Implementation

Local

Allowing communities to factor in their indigenous techniques.

One of the groups in Kasale community is managing Nkhongo Yazizira part of the reserve and makes notices around the area

FAO

Part of the regenerated Nkhongo Yazizira portion of the reserve

FAO

In order to achieve sustainability, the communities were allowed to factor in their traditional knowledge and skills on how to concretize the new working modalities. The communities added another set of working groups from various villages. The working groups were shared a portion of the reserve to manage. This made the work of the overall committee easy as it turned into a monitoring committee. The groups make their own plans (work plans) for various activities such as patrolling, making of firebreaks etc.

The achievement of building block 3 was largely due to the willingness of the involved communities to execute various roles assigned to and chosen by them.

When communities are given the opportunities to weigh in their knowledge and skills, the success can be guaranteed. Professional knowledge should be blended with indigenous knowledge to attain maximum benefits.

Inception phase

Implementation

Local

Revamping forestry block committees and communities surrounding the reserve

The first step is to convene all the forest block committees, local leaders and rural communities in general. These meetings focus on addressing issues that have negatively affected the communities as a result of the deforested reserve. This is followed by the establishment of new committees to oversee the new management plans.

Although not selected in committees, local leaders are vested with the role of patron for any community committee. The leaders therefore own the initiative and become key in achieving the results. Conflicts end at them.

Proper selection of committees and engagement of local leaders provide conducive environments for all the communities to own and participate in the activities.

Inception phase

Implementation

Local

East and South Africa

From bare to cover: Kasale Community roll up sleeves to dress up the deforested Mvai Forest Reserve

Hannah

Weggerle

Revamping forestry block committees and communities surrounding the reserve

Training of committees

Allowing communities to factor in their indigenous techniques.

Supporting the communities with livelihood options to enable them to meet their day to day needs

Continuous monitoring arrangements

Livelihood Diversification for Conservation

Pineapple field for Umdzi Farmer Field School

FAO

Goats provided to communities as part of livelihood diversification

FAO

Beans under Irrigation at Liyada

FAO

To reduce community reliance on deforestation activities, the project introduced livelihood diversification options, including irrigation farming, beekeeping, banana and pineapple production, goat and chicken rearing, and mushroom cultivation. These activities provide sustainable income alternatives that align with the conservation goals of Mvai Forest Reserve. Local farmers are trained in small-scale irrigation and sustainable agriculture techniques to improve productivity without expanding farmland and so far four irrigation schemes have been developed to enable crop production three times a year. The diversification of livelihoods aims to create a sustainable income base for the community, reducing the need for charcoal production and forest exploitation. These initiatives are at varying stages of implementation, with some fully operational, such as banana and pineapple farming, while others, like mushroom production and fish farming will be operational by March 2025.

Training and Resources: Provided communities with skills and tools for alternative livelihoods.
Economic Motivation: Sustainable income options made conservation efforts more appealing.
Local Adaptation: Activities were chosen based on suitability for the local environment and community needs.

Providing alternative livelihoods reduces pressure on forest resources and supports long-term conservation goals. Economic incentives are effective motivators for communities to embrace sustainable practices. Tailoring livelihood activities to local conditions and community needs increases their likelihood of success and adoption. Consistent training and resources are essential to maintain productivity and interest in these alternatives.

Implementation

Local

Development of User Groups for Livelihood Support

Sharon Kilasho, Treasurer of the CFA during tree planting excersice

Sharon Kilasho, Treasurer of the CFA during tree planting excercise

WWF Kenya

The Entarara CFA established three user groups—beekeeping, nursery planting, and ecotourism—to support alternative livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources. The beekeeping group aims to produce honey, providing both income and pollination services within the forest. The nursery group focuses on growing indigenous and fruit trees for sale, with a target of 100,000 seedlings annually, supporting reforestation and providing income. The ecotourism group plans to fundraise for forest fencing, promote awareness, and develop tourism-friendly amenities like picnic sites and campsites. These groups offer diverse livelihood options that are ecologically sustainable and economically beneficial, fostering community commitment to forest conservation.

Access to Resources: Community members utilize local resources for beekeeping and tree planting.
Supportive Infrastructure: The forest’s proximity to a water source aids nursery development.
Economic Motivation: Income-generating activities incentivize community participation in conservation.

Organizing communities into user groups aligned with their interests strengthens commitment to conservation. Diverse livelihood opportunities help reduce reliance on forest resources, ensuring sustainable use. Ensuring access to training, resources, and market linkages for these groups is essential for long-term success. Transparent management of group funds and activities is key to building trust among members and maintaining focus on conservation goals.

Implementation

Local

Establishment of Entarara Community Forest Association (CFA)

Raphael Leneo is the Chairman of Entarara Community Forest Association (CFA)

WWF Kenya

The formation of the Entarara Community Forest Association (CFA) marked a critical step in managing and conserving the forest through community engagement. WWF facilitated discussions with the seven nearby villages on the benefits of creating a CFA to allow legal and organized community involvement in forest management. By 2023, the CFA was officially formed, with a governance structure and a participatory forest management plan (PFMP) developed in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service and Kajiado County. The CFA serves as the primary organization responsible for implementing restoration, protection, and community-led activities in the forest. It plays an essential role in mobilizing community members, organizing user groups, and ensuring that forest resources are managed sustainably, offering an inclusive platform for local voices and promoting ownership.

Legal Framework: Kenya’s forestry laws support the establishment of CFAs and participatory forest management.
Community Buy-in: Engagement through village meetings built local trust and commitment.
Capacity Building: WWF provided training on governance, financial management, and planning to empower the CFA

Forming a CFA requires time and structured engagement to ensure community trust and organizational effectiveness. Clear governance structures, with roles and responsibilities well-defined, facilitate efficient management. Empowering community members with leadership and management skills is crucial for the CFA’s sustainability. The project found that regular consultations and clear legal guidelines for community associations are essential to secure buy-in and align with national forestry policies.

Removal of Invasive Species in Entarara Forest

Women during tree planting and forest management activities in Etarara Forest

Women during tree planting and forest management activities in Entarara Forest

WWF Kenya

In 2020, efforts to restore Entarara Forest included a focus on removing invasive plant species, specifically lantana camara, which had spread throughout the area. The County government and CFA, with support from the WWF initiated invasive plant removal as part of its commitment to rehabilitate the degraded areas in the forest. The invasive species removal aimed to improve the ecological health of the forest by allowing native species to re-establish and enhancing habitat quality that better supports ecosystem services. To support this, the County government supports local residents to patrol and secure the forest, preventing re-encroachment. This early restoration activity coupled with re-afforestation was essential for creating the right conditions for forest regeneration and impetus for future reforestation efforts.

Local Government Initiative: The County government recognized the need for immediate action to remove invasive species as part of its forest management responsibilities
Local community participation: This is key as the activity was undertaken through local community participation and buy-in.

Effective removal of invasive species like Lantana camara is critical for restoring forest health and enabling native plant growth. Engaging residents in the process also helped reinforce community responsibility toward the forest’s health. The experience highlighted the importance of controlling access to the forest and maintaining a structured approach to invasive species management as part of long-term forest restoration. Community involvement formed a base for future community engagement in overall forest restoration.

Implementation

Local

Area survey and boundary marking

To address the degradation and encroachment of Entarara Forest, the Kajiado County government initiated an area survey and boundary marking in 2018. The entire 23-acre forest was officially surveyed, and processing of beaconing is underway to underway to determine the official boundaries. This process is crucial in halting unauthorized expansion by neighboring farmers and reclaiming encroached areas. The survey provides legal recognition and clarity over the forest's extent, enabling authorities to enforce protection measures effectively. Boundary marking also facilitates subsequent restoration activities, such as tree planting in previously encroached zones and removing invasive species. This building block established the foundational framework for community engagement, leading to the formation of the Community Forest Association (CFA) and the development of a participatory forest management plan (PFMP).

Local Government Support: The decisive action by the Kajiado County government and support from the local Member of County Assembly (MCA) were pivotal as it provided legal backing and legitimacy.
Community Engagement: Local leaders and community members participated in the marking, reinforcing respect for the boundaries.
Clear Physical Markers: Beacons will serve as a visible reminder of the forest’s protected status, preventing unauthorized access.

Establishment of clear, legally recognized boundaries is crucial in preventing encroachment and managing community expectations. Engaging the local community in the survey and marking process increases awareness and ownership, ensuring the boundaries are respected. Legal validation of the boundaries by the county government will help prevent disputes and provided a foundation for structured management. Additionally, the boundary marking set a clear zone for targeted restoration activities and conservation efforts, creating a protected environment for biodiversity recovery. This process highlights the importance of combining technical support (survey and marking) with community buy-in for long-term conservation success.

Planning phase

Inception phase

Local

Capacity Building for FLR Implementation

Training of community members

WWF Kenya

The KCNRN enhances local capacity for FLR through targeted training and resource mobilization. A needs assessment informed the development of thematic leadership roles and capacity-building programs for local organizations. Training initiatives strengthen skills in sustainable land management, value chain development, and resource mobilization. The network also supports knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that member organizations can efficiently implement restoration activities.

Needs assessments to identify gaps and tailor training programs.
Thematic leadership roles to focus on key areas like rangeland management and water conservation.
Collaboration across sectors to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Building local capacity ensures that FLR efforts are effectively implemented and sustained, especially when combined with cross-sector collaboration:

Needs Assessment: A comprehensive needs assessment identified specific capacity gaps in areas such as land management, value chain development, and resource mobilization, enabling targeted training efforts.
Thematic Leadership: Nominating lead organizations for each thematic area (e.g., rangeland management, water conservation) ensured focused leadership and accountability within the network.
Resource Mobilization: Access to financial resources from public, private, and third-sector partners supported training programs and operational needs.
Knowledge Sharing: The network facilitated cross-sector collaboration and learning exchanges, enabling members to share best practices and innovate collectively.
Training Programs: Workshops and practical training initiatives strengthened the technical skills of local organizations, ensuring efficient implementation of FLR activities.

Implementation

Local

Subnational