National | PANORAMA

Review current laws & policies and stakeholder mapping

Stakeholder mapping involves reviewing the diverse interests of stakeholders across various sectors at both local and national levels. This process should be as comprehensive as possible, mapping out existing influence and power structures to determine who to engage directly or indirectly. Prior to stakeholder mapping, a thorough analysis of existing policies is conducted to fully understand the issues and why they matter to the community. This understanding then informs the stakeholder mapping activity, making it clearer who to engage with.

A clear understanding of relevant laws and policies related to the issue
Identification of specific policy gaps that need addressing
Accurate identification of target government organizations and officers
Proper selection of partners and civil society organizations
Ensuring community support and representation in the process

Understanding stakeholder interests and the impact of legal changes on those interests is crucial for effective engagement
It’s important to identify ongoing processes related to specific laws and policies to ensure inclusive and thorough mapping
Consolidating efforts through coalitions is essential to avoid parallel efforts and enhance impact
National coalitions can align efforts for greater policy influence
Building and strengthening networks should be prioritized over individual program objectives to achieve broader policy goals

Participatory research to identify local environmental challenges

The first step involves identifying local environmental challenges at the community level, such as water shortages, diminishing grazing areas, food scarcity, soil erosion, landslides, or flooding. NACOFA gathers community input on possible solutions and explores the links between these challenges and forest or environmental degradation.

Next, NACOFA studies the existing laws and policies that could address these issues, identifying any gaps, or determining if enhanced implementation or enforcement is needed. This process allows NACOFA to pinpoint the responsible government institutions, key officials, CSOs, partners, and community groups to collaborate with.

Clear understanding of the local or national issue and its impact on people and the environment.
Centering community and environmental well-being in the research approach.
Engaging with local leaders to ensure full community participation.
Collaborating with research organizations to align with current research policies.

This approach fosters informed policy development that centers on community needs.
Broad stakeholder engagement is crucial for policy advocacy success and enhances government accountability in service delivery.
Community ownership of the process is vital, leading to higher participation and long-term success.

East and South Africa

Community-led policy advocacy on Natural Resources Management in Kenya

Yasmin

Kamel

Participatory research to identify local environmental challenges

Review current laws & policies and stakeholder mapping

Policy formulation and development process

Capacity building and awareness creation

Implementation and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

East and South Africa

Community-led policy advocacy on Natural Resources Management in Kenya

Yasmin

Kamel

Participatory research to identify local environmental challenges

Review current laws & policies and stakeholder mapping

Policy formulation and development process

Capacity building and awareness creation

Implementation and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

East and South Africa

Community-led policy advocacy on Natural Resources Management in Kenya

Yasmin

Kamel

Participatory research to identify local environmental challenges

Review current laws & policies and stakeholder mapping

Policy formulation and development process

Capacity building and awareness creation

Implementation and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Advancing Red Pod Terminalia Propagation Techniques

Stepwise process of extracting T. brownii seed from the fruit by cutting it with a pair of secateurs into nearly equal parts and pulling distal (D) and proximal (P) ends apart

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

Specialized hand secateurs used to extract T. brownii seed from the fruit

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

This building block focuses on refining the techniques for propagating Red Pod Terminalia (T. brownii) and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the process. Identifying and involving relevant stakeholders—ranging from local communities to research institutions—was key to the successful planning, implementation, and dissemination of results.

Effective seed extraction is vital for successful propagation. T. brownii fruits have a distinct structure, with the seed located more broadly at the proximal end. To extract the seed without damaging it, incisions are carefully made on either side of the fruit near the proximal end using hand secateurs. The distal and proximal sides are then gently pulled apart, revealing the seed, which can be removed intact. Avoid making cuts near the distal end, as this can cause the seed to break during extraction. Properly handling and processing seeds significantly improves germination rates, contributing to the species' successful propagation and conservation efforts.

Key factors enabling the success of this building block include the availability of mature and dry T. brownii fruits, appropriate equipment for seed extraction, and experienced staff to handle the process. Strong market demand for T. brownii seeds, seedlings, and products like carved wood, firewood, and honey also drives community participation. Additionally, community involvement in tree planting initiatives and the ecological suitability of T. brownii in drylands are crucial for ensuring the species' successful propagation and long-term impact.

Critical lessons learned include the importance of properly identifying and engaging stakeholders throughout the process to ensure inclusivity and community buy-in. Mobilizing the community for the agreed-upon solution is essential for successful implementation, as is conducting community meetings to raise awareness and gather support. Experience and training in seed extraction and tree management have proven vital for maximizing the benefits of T. brownii. Overall, these elements combined have facilitated the effective propagation and widespread adoption of this resilient tree species.

Implementation

National

Enhancing Alternative Livelihoods for Dryland Communities

The Red Pod Terminalia (Terminalia brownii) plays a crucial role in improving alternative livelihoods for dryland communities by providing essential resources and environmental benefits. This tree is a vital source of firewood and charcoal in regions with limited energy options. Additionally, it produces non-timber forest products, including medicinal compounds and honey, which can be sold for income. Its leaves and pods serve as valuable animal fodder, especially during dry seasons, and the tree offers shade, shelter, and erosion control, thereby enhancing land productivity. By integrating T. brownii into agroforestry systems, farmers can diversify their crops and reduce risks. The tree's carbon sequestration potential also opens opportunities for participation in carbon trading schemes, providing another income stream.

Involvement in T. brownii propagation and conservation fosters partnerships with research institutions and NGOs, offering training and capacity-building for community members. This knowledge not only supports sustainable practices but also boosts overall community resilience by equipping individuals with skills applicable to various aspects of life.

Key enabling factors include the strong market demand for firewood and honey, which provides economic incentives for communities. Partnerships with research institutions and NGOs facilitate training and capacity-building, while the tree’s ability to thrive in harsh conditions ensures its viability as a long-term livelihood resource.

We learned that promoting T. brownii as a source of alternative livelihoods requires understanding market demands and community needs. Proper training in seed extraction and tree management is crucial for maximizing the tree's benefits. Ensuring community involvement from the outset helps to foster ownership and long-term commitment to conservation efforts. Additionally, the integration of T. brownii into agroforestry systems has proven effective in diversifying income sources and enhancing food security. Finally, participation in carbon trading schemes has shown potential, but it requires careful planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to be successful.

Implementation

National

Indigenous Trees for Climate Resilience in Drylands

Terminalia brownii (1) mature and dry fruits, (2) extracted seeds ready for germination

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

This building block focuses on identifying and utilizing climate-resilient tree species, particularly the Red Pod Terminalia (T. brownii), in dryland restoration efforts. Extensive research has shown T. brownii’s exceptional survival rate and growth potential in arid regions. A screening trial in Baringo, Kenya, demonstrated a 97% survival rate for T. brownii within two years, outperforming other indigenous and Australian Acacia species. These promising results highlight T. brownii's suitability for dryland restoration, making it a prime candidate for combating deforestation and climate change in Kenya's drylands. Our goal is to scale up the use of T. brownii and other drought-resistant species to enhance reforestation efforts. The research also explored effective seedling production and improved germination techniques to ensure the successful establishment of these trees in harsh environments.

Key enabling factors include selecting T. brownii as a resilient species based on extensive research trials. Collaboration with researchers and communities ensured the identification of viable provenances and effective seed handling techniques tailored to the Kendu Bay, Baringo, and Kitui regions. We conducted germination trials to optimize seed treatment methods, such as nipping, dewinging, and extraction, which significantly enhanced the species' germination rates.

We learned that rapid germination of T. brownii seeds occurs within 10 days, allowing for multiple nursery rotations per year. Ensuring that fruits are fully mature and properly dried simplifies seed extraction and improves germination success. Synchronizing planting programs with seasonal cycles is crucial for maximizing survival and growth. There is also a need to train communities and stakeholders to promote T. brownii as an alternative species for agroforestry, afforestation, and reforestation programs in drylands, leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Planning phase

National