The committees are trained on general management of the reserve. Some topics include facilitation of natural regeneration, simple silvicultural operations, firebreak maintenance. Apart from these technical topics, group dynamics and conflict management are also taught. These topics help to ensure all the committee members, and the general communities work towards achieving one agenda despite diversities in opinions.

The demarcation of Mvai Forest Reserve’s boundaries was a collaborative effort involving the local community, traditional leaders, and government agencies. Through consultations and field visits, boundaries were marked to clearly delineate protected areas, minimizing conflicts over land use and reducing unauthorized access. Community members participated in the boundary-setting process, reinforcing their understanding and respect for the protected area’s limits. Demarcation included physical markers, providing a visible reminder to the community of the forest’s boundaries, which also helped organize patrols and enforce restricted access. This clear boundary setting allowed the project to manage forest resources systematically, while community participation ensured the demarcation was respected and recognized by all stakeholders. This collaborative demarcation process strengthened the community’s role in conservation and solidified the boundaries as a foundation for sustainable management.

To curb illegal activities in Mvai Forest Reserve, stricter by-laws and enhanced enforcement mechanisms were introduced through the Chief’s Forum in collaboration with local government. These by-laws regulate activities such as charcoal production, farming, and firewood collection within the reserve. Measures include stricter penalties for illegal resource use, community sensitization on legal repercussions, and improved support for local patrol committees. The project provided necessary equipment to community committees for patrolling and monitoring encroachment, while local authorities agreed to expedite legal proceedings for forest-related offenses. This stricter enforcement framework addresses the underlying issues of encroachment, ensuring that illegal activities are deterred effectively. Additionally, community sensitization campaigns, led by traditional authorities, reinforced the importance of compliance with by-laws for sustainable forest management.

Community education and sensitization were essential components of the project to reduce encroachment and promote sustainable practices in Mvai Forest Reserve. The Chiefs Forum organised field visits to showcase governance challenges and educate participants on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of natural resource management. Local leaders conducted advocacy and awareness sessions to inform communities about the importance of conservation, sustainable land use, and legal regulations on resource use. Sensitization campaigns emphasized the impacts of deforestation and introduced sustainable livelihood alternatives, aiming to shift behaviors away from forest exploitation. These activities have empowered communities to take responsibility for forest protection and reporting illegal activities, significantly reducing encroachment and fostering a conservation mindset among local residents.

The Chief’s Forum was created to strengthen governance and reduce encroachment by uniting local chiefs, district council officers, and community representatives in a collaborative approach. Formed after extensive consultations in 2022, the Forum established a formalized structure to coordinate natural resource management efforts, aligning with traditional authorities and local government to enforce sustainable practices. Key responsibilities include advocacy for resource management, mobilizing funds, creating and enforcing by-laws, and promoting community sensitization on sustainable land use. The Forum acts as a bridge between the project and local stakeholders, fostering cooperation and accountability. Regular meetings and field visits enable chiefs to observe forest management challenges firsthand and address issues such as grazing and farming within protected areas.

Mapping the degraded areas within Mvai Forest Reserve was an essential first step to identify the extent of encroachment and prioritize restoration efforts. The process involved assessments of the reserve to locate areas impacted by charcoal production, firewood collection, and farming expansion. By 2021, 450 hectares of the forest were confirmed as affected by encroachment activities. This mapping provided a clear view of degradation hotspots and facilitated targeted interventions, forming the foundation for boundary demarcation, enforcement strategies, and community engagement. The mapped data helped the project team and local authorities to understand the scale of degradation and to set measurable targets for restoration and conservation, ensuring that resources and efforts were allocated effectively to the most critical areas.

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.

The network was created to improve FLR governance and coordination in Kajiado County. By bringing together 24 member organizations, the network provides a unified platform for planning and resource mobilization. A governance framework was developed, including a constitution, strategic plan (2023–2028), finance policy, and human resources manual. These documents ensure operational transparency and resource efficiency. Regular meetings of the general assembly and secretariat facilitate accountability and trust among members. The governance structure also supports FLR funding integration within County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), strengthening the alignment of restoration activities with local development goals.

The implementation of these CSA practices has led to significant changes in beneficiary behavior. Minority groups have started adopting appropriate CSA technologies, engaging with local technical advisors, diversifying income sources, and exploring market opportunities. Additionally, knowledge and skills related to CSA techniques have been disseminated to the local community through project partners, including unions and institutions.

The final gender transformative approach is not only to change relations, but also to initiate changes in structural boundaries, policies, and rights by strengthening local, national, and regional platforms where women can connect and share their knowledge and experiences.

On a local level for example Ugandan women organised themselves in groups to even out some economic disadvantages they face due to lack of capital and utensils to process fish. They are led by the “Katosi Women Development Trust” (KWDT) and received modern equipment such as smoking kilns by RFBCP, thus helping to balance ­children, household, and fish processing. With the help of business development training the women in the group can organise themselves, share their skills with each other, and can invest their savings in new equipment without having to rely on external support in the long term. 

On the national level, the programme also supported the establishment of the “Uganda National Women’s Fish Organization” (UNWFO), a platform for women processors and traders in Uganda. The network focuses on creating sustainable opportunities, fostering innovation, and advocating for inclusive value chains. The support included the development of a constitution, a strategy, action plans, and a gender plan.

Additionally, the programme strengthened the regional umbrella network, the “African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network” (AWFISHNET), by supporting the development of action plans, budgets, and a resource mobilisation strategy for their East African Chapter. It also assisted the organisation of the AWAFISHNET ­Symposium 2019 in Kampala, Uganda, where women from across the African continent were able to network, share knowledge and experiences on value addition, and influence decision-making processes through exhibitions and presentations.

These national and regional platforms allow women to share best practices, experiences, and technologies in a collaborative way that drives innovations. They promote dialogue and negotiation, increasing the participation of women in policy dialogues at both the national and regional levels.