Subnational | PANORAMA

Addressing Socio-Economic Needs Through Livelihood Alter-natives

Lead farmer, Owen Gomani in his banana orchard as part of livelihood boost

FAO

Potato in storage waiting for price hikes, The potato was grown at the rehabilitated Chiyata Irrigation to enable multiple cropping in a season

FAO

This building block aligns Farmer Field School (FFS) activities with the economic needs of local communities by introducing sustainable livelihood options. By teaching agroforestry, diversified crops and other commercial enterprises, FFS help farmers improve soil health, increase crop yields and find alternatives to unsustainable practices such as charcoal production. This approach provides economic incentives to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating that FLR can improve both environmental and economic well-being.

Financial and logistical support from project partners enables the initial implementation of agroforestry and income-generating activities. Training on alternative livelihoods through FFS demonstrates the economic value of sustainable practices, making them more attractive to farmers.

Aligning FLR activities with local economic needs is essential for long-term success. When farmers see improved yields and increased incomes, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Ensuring that restoration efforts contribute to immediate livelihood improvements motivates community members to actively participate in FLR.

Implementation

Subnational

National

Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices

FFS combines traditional land management practices with sustainable FLR techniques, allowing communities to build on their existing knowledge. This integration respects cultural practices and promotes acceptance, facilitating the transition to sustainable land management. This step is also essential when communities make comparisons between what they are learning and their own knowledge/skills/practices.

A key component of FFS success is the integration of traditional knowledge, achieved through open dialogue with local elders and knowledge holders. Facilitators and project leaders are encouraged to understand and respect existing land use practices, which helps to integrate these practices with modern sustainable techniques. This culturally sensitive approach facilitates the acceptance of new methods, while increasing their effectiveness by building on familiar practices. Support from project partners ensures that traditional methods are respected and combined with ecological restoration techniques, increasing both community buy-in and practical relevance.

Combining traditional and modern practices makes FLR more relevant to local contexts. When restoration techniques resonate with familiar practices, communities are more likely to engage in and adopt FLR activities because these methods feel accessible and practical. When local knowledge forms the basis of the restoration approach, communities feel that they are partners rather than passive recipients of aid. This sense of ownership is essential for the long-term management of restored areas, as communities feel personally responsible for maintaining and protecting these landscapes. Traditional knowledge also often includes time-tested methods that are well suited to the local environment, such as specific planting cycles or water conservation practices adapted to seasonal weather patterns.

Implementation

Subnational

National

Training of committees

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.

Key staff from government departments at the District Council had an agreement with FAO on implementation of activities. The staff are well trained and experienced.

Providing resources to professional staff as working partners makes implementation of activities easy.

Implementation

Subnational

Demarcation of Reserve Boundaries with Community Involvement

Boundary demarcation of Mvai Forest Reserve

FAO

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.

Community Participation: Engaged residents in marking boundaries, promoting local respect.
Government and Traditional Leader Support: Provided legitimacy to boundary setting.
Physical Markers: Visible indicators reinforced the forest’s protected status.

Community involvement in boundary demarcation fosters respect and adherence to protected areas. When local residents actively participate in the boundary-setting process, they develop a stronger understanding of and commitment to respecting the forest’s limits. The process also highlighted that visible, physical markers are essential for maintaining clear boundaries, reducing misunderstandings and preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, engaging community leaders and traditional authorities in demarcation efforts enhances local accountability, as these respected figures can advocate for adherence within their communities. The exercise showed that boundary demarcation is most effective when supported by education on the ecological importance of the reserve, helping the community see the demarcation as a shared responsibility to protect resources that support local water supply, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Implementation

Subnational

Adequate By-Laws and Enforcement Mechanisms

Community members strategizing on monitoring restoration activities

FAO

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.

Local and Traditional Authority Support: Chiefs and government officers endorsed enforcement efforts.
Community Patrols: Local committees were equipped to monitor forest activities.
Judiciary Engagement: Legal support expedited the processing of forest offense cases.

Stricter by-laws are essential for effective resource management. Local enforcement, backed by traditional leaders, improves community adherence and fosters respect for regulations. Providing resources and equipment to community patrols ensures they are well-equipped to monitor forest activities, while judicial support enhances the enforcement of penalties. Community education about legal consequences builds understanding and discourages illegal activities. The Chief’s Forum’s role in sensitization and enforcement bridges the gap between traditional authority and formal governance, making enforcement measures more cohesive and effective.

Implementation

Subnational

Community Education and Sensitization

Paramount Chief Gomani V (standing right), Chair of the Chief’s Forum holding a communi-ty meeting to conserve Mvai Forest Reserve

FAO

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.

Local Advocacy: Traditional leaders played an influential role in sensitizing the community and raising awareness.
Practical Demonstrations: Field visits highlighted real-world governance and conservation challenges.
Resource Mobilization: Support for materials and logistical needs ensured effective sensitization efforts.

Community education builds understanding and shifts attitudes towards conservation. When local leaders lead sensitization efforts, community members are more likely to trust and adopt sustainable practices. Field demonstrations of governance challenges provide tangible insights into the importance of resource management, reinforcing the value of conservation. Ongoing sensitization efforts are critical, as changing long-established behaviors takes time and consistency. Engagement must include practical guidance on alternative livelihoods to effectively reduce dependency on forest resources.

Inception phase

Implementation

Subnational

Establishment of the Chief’s Forum

Stakeholder engagement meeting where Chiefs Forum on Restoration was born

FAO

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.

Inclusive Representation: Engagement of chiefs, district council members, and community groups promoted balanced decision-making.
Government and Project Support: Provided resources and legitimacy for Forum activities.
Community Trust: The traditional authority of chiefs ensured community respect and adherence.

The Chief’s Forum demonstrates the value of engaging local governance structures in resource management. Including traditional leaders and diverse community groups ensures that policies are respected and tailored to local needs. The Forum’s structure creates accountability and improves communication between stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach. Regular meetings and field visits provide chiefs with direct insight into conservation challenges, enabling them to make informed decisions and gain community support. Establishing a formalized governance body is essential for sustaining long-term conservation efforts and aligning local practices with national restoration goals.

Inception phase

Implementation

Subnational

Degradation Mapping and Baseline Survey

Degradation zoned for proper targeting of restoration interventions

FAO

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.

Community Participation: Local knowledge contributed to accurately identifying degraded areas.
Government Support: Official backing from the Forestry Department enabled systematic mapping.
Technical Resources: Use of mapping tools helped clearly delineate impacted zones for prioritization.

Degradation mapping is vital for understanding the extent of encroachment and organizing targeted responses. Engaging local communities in the mapping process enhances accuracy and ownership, as they provide on-the-ground insights into affected areas. The mapping highlighted that the level of forest degradation is closely linked to the role and effectiveness of local authorities, with variation in encroachment levels depending on the jurisdiction. This insight emphasized the importance of unified enforcement across administrative areas to ensure consistent resource protection. Clear identification of degradation zones allows for efficient allocation of resources and focuses restoration efforts where they are most needed, improving the chances of successful rehabilitation.

Planning phase

Subnational

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

Establishing a County-Level Governance Mechanism

Launch of KCNRN

WWF Kenya

Launch Event of the KCNRN

WWF Kenya

Community scouts during KCNRN launch

WWF Kenya

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.

Registration of the KCNRN as a formal entity in June 2022.
Development of governance documents, including a strategic plan and finance policy.
Broad representation of organizations addressing multiple thematic areas.

Establishing a formal governance mechanism enhances coordination, accountability, and access to funding for scaling FLR efforts:

Formal Registration: The official registration of the KCNRN in June 2022 provided legal legitimacy, allowing the network to act as an authoritative body in FLR coordination and advocacy.
Governance Framework: Development of key documents, including a constitution, a strategic plan (2023–2028), financial policies, and an HR manual, ensured operational transparency and accountability.
Inclusive Membership: The network united over 24 member organizations representing diverse sectors like agriculture, water, and wildlife, enabling cross-sectoral collaboration and holistic planning.
County Government Support: The integration of FLR priorities into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) ensured alignment with local development objectives and access to government resources.

Planning phase

Subnational