Enhancing use and conservation of food plant resources around sacred Kaya Forests of the Mijikenda people of Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale Counties, Kenya

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by Irene Induli, Bioversity International

Pupils participating in essay writing

Bioversity International/P. Maundu

Our work at the coast of Kenya aimed at identifying and documenting cultural practices, knowledge and skills associated with the acquisition, management and use of naturally growing plant food species; the diversity and value of naturally occurring food species; creating awareness on the cultural, environmental, economic, and nutritional values of priority naturally growing food species; and building the capacity of participating groups to sustainably use, conserve and manage food plants in and around Kaya forests for improved livelihoods. Kaya forests are the sacred forests of the Mijkenda people in Kenya.

Last update: 02 Oct 2020

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Context

Challenges addressed

Land and Forest degradation

Loss of Biodiversity

Ecosystem loss

Unsustainable harvesting incl. Overfishing

Lack of alternative income opportunities

Lack of food security

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

Agroforestry

Coastal forest

Theme

Access and benefit sharing

Biodiversity mainstreaming

Adaptation

Restoration

Food security

Local actors

Traditional knowledge

Agriculture

Culture

Location

Coast Province, Kenya

East and South Africa

Impacts

There is notable increased motivation among kaya elders, local leaders and the general community (including children and the youth) to conserve the kaya forests. In additon, a database of useful kaya biodiversity has been created, and material for the Mijikenda community traditional foodways is being compiled.
Pupils from 9 primary schools collected stories from their parents and wrote them as essays, with guidance from their teachers. About 350 essays covering subjects like history of kayas, fruit trees, vegetables and their preparations, edible wildlife and importance of kayas have been compiled. The active participation of school pupils has significantly improved their interest, attitude and understanding of the young people about the kayas.
The communities have collected diverse seeds and shared among themselves thus enhancing agrobiodiversity.
Apart from seeds collection, the project participants have been linked to the Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) fruit trees planting project in kaya Mudzimuvia.