Sustainable Livelihoods Are The Foundation Of Long-term Forest Protection.
We build value chains that create income, strengthen communities, and reduce pressure on forests, turning conservation into a viable and lasting economic pathway.
Across the Mount Kenya ecosystem, thousands of households depend directly on forest resources for fuel, timber, and income. This reliance, combined with limited economic alternatives, continues to drive deforestation through logging, charcoal production, and unsustainable land use. Forest loss is not only an environmental issue — it is a livelihoods issue.
Without practical, sustainable income opportunities, conservation efforts cannot succeed. Protecting forests requires addressing the root causes of degradation by creating economic systems that work for both people and nature.
WHY LIVELIHOODS MATTER
Dependence On Forests Is Driving Degradation.
Across the Mount Kenya ecosystem, thousands of households depend directly on forest resources for fuel, timber, and income. This reliance, combined with limited economic alternatives, continues to drive deforestation through logging, charcoal production, and unsustainable land use. Forest loss is not only an environmental issue, it is a livelihoods issue. Without practical, sustainable income opportunities, conservation efforts cannot succeed. Protecting forests requires addressing the root causes of degradation by creating economic systems that work for both people and nature. Mount Kenya Trust integrates livelihoods into every stage of its conservation work. From restoration to protection, communities are not just participants , they are central actors in the value chain. This ensures that conservation delivers tangible, immediate benefits while building long-term stewardship.
Communities are supported with training, tools, and access to opportunities that align income generation with ecosystem health. This approach reduces dependence on destructive practices while strengthening resilience and ownership.
RESTORATION VALUE CHAINS
Forest Restoration Is A Major Source Of Livelihood Creation Within The Mount Kenya Landscape
Community Tree Nurseries
Community-run tree nurseries form the backbone of this system, supplying indigenous seedlings for restoration across the Mount Kenya landscape as the grow and nurture tree seedlings until they are ready for planting in restoration sites and farms. Through tree seedling sales, the communities earn iincome that supports them in diversifying and expanding revenue channels in addition to enhancing their quality of life. The nurseries have also ventured into fruit trees therefore creating a core supply chain demand in this sector. Mount Kenya Trust, besides serving as a major customer, enhances their capacity in terms of equipment support and builds their technical skills to ensure that they are able to meet supply demands and standards.
Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS)
TELIS gives forest-adjacent communities (through the medium of the CFAs) the right to cultivate crops during the early stages of forest establishment (4-5 years) in areas that have been earmarked for reforestation. In return, they agree to prepare the restoration sites, and plant and take care of tree seedlings until the trees are mature and form a closed canopy. It is a requirement for each farmer to protect and ensure that the trees planted on their plot survive to retain the allocated plot. This model generates an average of USD 108,350 for the communities.
