WOMEN AT THE CORE OF MT. KENYA FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION.

Kenya, like many developing nations, has increasingly recognized the vital role women play in socio-economic development. Recent policy shifts and development programs reflect this understanding, incorporating measures to promote gender equality in education, healthcare, employment, resource allocation, representation, and access to opportunities that empower women and girls. However, women living near protected and biodiversity-rich areas continue to face significant challenges related to environmental, safeguarding, and gender equality issues, despite their central role in natural resource management and the quality of life at the household level.

A woman happily tends to seedlings in her community Nursery.

In the Mount Kenya region, where communities heavily depend on forest resources for their livelihoods, men predominantly lead natural resource management decisions, even though women are the primary resource managers. Women constitute the majority of land workers and are responsible for growing and collecting food, medicines, fuel, and housing materials, in addition to generating income to support education, healthcare, and other family needs. Conservation efforts in the region have historically been male-dominated, often sidelining women and youth. Culturally, women and youth are frequently considered secondary in matters of resource use and allocation, perpetuating inequalities.

The Darwin Extra project, “Increasing Socio-economic and Ecological Resilience of the Upper Ewaso Ng’iro North Ecosystem,” funded by the UK Government through the Darwin Initiative, has created opportunities for women to actively contribute to the restoration of 870 hectares of the Mount Kenya Forest ecosystem. Besides making strides in the restoration of one of the most essential ecosystems in Kenya, the project demonstrates how conservation initiatives can significantly improve household income and community well-being.

Women and girls are playing an increasingly prominent role, challenging entrenched cultural norms that previously hindered their participation. A holistic approach, including community health initiatives, complements these efforts by ensuring women are empowered to thrive alongside their male counterparts.Despite the success and progress in one geographical area, there is still work to be done, and there is still a long way to go as long-standing traditions prohibit women from planting permanent trees, restricting them to seasonal crops, underscoring the need for continued efforts to dismantle such barriers.

MKF Community Forestry Officer, during Community tree nursery follow-ups, inspects seedlings & advises women on best nursery practices.

Between 2023 and 2025, Mount Kenya Trust (MKT), one of the key implementers of the Darwin Extra project, trained 226 women drawn from 20 groups and supported them to produce seedlings that have been used to restore all the 870 Ha initially targeted for restoration actions. Over this period, the women have earned a total of Ksh 40,500,800 (GBP 250,000). One example of a women’s group that has benefitted from this project is the Wendo Women Group is a dedicated group of 10 remarkable women who have come together to manage a thriving nursery for tree seedlings. These women have played a crucial role in environmental conservation, particularly during the tree planting season that took place in October and November 2024, when MKT procured a significant quantity of tree seedlings from their nursery as in the past years.

Some members of the Wendo Women Group ( from left; Lillian, Rosalia & Esther )

Esther Kobia is the chairlady of the Wendo Women Group and serves as the sole breadwinner for her family, which includes four children and seven energetic grandchildren. Under her leadership, the group has successfully cultivated and sold a rich variety of seedlings, earning a substantial profit that has significantly enhanced their livelihoods. Following the distribution of dividends from their sales, Esther made a thoughtful decision to channel her earnings into improving her home. She has taken proactive steps to gather all necessary building materials for the construction of a durable stone house, including sand, timber, and iron sheets. Understanding the importance of food security, Esther has also strategically divided her small farm among her children, ensuring they can grow food for their families' sustenance. This not only provides nourishment but also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence among her children.

Another member is Lilian Gatwiri, a vibrant 45-year-old, stands out as one of her community group's youngest members, serving as a dedicated charlady. Her warm demeanour fosters engaging discussions about the benefits of cultivating tree seedlings. Lilian is a facilitator and a key connector, aiding in translation and documentation for her groups members. As a proud mother of three, she finds joy in her two children's pursuit of higher education, reflecting her commitment to their futures. Alongside her community work, she manages her farm, growing potatoes and seeking to create a sustainable livelihood. She envisions reinvesting her earnings from seedlings into her business to improve her family’s financial situation. Currently, Lilian is modernizing her home by installing electricity and implementing water harvesting equipment for her household and agricultural needs. Her forward-thinking approach highlights her dedication to family sustainability and a brighter future.

The benefits of the Darwin Initiative forest restoration project is far from over, as the trees have now been planted through Mount Kenya Trust’s restoration strategy under the Trees Establishment Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS) programme. The communities, with a majority being women will benefit from this scheme. TELIS is a collaborative effort involving the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and local Community Forest Associations, designed to achieve dual objectives – reforestation and community benefit. This innovative agroforestry system employs a strategic approach.

Woman engaging in Site Preparation for TELIS.

Over a span of 4-5 years, communities engage in cultivating crops within earmarked reforestation areas. With plots of around 0.5 to 1 acre, CFA members nurture crops, particularly favouring potatoes, alongside growing tree seedlings. This practice not only safeguards crop but also shields these young trees from wildlife and livestock grazing. After a successful establishment phase of five years, cultivation ceases. Farmers who have excelled in this endeavour are rewarded with new plots within the National Forest Reserve, demonstrating the program's long-term commitment to both forest regeneration and community well-being. TELIS exemplifies a harmonious coexistence between sustainable farming and environmental restoration, fostering a resilient ecosystem for generations to come. Through this , each community member is set to make a minimum of Ksh. 75000 per planting season.

The Darwin Extra Project is funded by the UK government and its implementation within the Upper Ewaso Ngiro landscape is led by Fauna & Flora in partnership with Mount Kenya Trust, Northern Rangelands Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia Conservancies Association, Mount Kenya Ewaso water Partnership and National Museums of Kenya.