FMNR Experiences from KenyaBeating Famine Conference, Malawi

13th-17th April 2015Caroline Njiru

World Vision Kenya

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration FMNR in Kenya kicked off in April 2013, in 3 project

sites, in 2 counties.i.e Baringo and Nakuru which are semiarid and agro pastoral areas.

The areas are characterised by loss of tree cover, loss of biodiversity, shortage of firewood, conflict over water and pasture. In addition to recurrent prolonged drought and decreased streams and river water discharge due to deforestation. As a consequence, there is decreased crop and livestock productivity thus decreased livelihood base; communities migrate in search of work due to decrease in crop yields and on-farm

The approach FMNR in Kenya

kicked off in April 2013,with a project launch at the community level where all the stakeholders in the community were invited.

The initiative adopted a bottom up approach.

Bottom up approach

National gov’t, County gov’t, policy makers

Grass root:farmers,Community opinion leaders , gate keepers, government leaders,CBOs/NGOs

ResearchStrengthening community Voice and Action

Meeting with different stakeholders.

Community leadersGate keepers/opinion leaders in the communityGovernment officials Other NGOs/CBOS in the community, then participatory community sensitisation forums

Identification and training of extension agentsIdentification of extension agents(state and non state) by the communityTraining of the identified extension agents on FMNR.The agents are ‘teachers’ of the concept in the community and do farmer to farmer training including FMNR follow up and monitoring

FMNR awareness and training sessions

Capacity building on energy and livelihood options

Awareness and training by children too!

Advocacy-Engaging policy makers

Early Results: Transformation of landscapes Before After

Increased pastures

This has translated to increased milk production with some having enough for household consumption and surplus for selling.Sale of grass and milk has helped increased household income, increasing household resilience and nourishing of children.Availability of grass has also helped cushion them against drought.

Increased milk production

Increased firewood

Increased firewood: Less time spent by women and children looking for firewood. In some ,sale of firewood has increased household income.Children have more time to play and read.Women can engage in other income generating activities .e.g kitchen gardening and table banking.

Strategy recommendation Bottom up approach, winning farmers first is

the key Need to build a ‘movement’ of champions,

both community and institutions. Need to build synergy, a multi sectorial

approach Setting up learning sites (individual

farms/public sites) in the community. Integration into Policy/strategies, partnerships

with government and non-government. Capacity build communities on alternative

livelihood options and energy options to build their resource base.

Use of schools as agents of change and children in knowledge transfer, Curriculum integration

“We cannot do everything, but we can do something”

ASANTE!