Kapenguria:West Pokot Residents of Alale Ward are anticipating benefits from a new initiative led by non-state actors aimed at restoring the degraded Kalapata Community Forest and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, the restoration project targets 100 acres of forestland that have been degraded due to human activities, which pose a threat to both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities reliant on livestock and agriculture. The Rural Initiatives for Agricultural Development and Social Networking (RIAD – SN), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), plans to implement a 10-month project to rehabilitate the forest ecosystem.
The initiative includes mapping the 100 acres for restoration, establishing three tree nurseries, and producing and distributing indigenous and fruit tree seedlings to aid in the forest’s recovery. Dr. Linet Makena from RIAD – SN mentioned during a County Steering Group meeting in Kapenguria that the project would leverage the anticipated El Ni±o rains to enhance the germination and establishment of tree seedlings.
Makena emphasized that the forest restoration would not only improve environmental conservation but also boost sustainable pasture production and nutrition among local communities. The project aims to reinforce community involvement in forest management while enhancing monitoring, accountability, and learning throughout its duration.
The Kalapata area is home to pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities heavily dependent on livestock and crop production, making the forest restoration crucial for their economic and environmental well-being. West Pokot County Chief Officer for Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management, Daniel Lopale, encouraged the County Steering Group to remain engaged in supporting community welfare projects.
Lopale welcomed the collaboration between the county government, development organizations, and non-state actors, noting their significant role in addressing marginalization and humanitarian challenges in the region. He highlighted the importance of continued stakeholder collaboration to ensure that development and humanitarian efforts effectively reach communities facing environmental and livelihood challenges.
