Kenya, an East African nation with diverse landscapes ranging from arid regions to lush highlands, is home to the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest, the country's last remnant of equatorial rainforest. The project to restore this critical ecosystem aims to plant 100,000 native trees across 100 hectares of degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, improving climate resilience, and supporting local communities through sustainable livelihoods. By empowering women-led initiatives and engaging 600 households, the project not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes gender equality and socio-economic development in the region.
Overview
While largely driven by fossil fuel consumption, climate change has been exacerbated by extensive deforestation over the past century, reducing our planet's natural carbon absorption capacity. Forests serve as crucial buffers against climate change impacts, and their preservation requires concerted efforts on the ground.
In Kakamega, forests play a vital role in supporting wildlife, maintaining freshwater resources, and sustaining local livelihoods. The Kakamega tropical rainforest provides an estimated annual economic value of 100 million Kenya Shillings to nearby communities. Although locals understand the importance of forest conservation, economic pressures often lead to continued forest degradation.
Kenya's recent history of unpredictable rainfall patterns has been linked to the degradation of its major water sources, including the Kakamega forest - the country's last tropical rainforest ecosystem. This has resulted in reduced agricultural productivity, rising food costs, and severe droughts. Restoring these degraded areas is crucial for the millions relying on the Kakamega tropical rainforest for survival and well-being.
Conservation partners show hands-on commitment to Kenya's Kakamega Tropical Rainforest restoration project. Photo credits to Ecologi.
The tropical rainforest project
This initiative aims to revitalise the degraded Illoro forest block within the Kakamega Tropical rainforest by reintroducing African wild tree species and involving local communities in forest restoration and protection efforts. The project is situated in the Illoro Forest Block of Kakamega Tropical Rainforest, Kakamega County, Kenya, approximately 380 km northwest of Nairobi.
Kakamega Forest represents Kenya's sole remnant of tropical rainforest and is recognised as the easternmost fragment of the Guineo-Congolian lowland rainforest belt, which historically extended from Kenya across East and Central Africa to the West African coast.
The project's objectives include enhancing the ecological integrity of Africa's tropical rainforest, improving climate resilience, fostering socio-economic development, and promoting harmonious relationships between local communities and their forested landscapes. The area is designated as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and a 'water tower' catchment area, with rivers feeding into Lake Victoria, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the source of the Nile River Basin, a transboundary resource shared by ten countries.
Kakamega forest is also recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA), hosting 367 recorded bird species, including the West African Great blue turaco and black-and-white-casqued hornbill. At least nine bird species are unique to this forest. The area is home to endangered species such as African grey parrots, the Kaimosi blind snake, De Brazza's monkey, the Black and White Colobus monkey, the Red-tailed monkey, and the Gaboon viper. Between 10 to 20% of the forest's animal species are nationally unique.
The forest boasts a rich diversity of plant life, including 40 key medicinal plant species used by local communities. Notable medicinal trees include Mondia whitei (locally known as Mukombero) and Olea capensis (Elgon teak). The forest harbours 380 recorded plant species, comprising 150 species of trees and shrubs, 60 species of ferns, and 170 species of flowering plants, including 60 orchid species, nine of which are endemic to this forest.
The project's key objectives include planting 100,000 native and threatened trees, restoring 100 hectares of critically degraded and biodiversity-rich habitats, diversifying and strengthening livelihoods for 600 households through tree planting and promoting alternative forest uses, producing indigenous tree seedlings in community-managed nurseries, empowering Local Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in forest management, and organising advocacy workshops to encourage public participation in forest and riparian protection.
Community engagement in action: Local residents gather for a forest conservation workshop in Kenya's Kakamega Tropical Rainforest. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Implementation
The International Tree Foundation (ITF), established in Kenya in 1922, has been dedicated to forest restoration and preservation for over a century. Their approach centres on community involvement and leadership, focusing on building local capacity for effective forest management and improved livelihoods. ITF also emphasises gender equality and education in their community programmes.
ITF collaborates with various governmental bodies, including the Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Forest & Research Institute, as well as Community Forest Associations. These partnerships ensure that tree-planting efforts align with local ecological needs. They also maintain a long-standing relationship with Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
In the Kakamega region, ITF has a history of implementing small-scale reforestation and agroforestry projects. They have established strong connections with local authorities and community-based organisations, including a women-led group central to their current project. Their network in the Kakamega forest reserve and surrounding areas encompasses over 5,000 community members, providing a solid foundation for expanding their conservation initiatives in this crucial tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Community members in Kenya's Kakamega Tropical Rainforest work together to transplant native seedlings. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Key objectives
Ecological restoration
Plant 100,000 native and threatened trees to restore 100 hectares of critically degraded and biodiversity-rich habitats in the Kakamega Tropical rainforest.
Community empowerment
Sustainably diversify and strengthen livelihoods for 600 households through tree planting activities and the promotion of alternative and profitable uses of the forest.
Local leadership development
Enable Local Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to take leadership in forest management and protection, including the production of indigenous tree seedlings in community-managed nurseries.
Project impact
Environmental impact
The restoration of Kakamega Tropical Rainforest in Kenya has significant environmental benefits. The project aims to plant 100,000 native and threatened trees, restoring 100 hectares of critically degraded and biodiversity-rich habitats. This effort will enhance the ecological integrity of Africa's tropical rainforest, improving climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Kakamega Forest, as Kenya's only remnant of tropical rainforest, plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, water regulation, and providing habitat for numerous endemic species. The project's focus on planting indigenous tree species will help preserve the unique ecosystem, supporting rare flora and fauna, including 367 bird species and various endangered animals.
Social impact
The project has a substantial social impact, particularly in empowering local communities and women. It aims to sustainably diversify and strengthen livelihoods for 600 households through tree planting activities and the promotion of alternative forest uses. The initiative includes training 45 grassroots women leaders in planting, managing, and protecting native trees, as well as monitoring forest ecosystems. This approach not only enhances community participation in forest management but also promotes gender equality and women's leadership in environmental conservation. The project also focuses on raising awareness about the importance of forest conservation among local communities, fostering a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility.
Economic impact
Economically, the project offers significant benefits to local communities. Diversifying livelihoods and promoting sustainable forest use provide alternative income sources for forest-adjacent communities. The establishment of tree nurseries to supply indigenous tree saplings creates local employment opportunities. Additionally, the project's focus on sustainable resource management, such as beekeeping and planned grazing, offers economic alternatives that do not harm the forest. The restored forest ecosystem will continue to provide valuable products and services to local communities, estimated to be worth approximately 100 million Kenya Shillings annually. This economic empowerment, coupled with improved forest management, contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development in the region.
Community members gather at a tree planting initiative in Kakamega Forest, Kenya, displaying a banner for the Iloro Community Tree Planting Initiative. Photo credits Ecologi.
UN Sustainable development goals
The project aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere
5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6 - Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
15 - Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Read more about the UN sustainability development goals.
Verification and Location
Location: Kakamega County, Kenya
Photo credits: Ecologi
FAQ’s
How can individuals or organisations contribute financially to the Kakamega Forest Project?
Individuals and organisations can support the Kakamega Forest Project by donating directly to the International Tree Foundation or by participating in their tree-planting initiatives.
Are there any volunteer opportunities at the Kakamega Forest Project?
While direct international volunteer opportunities may be limited, interested individuals can contact the International Tree Foundation or local Community Forest Associations for potential ways to support the project.
How does climate change specifically threaten the Kakamega forest?
Climate change threatens the Kakamega forest through altered rainfall patterns, increased risk of drought, and potential shifts in temperature, which can affect biodiversity and the forest's ability to serve as a carbon sink.
What is being done to mitigate these climate risks for the Kakamega forest?
The project aims to plant 100,000 native trees, restore 100 hectares of degraded habitat, and engage local communities in sustainable forest management to enhance the forest's resilience to climate change.
How does Kenya's geography affect its vulnerability to climate change and impact conservation efforts, such as those in the Kakamega forest?
Kenya's diverse landscapes, including its position as a 'water tower' for the region, make it vulnerable to climate change impacts. The Kakamega forest plays a crucial role in water regulation and biodiversity conservation, making its preservation essential for regional climate resilience.
How does the International Tree Foundation ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts?
The International Tree Foundation ensures long-term sustainability by empowering local communities, promoting alternative livelihoods, and working closely with government agencies and Community Forest Associations for ongoing forest management.
What educational programmes does the Kakamega Forest Project run?
The project includes educational initiatives such as training local women in tree planting and forest management and advocacy workshops to promote public participation in forest protection.
How does the International Tree Foundation select its partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices?
The International Tree Foundation collaborates with established entities like the Kenya Forest Service and local Community Forest Associations, ensuring partners are committed to sustainable forest management practices.