Food and Agriculture Organization National Project Coordinator Mr. Meshack Muga, strongly believes that there needs to be solid coordination between FAO Project partners if implementation of projects is to be executed efficiently and successfully. His conviction was shared with a delegation of FAO partners in a review meeting held in Laikipia County on the 10th of February 2021.
Mr. Meshack Muga, National Project Manager at FAO Kenya gives his opening remarks during the FAO supported ASAL restoration initiative project review meeting held in Laikipia County (Photo By: Benedict Erick Omondi)
The essence of the meeting was for the stakeholders to learn about their collective efforts, to share experiences and knowledge on forest and landscape restoration under the GEF-ASAL TRI Project.
The meeting was also reviewed implemented activities and developed joint action plans to improve on Project performance to increase the chances of realizing positive impacts on restoration and improved community livelihoods in Mt. Kulal and Mukogodo landscapes.
The meeting was joined by the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) Arabuko Sokoke – Gede National Museums of Kenya, Northern Rangelands Trust, County Government of Laikipia, ILMAMUSI Community Forest Association, World Vision International County Governments of Marsabit, Isiolo County, The Ministry of Environment and the Laikipia Forum.
Mr. Muga highlighted that one of the key elements for the restoration of arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya was through bio-enterprise development. Bioenterprise is a key incentive for communities to participate and is part of the National Forest and Landscape Restoration Action Plan.
He added that equitable and benefit sharing regulations around the access and use of forest resources were in line with a strategy on sustainable commercialization of NTFPs. For sustainability purposes, the project is ensuring the Forest and Land Restoration plans/targets are embedded within county development and financing plans, through the County Environment Action Plans.
The stakeholders at the meeting shared various success stories, the challenges they faced during implementation and action plans relative to their different roles in the FAO supported ASAL restoration initiative project.
It was agreed that partners need to be able to demonstrate the impacts of the projects candidly.
The Forum is assisting ILMAMUSI CFA and surrounding communities with implementation of four aspects of the FAO funded forest and land restoration activities:
- Rangeland rehabilitation (with Il Ngwesi and Lekurruki Conservancies)
- Beekeeping (with Dupoto Beekeepers)
- Hay Farming (with community conservancies)
- Water Project Development (with MKEWP)
To access the presentations made during this meeting, kindly click here
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