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EEIU Mt. Kenya Reports & Letters

Letter, 19 January 2005 (from Chair Nicholas Ngece)
To: All Union Members

RE: EEIU Chapters receive funding from Inter-Research

To Everyone in EEIU,

Many thanks to Inter-Research and Prof Kinne for his kind gesture to the Chapters, who can now continue with their work, and form a basis for ensuring that the EEIU name is propelled in their respective regions.

EEIU Mt. Kenya has had a very good plan, and has been trying to fundraise for the work we have always hoped to start. The funds EEIU Mt. Kenya will receive will go a very long way into starting the programmes and enabling continuity for the proposed action plan.

Many, many thanks to Inter-Research.

Nicholas Ngece
Chair, EEIU Mt. Kenya

Report, 23 July 2004 (Chair Nicholas Ngece)

EEIU Mt. Kenya — Eastern and Central Kenya Integrated Conservation and Development Plan — Operation Plan 2004-2007

EEIU Mt. Kenya's goals are in line with EEIU's six (6) theses of eco-ethics of responsibility for nature, environmental protection and humanity, as well as economics and catastrophe management. It is on these goals and principles that EEIU Mt. Kenya seeks to protect, promote, demonstrate, investigate and enhance a suitable socio-economic and ecological balance between the local communities and the natural resources surrounding them, particularly Mt. Kenya forest and other fringe forests.

About Mt. Kenya

Mt. Kenya Forest, a critical asset for Kenya

Location. Mt. Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, is a volcanic mountain reaching an altitude of 5199 metres above sea level. It is located on the equator 180km north of Nairobi.

Water catchment. It is one of the five major water catchment areas in Kenya. Mount Kenya Forest alone is estimated to provide more than 40% of the country's water requirement. It is the source of the Tana River, the biggest river in the country. The waters of the Tana hold the country's most important hydropower plants. The River Tana provides water to the Seven Forks hydropower plants that produce over 50% of Kenya's total electricity output. Mt. Kenya is also the source of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the only river supplying water to Laikipia and Samburu to the north of Kenya. The Mountain supports a number of agricultural activities including major irrigation schemes — the Mwea rice scheme, Bura settlement scheme and Tana Delta irrigation scheme.

Biodiversity. Due to the wide range in altitude and amount in rainfall, the mountain has a rich biological biodiversity. Mt. Kenya has eight different natural forest types and a variety of wildlife. Six species of large mammals of international conservation interest are found in the forests — elephants, black rhinos, giant forest hogs, the bongo and black fronted duiker. 882 plant species belonging to 479 genera and 146 families have been identified.

Economic benefits. It has been estimated that Mt. Kenya and its forests have a combined potential of US$27m per year. This includes ecotourism, water catchment and sustainable use of forest products. Local communities depend on the forest for firewood and other non-timber products. They collect medicinal plants and basketry material for the production of tea baskets. Studies have shown that the income generated from these types of forest products constitutes an important contribution to the economies of forest/adjacent households. However, it is currently too under-developed and under-managed to realise this estimate.

Tourism potential. Mt. Kenya has awesome scenery appreciated by local and international climbers, walkers, and birdwatchers. Surveys demonstrate that a high proportion of those visitors would be willing to pay entrance fees for the forests of an average of Kshs 460 for residents and Kshs 1,100 for non-residents. The tourism potential of Mount Kenya, if well developed, is high estimated at Kshs 50 million per year.

Cultural benefits. The mountain of Ngai (God), Mt. Kenya provides an important location for religious and other rituals for three adjacent ethnic groups — Kikuyu, Embu and Meru. These groups revere the mountain as the home of God, and prayers and rituals are carried out in several sacred areas. Many trees are traditionally held as "sacred".

Protected area status. In 1932, Mt. Kenya's forests were declared a Forest Reserve by the colonial government. In 1949, Mt. Kenya National Park was established. In July 2000 Mt. Kenya was gazetted as a National Reserve.

World Heritage Site status. In 1978, Mt. Kenya became a Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere programme. In 1997, Mt. Kenya National Park and the surrounding natural forest were listed as a World Heritage Site.

Threats to the forest

• Illegal logging of indigenous trees
• Illegal charcoal production
• Forest excisions
• Marijuana cultivation
• Illegal cultivation, overgrazing and non-compliance with non-residential cultivation (shamba system) regulations
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Backlog in afforestation measures
• Increased demand for land/forest products
• Poaching
• Solid waste pollution

Target Resources

The Mt. Kenya Region Chapter targets mainly forestry and wildlife resources within the distrcts of its jurisdiction. Among the resources are the following forests that are under serious threat:

• Mt Kenya Forest
• Njukiini Forest
• Mukogodo Forest
• These include a host of threatened and endangered wildlife within the forests

To enable the Chapter to promote eco-ethics policies in the 888 districts of operation, various programmes have been perceived, to be carried out with communities surrounding the target forest reserves. These are in line with the eco-ethics theses of reconciling economy and ecology, education about ecology and nature, taking care of hunger, poverty and disease, as well as environmental protection.

Knowledge of ecological ethics ensures that linear resource degradation by cyclic resource utilization is replaced. Working principles of ecosystems are learnt and shared and thereby our economies and societies constructed.

Harmonization of the human world with the world around us to reduce detrimental impacts on nature is achieved. The number of people on earth and their use of energy is reduced to be on par with the ecosystem balance for now and/or the future.

It is around these principles that EEIU Mt Kenya plans to implement a number of programmes. These include bee keeping, environmental education, introduction of energy efficient methods of reducing energy consumption, ecotourism for income generation, sustainable craft production for cultural and economic boosts, better farming techniques that ensure wise use of the ecosystem and human capacity building to enhance an understanding of nature and its processes.

EEIU Mt Kenya Chapter Programs

Environmental education for schools and community

Most of the threats facing natural forests arise as a result of inadequate knowledge among stakeholders about the importance of the forest. Educating stakeholders about the value of the forests is a critical factor for future survival of the forests. Environmental education of the local community will enhance acceptance of the forest conservation activities that will be promoted. The immediate socio-economic catchment area of the forests comprises villages with numerous households, forming a large potential audience for an environmental education programme. This will focus on local people as well as schools.

Methodology
Environmental education programmes will be carried out in the following ways:
a) Lectures at schools and community gatherings
b) Video presentations on ecological ethics, as well as the role of ecosystems in economic growth
c) Meetings with leaders with the aim of teaching on ecological and economic ethics of ecosystems
d) Rallies and competitions on nature
e) Production of ecological information materials to be distributed to audiences around the forests, and those who matter. Includes brochures, journals and other forms of information dissemination
f) Environmental oriented mobile cinema shows in trading centres, with a focus on the mature folks in society
g) Training sessions on ecological and economic ethics

Resources required
a) Personnel to run the programmes, usually an environmental education officer and other community mobilizers
b) Mobile cinema unit comprising of a vehicle and picture-relaying machine
c) Video deck and colour television
d) Video tapes
e) Computer and printer to produce the education materials and journals

Alternative fuel and fodder, and energy efficient cooking technologies

There is a very high demand for tree species from forests for timber, firewood, crafts, charcoal, poles and often cash sales. The production of charcoal is a very profitable activity and is a common way of direct cash from these forests. Similarly, many tree species, especially the soft woods have been in high demand by the carving industry. Convincing the local people to stop charcoal burning without providing an alternative means of earning a living and energy is not possible. In order to bring exploitation levels down to sustainable levels, alternatives ought to be provided. Surveys conducted by researchers show that 84% of the households expressed the opinion that there is less wood fuel available than in the past. Many blamed the shortage on individuals utilizing the forest wood for commercial purposes. There is therefore a perceived wood fuel shortage and interventions aimed at wood fuel conservation are expected to be welcomed by the community.

Methodology
To combat immense use of forest resources for wood fuel, the following ways are needed:
a) Development of energy efficient cook stoves from clay and other products
b) Introduction of energy saving technologies in schools and other institutions
c) Education on sustainable use of forest wood utilizations
d) Promotion of agro forestry and farm forestry
e) Promotion of alternatives such as solar, biogas and wind energy

Resources required
a) Personnel, mainly extension workers
b) Educational materials (brochures and public lectures)
c) Materials to set up energy efficient cook stoves manufacturing units, to benefit the community
d) Materials to establish solar, wind and biogas energy demonstration units

Alternative income generation activities for the local community

Conservation programs initiated in economically impoverished but biodiversity rich areas should be designed to provide economic incentives that benefit stakeholders. This allows them to be partners in conservation activities (Western and Wright, 1994). The economic incentives should provide immediate benefits to the local people and ensure sustainability and should be related to conservation activities. The project will promote income generating strategies ideal for attaining both economic and ecological success. These strategies will include apiculture (bee keeping), cultivation of traditional medicinal plants and raising of trees, which provide food items as well as good afforestation species. Other trees provide nutrients to enrich degraded soils.

Apiculture has enormous potential in providing alternative income generation activities for the local communities in Africa. The International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Kenya has undertaken enough research in East Africa in apiculture and has proven it has potential for economic gains through conservation. ICIPE has proven that farmers gain at least 40-60% more income.

One of the causes of destruction of forests is collection of large quantities of roots, bark and whole shrubs by the local community, traditional herbalists and herbal medicine vendors for sale and use as traditional medicine. Collections often are uncontrolled leading to destruction of many plants in forests. Demand for traditional herbs and medicine has increased not only in developing countries but even the developed countries. In North America and Europe, the demand is fuelled by an outburst of consumer interest in products that are all natural, as well as aggressive marketing of herbal remedies (Lewington, 1993). In Kenya, there is a high believe in traditional medicine for its primary health care. Others argue that it is 'free' and one does not need to spend money to access it. Traditional medicines are known to serve over 80-90% of the population (Chapya, 1996). Local community farmers in the target area will be encouraged to cultivate selected medicinal plants for their use and sale of resulting products. The activity could serve as a dual purpose in helping ease pressure off the forest for herbal medicinal products while providing income for the community. The same plants provide fodder for animals as well as food for humans.

Methodology
Programmes on sustainable forestry and income generation need be initiated, to benefit the local people. Methods to be applied include:
a) Introduction and promotion of bee keeping as an income generation venture as well as for forest conservation. Modern methods of bee keeping are to be promoted
b) Introduction of "plants for cash" with an aim of encouraging farmers to plant certain species of trees that yield cash. Among them is the Hoarse Radish Tree (Moringa oleifera) whose many products are widely in demand. The species is a source of protein rich food; fodder for animals, water purifant, and treatment of many ailments and in itself a balanced diet
c) Planting of vast disappearing medicinal species in farms, to beat the demand for forest generated products
d) Establishment of tree nurseries to raise seedlings for farm forestry, and seedlings for medicine
e) Education and awareness on the virtues of some tree species and the essence of agro forestry to our fast disappearing forests

Resources Required
a) Tree nursery establishment tools such as wheelbarrows, tubes and spades
b) Tree seeds for rearing in nurseries
c) Extension personnel
d) Vehicle to relay message to the people
e) Honey processing equipment for communal use
f) Modern hive manufacturing unit to produce hives at subsidized prices
g) Computer and printer

Improvement of existing resource management of Mt. Kenya Region Forests

The conservation of the indigenous forest resources, its biological diversity, ecological services and productivity should be supported by scientific research including inventory, monitoring and training of locals on forest flora and fauna characteristics (Berkes, 1989) . Management activities should support indigenous tree planting for restoration of degraded forest habitats, and support local community wood fuel requirements. In addition physical protection of the forest resource is mandatory to ensure forest preservation. Having local people conversant with field research methods is vital. Involving local people in ecological research helps demonstrate the value of the forests, both in theoretical and economic terms, by providing employment. There is usually no substitute in the conservation value of local people taking pride in their resources and in teaching others about them (Thomas, 1999).

Methodology
a) Environmental education
b) Research methods demonstration
c) Involving local people in natural resources research
d) Establishment of a research facility
e) Capacity building of chapter personnel to handle research training

Resources required
a) Extension personnel
b) Research coordination premises
c) Computer and printer

Reducing population pressure on forest resources

The Mt. Kenya region is not only densely populated but also is one of the rural areas having the highest population growth rates in Kenya. The interface between rapid population growth rates and the environment is very clear. Murai (1995) states that uncontrolled population increase is the biggest crime to humanity, because it induces both environmental and ecological destruction through excessive deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural development and over grazing. It's generally believed today that reducing the population is one of the solutions to deforestation (Sayer, 1992). Sustainable development espoused in Rio de Janeiro in1992 cannot be achieved without establishing critical synergy between population growth and environmental preservation. Its unfortunate that to date population and environment scientists continue to work in isolation, taking little heed of the commonality of the problem they are tackling. Entering into partnership with local CBO's and NGO's in the field of health will tackle family planning and education on eventual destruction of the forest.

Methodology
a) Running mobile socio-economic training sessions and lectures on the essence of planning families

Resources
a) Health personnel
b) Extension workers
c) Mobile education unit

EEIU Mt. Kenya Region Chapter Long-Term Objectives

Specific Objectives

a) Mobilize the local community farmers living around forests to adopt bee keeping on a commercial scale and for a commercial purpose
b) To mobilize the local community involved in the bee keeping exercise plant tree species Moringa oleifera and Azadirachta indica, which are known flowering trees for the benefit of the beehives as well as for afforestation purpose
c) To establish a commercial honey distillery, for the purpose of serving the farmers engaged in bee keeping
d) To establish ecotourism sites around the forests with an aim of income generation and education
e) Establishment of nurseries specific on traditional medicinal plants and other nutritios plants such as Moringa
f) To establish a Moringa and Neem oil extraction plant and distillery as a community commercial enterprise
g) To initiate a marketing strategy for the honey, Moringa and Neem as well as its products
h) To generate income for the local community living in the immediate catchment area of Lembus so as to reduce their economic dependence on the forests
i) Educate community on importance of wetlands
j) Mobilize people make use of energy efficient cook stoves
k) Introduction of energy efficient cook stoves to community at subsidized prices
l) Introduction of a health awareness programme around the area

EEIU Mt. Kenya Activities between 2004 and 2007

a) Electing of bee hives or apiaries by farmers living around forests
b) Training, mobilization and group formation on bee farming
c) Construction of building facility to host distillation block for honey, Moringa and Neem
d) Procure and installation of distillation equipment for Moringa, honey and Neem
e) Establishing ecotourism sites around the forests and linking them to the main eastern tourism circuit
f) Production of packaging materials for honey, Neem oil and Moringa oil
g) Marketing of honey and Moringa oil as well as Neem
h) Establishment of community tree nurseries
i) Training on tree care and propagation
j) Training on energy saving methods
k) Installation of energy saving cook stoves
l) Possible manufacture of insecticide from cultivation of the Neem Tree and Moringa spp
m) Initiating a schools and community environmental education and health programmes

Potential impacts and benefits of Chapter activities to the people and environment

Expected benefits from environmental education will include greater awareness and greater need for conservation of forests, not only Mt. Kenya Forest but also other forests in nearby districts. This will assist directly or indirectly with forest conservation, dependence on forest resources will be reduced and therefore, less pressure will be exerted on the forest resources.

Adoption of energy saving technologies and on farm forestry will reduce demand for forest wood. Production and marketing of energy saving technologies will result in increased income and higher awareness on the existence of improved energy saving technology. Income generating activities will provide income to impoverished villagers.

Employment opportunities will be increased by these income generation activities and direct revenue will be channelled to the local community development, hence raising the standard of living of the local community.

Involving local community in ecological research will raise awareness both theoretically and economically. Local people will take pride in their resources. Family planning will lead to less human population pressure on forest resources. Generally tangible benefits can be summarized below.

Setting up ecotourism sites to be run by the women and youth, the major beneficiaries from forest resources means a constant income for them, as well keeping them busy. This leaves little time to engage in forest destruction and poaching.

Setting up traditional medicene specific tree nurseries means the people have an option of planting own trees on their farms and depending less on forest derived herbs.

Tree species such as Moringa and neem provide an opportunity for good diet, as well as sources of income from sale of products.

a) The hives, to be placed at the edges of the forests will prevent some people from entering the forests to perform illegal activities and poaching. This is because bees are lethal when disturbed.
b) Bees will contribute to pollination flowers in and around the forests.
c) Some participants have depended on the forests for a livelihood, hence will reduce their dependence on forest products, hence less numbers of trees will be cut.
d) Trees to be planted by beekeepers in their farms around the forests will eventually grow and contribute to VFA's afforestation crusade.
e) When these trees grow, some can be turned into firewood, reducing the dependence of the people on forest firewood.
f) Some families will be able to sell some of their trees for some income in their houses.
g) The tree being of food value will supply a percentage of food, reducing the impact the people will have on trees and forests in search of food.
h) Using energy saving cook stoves will reduce carbon emission into the environment, and eventually the green house condition may not be easily felt.
i) Ecotourism generates revenue needed for upkeep of families.
j) Fast destruction of forests including woody biomass would become less over time.
k) Both Neem and Moringa leaves are alkaline, when incorporated into the soil the acidity reduces due to neutralization by the alkalinity. These leaves are fast decomposed, hence restores fertility to the soil.

It is important to note that all these activities will be carried out in all the districts in focus. Proposals for each district will be derived, with the Mt. Kenya Region Chapter Operations Plan, 2004-2007 as the major source. Partnerships between the Chapter and local institutions will be established. Institutions such as the provincial administration, local authorities and established youth and women groups are to participate.

Monitoring and evaluation
Expected outputs for all the programmes in this plan are to be documented for reference. Work plans are to be devised and shared with partners. Quarterly reports are to be prepared. These will show progress, achievements and lessons learned. This in itself makes a basis for monitoring and evaluation. Financial reviews will also be carried out every quarter and results shared with partners. Chapter Secretariat will act as the operations office for all the projects.

Sustainability of the Projects
After the end of the funding period of three years, the projects hope to be self-sustaining due to the following:

1. Beekeepers are expected to repay the cost of hives to the project. This will be in the form of deductions to be made on agreed terms between the project and farmers when the honey and honey products are sold. Eventually the farmers will own the commercial hive. This actually installs responsibility to the hives since they know they are paying for them.
2. Community nurseries will sell the seedlings at subsidized amounts, of which some of the money recovered is supposed to be taken to the project. For example, 50 Kgs of Moringa seeds are expected to produce over 200,000 seedlings on average. The cost of Moringa seedlings is usually Ksh 50. Supposing they are sold at Ksh 10 to the community that means Ksh 2,000,000 will be realized. Supposing the project asks for only Ksh 5 per seedling sold, this means Ksh 500,000 will be realized. This money will be put back to funding more nurseries and maintaining project extension staff, while the saod nurseries can still continue operations without funding.
3. Neem seedlings can also be sold to sustain nurseries. These can be sold at a subsidized fee.
4. 1 person from each demonstration unit of energy saving methods will be trained in making ceramic/clay stoves. These will form a trading company to produce and market the cook stoves at sub sidized prices. This will be a registered trading group, with the important mission of manufacturing Clay/Ceramic and advanced cook stoves on a commercial perspective. These will likewise be sold locally, and in other districts at subsidized rates. The Chapter will assist in marketing.
5. An agreement will be drawn between the project and the 3 companies, whereby a percentage, say10% of profits derived, is taken back to the project. This will ensure that other energy saving programs continue even after the three years' funding period.
6. The 7-ecotourism sites will operate within the existing tourist circuits. The chapter will assist in marketing and ensure their inclusion in the circuits. Revenue generated will go towards the groups running them. A percentage charged by the projects will also create a revolving fund in which other ecotourism sites are developed for other interest groups.

This page was last updated on 25 January 2005.