Working to end poverty and aid dependency through agroforestry
After successfully completing a reforestation project in 2024, the local Kenyan organisation Help Self Help Centre secured another round of funding and is now implementing its second project financed by IKI Small Grants. The new project tackles the poverty-environmental trap in Laikipia by using native forest systems for improving local livelihoods.
Managing forest products sustainably empowers communities, restores ecosystems, and enhances climate resilience. The organisation plans to train 1000 households on sustainable management of forest products for income generation thus reducing logging. Help Self Help Centre aims to establish 10 community managed native trees nurseries, resulting in planting of 300,000 trees.
The project uses trainings for communities to utilise the area’s rich biodiversity. Essential oils from local plants like cape chestnut, cedar, and marula are in high demand globally, offering economic growth opportunities.
Additionally, Help Self Help Centre strengthens the Laikipia County Climate Smart Agriculture Multi-stakeholder Platform, which helps coordinate climate initiatives, share knowledge, and build partnerships. Overall, the project aims to create stable job opportunities for 39 participants, restore 250 acres landscape, and set an example for market-led conservation, fostering sustainable practices and community empowerment.
Link to the previous project funded by IKI Small Grants: Community-driven regeneration of native forests at Mount Kenya | IKI Small Grants
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
IKI Small Grants supports Help Self Help Centre in their organisational capacity through:
- Strengthening the governance structures, internal technical capacity and financial management for the organisation
- Supports the organisation in developing a gender action plan, a community action strategy and in carrying out a peer-to-peer exchange
Video from the previously funded project
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Help Self Help Centre is a National development Agency registered in Kenya (1993). Its mission is to work with smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in eradicating poverty and environmental degradation through fostering sustainable management of natural resources. In this regard, HSHC promotes planting of native trees and shrubs with commercial value for the local people. The organisation has plans to promote a nature positive approach by harnessing the regenerative potential of native trees-based system, which is good for conservation of natural species including wildlife. It seeks to involve the local communities in planting and protecting the trees, and in commercial activities, i.e. planting shrubs for extraction of essential oils.