Grassroot Communities Taking Action for Resilient Ecosystems in the Mukogodo Forest

With support from IKI Small Grants, local organisation IMPACT successfully strengthened climate resilience in four community lands surrounding Kenya’s Mukogodo Forest in Laikipa County – reaching an estimated 4,750 people, half of them women. Communities in Mayianat, Shulmai, Il Ngwesi, and Lekurruki implemented locally led climate-protective actions and natural resource strategies.

Key achievements included training local groups in sustainable forest and rangeland management, supporting beekeeping through the distribution of 100 beehives and protective gear, and launching honey sales as a new income stream – especially for women and youth groups. The project also facilitated planting 10,000 tree seedlings and building a tree nursery to support ongoing forest restoration and income generation.

To protect water access for people, livestock, and wildlife, the community chose to construct a strategically placed borehole – benefiting over 300 households – rather than rehabilitating forest springs, which could have increased pressure on the ecosystem.

Rangeland erosion was addressed by building half-moons and planting grass in degraded areas, reducing runoff and preserving pastureland. Youth and women were also mobilized to remove invasive species like Opuntia stricta, a large cactus normally at home in the Americas, helping protect native biodiversity. 

The project was completed on schedule and exceeded expectations through strong local engagement, inclusive participation, and robust monitoring.