Project description
Agroforestry, watershed restoration and seed banks connect with women-led sanitary-product manufacturing, vocational training and community health. The initiative supports women, youth and farming households across the Central Rift Valley Highlands.
Explore the community context, existing work and development plans described by the project.
Project Overview
This project is a community-led initiative in the Central Rift Valley Highlands of Kenya designed to address interconnected challenges related to land degradation, water insecurity, declining agricultural productivity, and limited access to essential goods and services.
The initiative integrates agroforestry, women-led enterprise, vocational training, and community health systems to strengthen environmental restoration, improve livelihoods, and enhance dignity and well-being across participating communities.
By linking ecosystem restoration with economic opportunity and social development, the project establishes a holistic model for long-term resilience and sustainable community growth.
Back to sections ↑Location and Leadership
- Country: Kenya
- Region: Central Rift Valley Highlands
- Counties: Nakuru & Nyandarua
- Project Lead: Homegrown Sustainability Solutions
- Project Manager: Teresa Muthoni
Community Context
Communities in the Central Rift Valley Highlands face a combination of environmental, social, and economic pressures that are increasingly affecting livelihoods and well-being.
Land degradation, declining soil fertility, and erratic rainfall are reducing agricultural productivity and contributing to food insecurity. Water systems - including rivers, springs, and wetlands - are under increasing pressure due to catchment degradation and unsustainable land use.
Women and girls are disproportionately impacted. They play a central role in water collection and seed preservation but often lack access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and economic opportunities. In addition, plastic waste - particularly from sanitary products - is contributing to environmental pollution.
This project addresses these challenges through integrated, community-led solutions that connect restoration, livelihoods, and dignity.
Back to sections ↑Ecological and Economic Context
The region is characterized by agricultural landscapes supported by forest, savanna, and wetland ecosystems.
Key environmental challenges include:
- soil degradation and erosion
- reduced biodiversity
- pressure on water systems
- unsustainable land use practices
The local economy is largely based on:
- smallholder farming
- livestock production
- local agricultural trade
Despite current challenges, there is strong potential for:
- agroforestry-based livelihoods
- green enterprise development
- community-led value chains
Project Components
Women-Led Enterprise
- Development of community-based manufacturing (including sustainable sanitary products)
- Creation of income-generating opportunities for women
- Reduction of plastic waste through biodegradable alternatives
Agroforestry and Environmental Restoration
- Establishment of nurseries and seed banks
- Tree planting and watershed restoration
- Soil regeneration and biodiversity conservation
Community Health Systems
- Support for community-based health services
- Integration of natural medicine and plant-based remedies
- Potential development of small-scale diagnostic and preventative care services
Vocational Training
Training programs designed to equip youth and women with practical skills, including:
- renewable energy installation
- beauty therapy and eco-friendly product development
- sustainable agriculture and value addition
- tailoring and textile production
- carpentry and construction
- ICT and digital literacy
- entrepreneurship and cooperative management
Beneficiaries and Impact
Direct Beneficiaries:
- Women engaged in enterprise activities
- Youth participating in vocational training
- Community members accessing services
Indirect Beneficiaries:
- Local farmers and households
- Schools and institutions
- Surrounding communities
Sustainability Framework
Social Impact
- Improved access to essential goods and services
- Increased participation of women and youth
- Strengthened community resilience and dignity
- Improved health and well-being
Environmental Impact
- Agroforestry expansion and reforestation
- Soil restoration and watershed protection
- Sustainable use of natural resources
- Reduction of environmental pollution
Economic Impact
- Development of community-based enterprises
- Seedling production and agroforestry value chains
- Skills development leading to employment
- Increased household income and economic resilience
Strategic Role and Scalability
This project has the potential to serve as a regional hub for:
- agroforestry and restoration networks
- women-led enterprise systems
- vocational training platforms
- integrated community health systems
It contributes to broader efforts to build interconnected, community-driven development systems across Kenya.
Back to sections ↑Partnerships and Collaboration Needs
Key areas of support include:
- technical expertise in enterprise development
- agroforestry and nursery systems
- health system strengthening
- vocational training and curriculum development
- cooperative and business management support
Community Governance
The project is led by Homegrown Sustainability Solutions in collaboration with:
- women’s groups
- youth organizations
- farmers
- schools and community institutions
Participants will receive training in:
- enterprise development
- agroforestry practices
- cooperative management
- entrepreneurship and financial literacy
Integration Within Broader Framework
This initiative aligns with the Collaborative for Change – LCPA framework by integrating:
- environmental restoration
- community health systems
- women-led enterprise
- vocational training
It contributes to regional and country-level systems focused on sustainable development and community resilience.
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