Permaculture promises peace, food, increased equality in Kenyan county

Mongabay
Mongabay
3M ago
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In Baringo County, Kenya, Indigenous pastoralists are transitioning to organic farming through permaculture, fostering food security and community cooperation despite land ownership challenges.
Permaculture promises peace, food, increased equality in Kenyan county
A What happened
In Baringo County, Kenya, Indigenous pastoralists like Salina Chepsat are moving from herding to diversified organic farming, supported by the Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative (IWGI). This initiative provides training in permaculture and seed saving, enabling women to grow a variety of crops year-round. Despite the benefits of boreholes and irrigation schemes that foster cooperation among ethnic communities, male control of land limits women's agricultural potential. Experts advocate for inclusive decision-making and strategies that combine water access and land restoration to enhance food security and peace. The IWGI's efforts highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices in a region facing climate challenges and land degradation.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Transition to Organic Farming: Indigenous pastoralists are adopting organic farming techniques to enhance food security.

  • 2

    Role of Women in Agriculture: Women are increasingly involved in farming, yet face challenges due to land ownership issues.

  • 3

    Community Cooperation: Irrigation schemes promote collaboration among different ethnic groups.

  • 4

    Impact of Climate Change: Baringo County faces severe climate challenges affecting traditional pastoralism.

  • 5

    Sustainable Practices: Permaculture techniques are being promoted to restore degraded land.

Takeaways

The shift towards permaculture in Baringo County represents a crucial step towards sustainable agriculture and community resilience.

Topics

Climate & Environment Agriculture Climate Change