Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration

By Hellen Owuor, Communications Officer (CRIFSUP), World Vision Kenya

The trees in Lazarus’ compound shield you from the intensity of the blazing mid-day sun that shines relentlessly on one’s forehead. A soothing breeze under the shade that his family and neighbours relish is thanks to them practicing the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) approach, which is implemented by World Vision.

Lazarus’ daughter (left) and granddaughter (right) can now enjoy playing games under the shade. ©World Vision Photo/Hellen Owuor.

“This land had no trees.  It was unbearable to stand outside because of the scorching sun. Thanks to World Vision training us on FMNR, we have now nurtured regenerated trees that provide shade for my family and livestock, even during the dry season. At times, my neighbours request to host ceremonies in this compound because of the shade,” Lazarus states.

Lazarus hails from Elgeyo Marakwet, one of the 29 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties in Kenya that frequently experience prolonged drought as a result of the damning effects of climate change. Due to such environmental conditions, farmers are subjected to unhealthy and low crop yield that does not meet the consumption demands of their families and livestock, thereby affecting their livelihoods. More areas are gradually becoming characterised by the drying up of water sources, dwindling farm produce, disappearance of some important indigenous species due to their over-exploitation, as well as unpredictable weather patterns.

Lazarus’ granddaughter loves drinking milk. Lazarus says there is increased milk production since his livestock no longer have to go far in search of pasture. There are also higher yields of pasture produced  thanks to practicing FMNR.©World Vision Photo/Hellen Owuor.

In an effort to mitigate these impacts, farmers like Lazarus have adopted the easy and low-cost FMNR approach that has built their resilience to climate change and food insecurity caused by global warming. In 2018, after receiving training on the FMNR approach and other complementary components through the World Vision’s Central Rift Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration Scale-Up Project (CRIFSUP), Lazarus enclosed one acre of his farmland to allow indigenous trees to regenerate and protect them from damage by livestock.

Read more here