Kijabe, Lari

This is a shared site supervised by Eden Reforestation Projects. The cultural and ecological heritage of Kenya’s forests is vibrant and unique, but in recent decades the country has been battling soil erosion more intensely as a result of unsustainable practices. Rural communities work closely with the Kijabe city council, the local forest trust and surrounding agricultural and pastoral communities on reforesting the area. Localized knowledge on biodiverse habitats and strong ties to authorities ensure that forests can be fully restored on the outskirts of Kijabe, an old town famous for its strict conduct. The sale of alcohol, cigarettes or condoms remain forbidden to this day – a remaining legacy of missionaries arriving in 1903. This forest is also an important home and corridor for wildlife. Animals use this area to move between the dry floor of the Rift Valley and the protected, lush forests of the Kenyan highlands. On such terrain, olive trees are a great way to ensure erosion control. Their extensive root system grips the ground, reducing the process of wind and water erosion. As local families from Kijabe plant these trees, the resident community receives sustainable employment opportunities, a reliable water supply and landslide protection amongst many other benefits.