http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/59 2026-08-12T05:32:45Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10443 Policy brief: farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) for sustainable land restoration Munyao, Carol; Okore, Luther M.K.; Aduwa, George; Okaka, Fredrick Okoth FMNR is an innovative strategy in the restoration of degraded lands since it is anchored on nurturing and managing naturally occurring vegetation without necessarily introducing new ones. FMNR accrues benefits to both the farmer and the environment, including addressing climate change concerns. Evidence shows that FMNR can potentially restore degraded lands by reversing desertification and soil erosion, conserving biodiversity, boosting soil fertility and water retention of ecosystems. FMNR has also been proven to enhance the climate resilience of agricultural landscapes while contributing to climate change mitigation. FMNR is, therefore, a sustainable solution to restoring Kenya’s degraded landscapes since it is a low-cost, yet effective strategy that is easily scalable to farmers and natural resource management stakeholders. However, to escalate and promote its adoption requires documentation of evidence-based data and policy recommendations. This policy brief provides scientifically documented evidence on the link between FMNR and sustainable restoration of degraded lands. 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10441 Enhancement of vegetation cover through farmer managed natural regeneration in the Central Rift, Kenya Munyao, Carol Munini; Korir, Janet; Kigen, Charles; Too, Prisca Tanui; Chesire, Michael Aiyabei Purpose: This paper discusses the contribution of Kenya Central Rift Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Scale-up project (CRIFSUP) to enhanced vegetation cover through promotion of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration concept among farmers in central rift region, Kenya. The project ran between July 2017 and June 2021, when it transitioned to a further five-year phase. The goal of this paper is to assess and compare changes in vegetation cover and species composition through FMNR and other evergreen agricultural practices in CRIPSUP and outside project areas in Central Rift Kenya. Methodology: The study was undertaken in three counties that included; Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nakuru and Baringo. The Study sites were Ndabibi sub-County in Nakuru County, Marigat sub-County in Baringo County, and sub-County Ng’oswet in Elgeyo Marakwet. This study employed cross-sectional study design where there was evaluation of changes in tree density and tree species composition before and after the Intervention of CRIFSUP project in Central Rift, Kenya. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used to investigate and analyse the critical study findings. The data collection methods included surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations. Multi-stage sampling was applied in this study. In total, 402 households out of a sample size 426 participated in the household survey in the study. Findings: The total acreage of land under FMNR managed in the project area increased from 500 acres at inception in 2017 to 4,588 acres in 2019 then to 6,938 acres in project year 2021. This was attributed to farmers recognising benefits of FMNR such as increased pasture, firewood, honey, milk production and training to replicating farmers. The average number of trees per hectare in areas practising FMNR was 115.9; significantly higher compared to areas where there was no FMNR practice such as community land allocated to individual households where average number of trees per hectare was 69.89. Farm boundaries recorded the lowest number of tree populations at 12.47 trees/ha and 14.5 trees/ha before and after project intervention, respectively. There was however, no significant difference in tree densities along the boundaries and among the control farmers before and after project intervention (p = 0.08). To the contrary, tree densities for farmlands, communal land and overall, in the area of project operation were significantly higher after intervention of CRIFSUP project (p = 0.02). This was attributed to increased knowledge on FMNR practices as where 45.0 % (n =181) of farmers indicated knowledge on natural regeneration of trees, while 27.9% (n = 112) displayed knowledge on protection of naturally regenerated trees and seedlings. In conclusion, FMNR and other evergreen methods were found to enhance vegetation cover and through enhanced tree densities and tree diversity in the three regions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends expanding FMNR training to raise awareness and adoption among farmers. Efforts should be made to overcome challenges affecting tree densities on farm boundaries. Additionally, scaling up FMNR practices to other regions and monitoring long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are suggested. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10437 Livelihood enhancement through farmer Managed natural regeneration in Central Rift, Kenya Chesire, Michael Aiyabei; Kigen, Charles; Munyao, Carol Munini; Korir, Janet; Too, Prisca Tanui Over the past few decades, there has been pressure to meet basic needs by citizens in developing countries as a result of conventional livelihood sources to support such provisions which have gradually dwindled for a variety of reasons, key among these being land degradation, climatic changes and land sub-division. Alternative and sustainable livelihoods for poverty reduction and enhanced income for households are desirable for adoption. This paper discusses the effect of the application of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions by Word Vision (WV) on food security, household income and livelihood enhancement. Case studies of farmers’ success stories supported by WVK are presented. Further, the paper outlines the roles of stakeholders in the implementation of the strategy and associated benefits to farmers in three counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru. A discussion of the relations between poverty, income and household food security in relation to SDGs 1 and 2 is presented. Major findings from the study include; FMNR has contributed to improved food security, from 42.6% in 2018 to 73.6% in 2021 (31%). Increased household income was reported from 25.2% in 2018 to 52.5% in 2021, representing a rise of 27.3%. Emerging alternative livelihood sources include beekeeping, mango farming and processing, poultry, pasture seed production and coffee farming. The paper concludes that the implementation of FMNR in the Central Rift is still small scale and majorly aided by World Vision Kenya in the three Area Development Programmes (ADPs). The adoption of FMNR as a livelihood enhancement strategy in arid and semi-arid areas to enhance food security, improve household income, reduce poverty and support environmental conservation efforts is recommended. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10436 Farmer managed natural regeneration and community development: An analysis of Impact in selected Countries Chesire, Michael Aiyabei; Kigen, Charles; Munyao, Munini; Korir, Janet; Too, Prisca Tanui Purpose: This paper explores the relationship between community development and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a strategy for resource conservation and community empowerment. It highlights how FMNR contributes to ecological sustainability and rural household livelihoods in selected countries in West and East Africa, including Niger, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Methodology: A content review of FMNR practices was conducted, focusing on their adoption, spread, and impact on community development. The analysis emphasized economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, best practices, challenges, and mitigation strategies. Findings: The study found that FMNR enhances community livelihoods by promoting sustainable natural resource use and reducing environmental degradation. It strengthens community capacity for resource management and supports rural economic development. However, challenges such as land fragmentation, technological gaps, and limited adoption were noted. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To scale up FMNR, stakeholders should prioritize community training, strengthen institutional frameworks, and provide policy support for sustainable resource management. Addressing technological and socio-economic barriers is essential to maximize FMNR's potential in improving livelihoods and achieving ecological sustainability. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z