Taita Hills Forest Restoration: Mbololo and Mwambirwa

The Challenge

The Taita Hills forests, specifically the Mbololo and Mwambirwa blocks, act as critical water catchments for the region. However, these ecosystems faced severe degradation due to forest fires, encroachment for farming, and unsustainable land use. This environmental stress not only reduced water availability but also trapped local communities in poverty, forcing them to rely further on forest resources for survival. The region needed an integrated approach to restore the ecosystem while simultaneously providing alternative, sustainable income sources for the community.

The Solution

Mazido International launched a comprehensive environmental management initiative designed to rehabilitate degraded lands while boosting local livelihoods. We adopted a multi-faceted approach:

• Reforestation: We mobilized the community to replant indigenous trees in fire-damaged areas and established local tree nurseries.
• Soil & Water Conservation: We introduced riverbank protection using Giant Bamboo and Vetiver grass, and constructed cut-off drains and check dams to control storm flow and recharge groundwater.
• Alternative Livelihoods: To reduce pressure on the forest, we trained community groups in nature-based enterprises, including fish farming, beekeeping, butterfly farming, and basketry.
• Capacity Building: We facilitated the formation and registration of key governance bodies, including the RONGO WRUA and MWAMBO Community Forest Association (CFA), ensuring long-term community ownership.

The Impact

This project successfully bridged the gap between conservation and economic empowerment. By the end of the project, we achieved significant milestones in ecosystem restoration and food security:

70 Hectares Reforested

We restored 19.5% of the severely burnt Mwambirwa Forest by planting 90,062 indigenous seedlings. This effort was supported by the establishment of 15 community tree nurseries which raised over 200,000 seedlings.

Water Security for 100 Homesteads

Through the construction of a sand dam and 3 check dams, we improved water access for households within a 10km radius. Additionally, 11 springs were protected by planting catchment-friendly trees, ensuring cleaner, reliable water sources.

50 Fish Ponds Established

We utilized marshy areas for sustainable aquaculture rather than drainage for farming. 50 fish ponds covering 10,000m² were stocked with 10,000 Tilapia fingerlings, providing a new food source and income stream for farmers supplying Voi Town.

200 Beehives & Eco-Enterprises

To provide incentives for forest protection, we distributed 200 beehives and established a honey refinery. We also supported vulnerable groups, training 150 elderly and persons with disabilities in basketry and leatherwork to generate an independent income.