Agro-Forestry Conservation: The Totum Women Group in West Pokot County – Kenya

The Totum Women Group taps into rich indigenous knowledge and local resources to generate sustainable incomes and address climate change impacts. Through activities related to planting and gardening, water conservation and changes in cooking practices, this project is conserving resources and reducing deforestation while empowering women socially and financially.

Fast facts:

48 members operating in over 10 square kilometers;
Developed a local type of energy-saving cook stove called “Chepkube”;
Generation of income from sustainable, non-timber practices.

The problem

People in the Pokot ethnic group live as pastoralists in the semi-arid plains of west-central Kenya. The nearby Cherangani Hills comprise a major Kenyan forest area, which acts as an important water-catchment area and habitat for rare animal species.

However, due to, poverty and urbanization, rising demand for forest products and rogue loggers illegally harvesting trees, forests are being encroached upon. The extent of this deforestation has led to increased desertification and the region is seeing flooding and landslides as a result. To make matters worse, the region has also been experiencing prolonged droughts due to climate change.

The solution

The Totum Women Group was set up 10 years ago as a self-help forum for women aged 30 to 70 to find ways to make money while improving their living circumstances.

Women work on common agricultural practices, including kitchen gardens, manufacturing and using compost, companion planting, the use of cover crops, green manure, integrated biological pest management, deep tillage and improving soil fertility. They plant fruit trees and implement terracing and double-dug beds. The terraces are also used to harvest and retain water for use on the plants during the dry season.

The group developed and uses energy-saving cook stoves known locally as “Chepkube,” which can replace the traditional three-stone stove. The stove setup includes a compartment installed next to the cooking space. This feature is used to keep cooked food hot and assist in brooding chicks.

The communities have been reclaiming degraded land, and generating income from the sale of non-timber forest products such as honey, and honey products, and tree and fruit seedlings. Additional products made from honey include body oil, soap, and candles.

Helping the planet

The modified agricultural practices and permaculture activities conserve natural resources including trees, soil, and water, slowing deforestation and hindering further desertification. The practices allow the land to better catch and absorb water, addressing the problem of landslides and floods that damage the environment.

Helping people

Planting kitchen gardens and drought-resistant crops have helped women to cope with changing climatic conditions in their area. Cultivating garden vegetables, even during dry seasons, and fruit from trees allows families to stay better-nourished, particularly through difficult times. Finally, the income generated from honey products empowers the women economically, while working together helps them increase their social standing.

Scaling up

Kenya has a robust honey market therefore employing community marketing would enable the women’s group to tap into this lucrative trade. This can be achieved through capacity-building and financial support, while also setting an example for the replication and technology transfer of the initiative in similar communities.