Communities in Tsavo Landscape face severe challenges due to erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, disrupting traditional farming practices and leading to persistent food insecurity. To address these issues, Tsavo Trust in collaboration with USAID and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), has empowered 180 households in Kamungi Conservancy with training in sustainable agricultural practices, including permaculture and climate-smart agriculture techniques. Additionally, 110 households received damliners for water pans, each with a capacity of 60,000 liters. These initiatives have directly benefited over 1,200 people.
Dominic Mutua Muia, Chairperson of Kamungi Conservancy, put his training into practice by establishing a permaculture kitchen garden in May 2024. Before this initiative, Dominic’s family of eight spent Kenya Shillings 3,000 monthly on vegetables, facing high costs and inconsistent availability. His innovative garden, utilizing 83 vertical sack bags and organic methods, efficiently grows spinach, collard greens, okra, and coriander with minimal water — just 20 liters daily from a dam liner water pan.
Photo 1: Dominic Mutua’s thriving permaculture kitchen garden, August 2024
“Our family now enjoys a steady supply of fresh vegetables,” Dominic shares. “We also sell surplus produce to neighbors, earning an average monthly income of Kenya Shillings 800. This extra revenue has improved our financial situation.” Motivated by this success, Dominic is now planning to expand his garden to 200 sack bags to ensure continued vegetable production and increased income.
Photo 2: An Energy Saving Cooking Stove at one of the beneficiaries – Angelica Kilonzo in May 2024
Dominic is a strong advocate for the harmonious coexistence of communities and wildlife. He notes, “The partnership between Kamungi Conservancy and Tsavo Trust has greatly improved our livelihoods. We’ve seen a significant reduction in bushmeat poaching, charcoaling, and logging.”
The success of initiatives like these is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating sustainable change. Join us in cultivating more success stories like Dominic’s by supporting Tsavo Trust’s mission to safeguard biodiversity and empower communities in the greater Tsavo ecosystem. Visit our website and follow us on social media. Your involvement can make a significant difference.