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Mount
Kenya East Pilot Project for Natural Resource Management
Poverty in the project area – the districts of Embu, Meru Central, Meru South, Mbeere and Tharaka – has increased dramatically over the past seven years with the drop in global coffee prices. Neglect of coffee plots leads to environmental degradation, which is mainly the result of deforestation and inappropriate agricultural practices on fragile soils. Deterioration and overexploitation of natural resources, the small size and low productivity of landholdings, together with population pressure, contribute to rising poverty levels. Drought, flooding and irrational use of water from rivers are major causes of food insecurity and poverty. IFAD financing supports the government’s goal of promoting environmental conservation as a means of ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor. Since the project area is adjacent to the Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve, the project addresses the serious problem of conflict between humans and wildlife, a leading priority for farmers. Project activities focus on:
The project will strengthen community-based organizations. Local groups will help formulate regulations for the sustainable management of land and water resources. Improved river basin management is a key feature. The project enables poor people to increase their incomes through food processing or off-farm activities, and it promotes improved market linkages. Source: IFAD |
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