Our Mission and Vision
At the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation (KFHF), we are driven by the belief that the Kakamega Forest can flourish as both a sanctuary for biodiversity and a resource that uplifts local communities. However, achieving this vision requires tackling pressing challenges that threaten the forest’s survival and the well-being of those who depend on it. Here’s how we address these issues and how you can play a vital role in our mission.
A Forest Under Threat
The Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last tropical rainforest, is in peril. Years of deforestation, agricultural encroachment, and unsustainable exploitation have drastically reduced its size and integrity. With more than 50% of its original area lost, the forest’s ability to support its unique biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services is rapidly declining.
This degradation doesn’t only affect the environment—it impacts the lives of surrounding communities. Many families rely on the forest for firewood, medicinal plants, and clean water. As these resources dwindle, so do their means of survival. Without urgent intervention, this vital ecosystem could disappear entirely, leaving devastating ecological and socio-economic consequences in its wake.
The Ripple Effects of Forest Loss
The loss of tree cover affects more than just the forest’s immediate surroundings. It accelerates climate change by reducing carbon storage, disrupts rainfall patterns critical for agriculture, and increases soil erosion, threatening food security for thousands of people. Additionally, the decline in biodiversity—such as pollinators and seed dispersers—undermines the forest’s ability to regenerate itself.
For local communities, the consequences are personal. The depletion of resources forces families to adopt unsustainable practices like overharvesting, creating a vicious cycle of destruction. This loss of natural wealth deepens poverty, especially for women and children, who are often the most reliant on forest resources for daily needs.
“In recognition of its vital role as a tropical ecosystem, Kakamega Forest was turned into a protected area in 1933. Local inhabitants are, however, allowed to gather non-timber forest products from some sections of the forest. This is mainly done to support the livelihoods of the surrounding human population.”
Forecasting hotspots of forest clearing in Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya
by Daniel Müller , John Mburu
Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation (KFHF)’s Mission in Action
At KFHF, our mission is clear: to conserve the Kakamega Forest while empowering the people who depend on it. By combining environmental protection with sustainable development, we create lasting solutions that benefit both nature and humanity.
Forest Restoration: KFHF organizes large-scale reforestation efforts, planting thousands of indigenous tree seedlings in degraded areas. These initiatives not only rebuild habitats for wildlife but also restore the forest’s capacity to provide clean air and water.
- Tree Nursery Programs: By supplying seedlings and tools to local communities, KFHF helps families establish nurseries. The Foundation buys these seedlings back for reforestation, creating a sustainable income stream and reducing the need to cut down forest trees.
- Sustainable Alternatives: To ease pressure on the forest, KFHF promotes planting non-indigenous trees on private land for firewood and construction purposes. This ensures communities have alternative wood sources without depleting forest resources.
- Community Engagement and Education: KFHF works closely with schools and local groups to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. By involving communities in conservation efforts, the Foundation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the forest.
These initiatives demonstrate Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation’s commitment to balancing ecological preservation with community development, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Growing Hope: A KFHF tree nursery where local communities cultivate seedlings that will restore Kakamega Forest and support sustainable livelihoods.
How You Can Get Involved
KFHF’s mission depends on collective action. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Donate: Support reforestation programs, community projects, and educational initiatives that sustain the Kakamega Forest.
- Volunteer: Get involved in tree planting events or become an advocate for KFHF’s mission in your area.
- Share: Raise awareness about the Kakamega Forest by sharing its story with your network.
Your support makes a difference. Together, we can ensure the Kakamega Forest remains a sanctuary for biodiversity and a resource for future generations.
Be part of the solution. Join The Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation in protecting the Kakamega Forest and empowering its communities. Learn More or Donate Today.