At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we believe that the most effective projects are those designed by the community, for the community. This collaborative spirit brought us to Visoi Ward in Rongai, Nakuru County, where we recently held a vital planning session with representatives from the Tabut Ogiek Women Group and the Tabut Ogiek Youth Group.

Reflecting on Impact, Designing for Tomorrow

The purpose of our meeting was twofold: to critically review the impact of our advocacy and training efforts over the past year and to co-design our strategic priorities for the next three years.

By sitting down with the very people our programs serve, we ensure that our work remains relevant, responsive, and deeply rooted in the current realities of the Ogiek people. These discussions allow us to identify what is working, address challenges head-on, and align our goals with the evolving needs of the Tabut community.

Growing the “Forest to Farm” Vision

A major highlight of our time in Visoi was mapping out the physical sites for two cornerstones of our “Forest to Farm” program, which is proudly supported by the JAC Trust:

• Community Seed Bank: We identified the location for a new seed bank that will serve as a sanctuary for our indigenous seed varieties. This facility will ensure that our community remains the guardian of its own genetic heritage, free from reliance on external, commercial seed sources.
• Agroecology Demonstration Farm: We mapped out a site where we will bring sustainable farming techniques to life. This farm will serve as a living classroom, providing hands-on training to help local families transition to farming methods that boost productivity while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Harmony with Heritage

These initiatives are central to our broader mission: to ensure that Ogiek communities can thrive in total harmony with their forest heritage. Agroecology is not just a modern agricultural trend for us; it is a restoration of the balance that has sustained our people for centuries. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with innovative infrastructure like seed banks and demonstration farms, we are building a model of resilience that honors the past while securing the future.

Moving Forward Together

The passion and vision shared by the women and youth in Visoi Ward are a powerful reminder of why we do this work. We are incredibly grateful to the members of the Tabut Ogiek Women and Youth groups for their leadership and partnership.

As we move into this next phase of the “Forest to Farm” program, we look forward to breaking ground and seeing these sites become hubs of learning, preservation, and sustainable growth.