At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we believe that the true pulse of our work is found on the ground, in the hands of the people transforming their lands. We recently spent an incredible day visiting our partners at the Tumaini Ogiek Women Group, Kiparasoi Ogiek Youth Group, and Seguton Comprehensive School to review our progress, celebrate successes, and plan for a more sustainable future.

Every stop on this visit was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Ogiek community.

Tumaini Ogiek Women Group: Cultivating Health through Innovation

It was heartening to see the tangible results of our agroecology training with the Tumaini Ogiek Women Group. The group has moved beyond traditional methods, embracing innovative organic practices with remarkable enthusiasm.

During our visit, the women shared how they are successfully utilizing organic manure techniques, including the use of rabbit urine, to nourish their soils. The results are undeniable: their crops are thriving, ensuring that their families have a consistent supply of nutritious, chemical-free food. By turning agricultural waste into high-value fertilizer, these women are proving that sustainable farming is both highly effective and deeply empowering.

Kiparasoi Ogiek Youth Group: Architects of the Future Forest

In Kiparasoi, we found the local youth group fully immersed in the cycle of restoration. Our visit caught them hard at work along the banks of the Tinet River, where they were skillfully grafting fruit trees and processing new seedlings.

Seeing the youth take such a proactive and technical approach to environmental conservation is inspiring. They aren’t just planting trees; they are building the capacity to scale their impact, ensuring a reliable supply of saplings for the region. Their dedication to sustainable land management is a clear indicator that the future of Ogiek conservation is in very capable hands.

Seguton Comprehensive School: Growing Young Climate Champions

Our visit to the Seguton Comprehensive School offered a powerful lesson in perseverance. While harsh weather patterns have challenged some of the fruit trees planted in earlier phases of our School Greening Program, the true success of the initiative was evident in the students themselves.

The children’s passion for the environment has only grown. Their enthusiasm for tree-planting is palpable, and they have developed such a deep connection to their school grounds that they are now providing expert recommendations on the most resilient tree species for our next planting cycles. These students have transformed into young climate champions, proving that the greatest “growth” we can achieve is in the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Why We Visit

These field visits are the backbone of the KOWYN strategy. They allow us to:

• Understand Local Needs: Listening to the challenges and opportunities firsthand ensures our programs are always relevant.
• Celebrate Success: Taking time to acknowledge the hard work of our partners keeps the movement vibrant and motivated.
• Plan the Next Steps: By aligning our goals with the community’s evolving realities, we ensure that our work in climate action and sustainable livelihoods remains impactful for years to come.

We are deeply grateful to the Tumaini, Kiparasoi, and Seguton groups for their unwavering dedication to a greener, more food-secure future. Together, we are not just growing crops and trees; we are cultivating a community that is resilient, empowered, and deeply connected to its heritage.