Our Programs
Our programs carry KOWYN’s work forward restoring forests, reviving indigenous food systems, and building livelihoods led by the Ogiek women and youth of Baringo County.
Climate Change, Conservation & Restoration
Restoring the forests that sustain us.
The Ogiek community has protected the Mau Forest ecosystem for generations. Through this program, KOWYN leads tree planting and landscape restoration, strengthens community-run tree nurseries, and promotes climate-resilient practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
- Tree planting and restoration of degraded forests and landscapes
- Establishment and strengthening of community tree nurseries
- Promotion of climate-resilient practices and environmental conservation
- Monitoring survival and progress of planted trees
- Indigenous-led approaches to climate adaptation and resilience
Indigenous Agroecology & Food Systems
Growing food the way our ancestors did.
KOWYN works with local farmers to revive indigenous and climate-resilient farming practices and safeguard traditional crops like millet and sorghum. Community seed banks and locally relevant training materials protect food sovereignty for generations to come.
- Promotion of indigenous and climate-resilient farming practices
- Training communities on agroecology
- Promotion and preservation of indigenous seeds such as millet, sorghum, and other traditional crops
- Establishment and strengthening of community seed banks
- Development of indigenous agroecology knowledge and training materials
Indigenous People & Cultural Preservation
Protecting our identity, honoring our elders.
KOWYN documents and promotes Ogiek knowledge and traditions while advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Community forums with elders preserve cultural heritage and create pathways for women and youth to take part in decisions that affect their future.
- Documentation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge and practices
- Community forums and consultations with Indigenous elders
- Promotion and protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights
- Preservation of Indigenous culture, traditional knowledge, and heritage
- Supporting Indigenous women and youth to participate in decision-making
Beekeeping & Honey Production
From the forest to the jar.
KOWYN supports community groups with beehives and beekeeping training, promoting traditional and sustainable harvesting methods. This program links forest conservation directly to community livelihoods through the value addition and marketing of Koibatek Ogiek Wild Forest Honey.
- Supporting community groups with beehives and beekeeping capacity
- Promotion of sustainable and traditional honey harvesting
- Value addition and marketing of Koibatek Ogiek Wild Forest Honey
- Linking conservation with sustainable community livelihoods
Agroecological Value Addition
Preserving quality, extending shelf life.
Through hands-on training, KOWYN equips women and youth with processing and value-addition skills, including the use of technologies like solar dryers to preserve organic produce — improving the quality, shelf life, and marketability of what they grow.
- Training women and youth on processing and value addition
- Use of technologies such as solar dryers to preserve organic agricultural produce
- Supporting groups to improve the quality, shelf life, and marketability of their products
Indigenous Knowledge & Community Learning
Wisdom passed down, knowledge carried forward.
KOWYN engages directly with Indigenous knowledge holders and elders, creating spaces for knowledge-sharing between community members and experts, and ensuring Indigenous wisdom is woven into KOWYN’s climate and agricultural work.
- Engagement with Indigenous knowledge holders and elders
- Knowledge-sharing forums between community members and experts
- Documentation and integration of Indigenous knowledge into climate and agricultural programs
