Diversification of Nature-Positive Livelihoods in Gambella Wetlands

A total of 1,400 native trees were planted in the Gambella region, in Kenya, as part of a collaborative effort to restore the 65-acre wetland.
A total of 1,400 native trees were planted in the Gambella region, in Kenya, as part of a collaborative effort to restore the 65-acre wetland. / Photo: Emma Odera

Diversification of Nature-Positive Livelihoods in Gambella Wetlands

  • Our Objective

    Diversifying household incomes in Gambella through climate-resilient, nature-positive enterprises that reduce direct dependence on wetland resources and build long-term community resilience.

  • Figures

    The project was launched on March 17, 2022 and is currently in progress.

Summary

Households in and around the Gambella wetland rely heavily on wetland resources for their livelihoods. Combined with climate stress and limited economic alternatives, this dependence creates a cycle that puts both communities and the ecosystem under growing strain.  

This project works to break that cycle by identifying and developing nature-positive enterprises that can provide diversified, sustainable income. Using a participatory, systems-based approach, it maps existing livelihood activities, co-identifies priority ventures with community groups, and strengthens producer cooperatives with improved governance and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms.  Targeted technical training, improved production infrastructure, and reliable market linkages support enterprises such as fodder production, agroforestry, woodlots, honey, and gums and resins. By 2028, the project aims to meaningfully increase household incomes from sustainable sources, significantly reducing direct extraction from the wetland and building long-term community resilience. 

Project Connections

Timeline

  • Consolidating and sustaining key restoration efforts

    Project Update June 2, 2024

    Map of Gambella Wetlands

  • New trees and rehabilitation areas in Gambella, Kenya

    Project Update December 11, 2023

    A total of 1,400 native trees were planted in the Gambella region, in Kenya, as part of a collaborative effort to restore the 65-acre wetland. After the seeds were planted last December 2023, the Wetland Management sub-committee took on the task of ensuring the successful growth of the plants. Established a month earlier, in November 2023, the sub-committee comprises riparian landowners, local administration members, and is also supported by the Water Resource Users Association (WRUA) of the Waso Mara catchment and the local community.  Located in Meru County, the Gambella wetland and springs play a vital role in the region, especially during the dry season. They benefit both nearby and distant pastoralist communities. However, due to overutilization, mismanagement, and climate change these environmental assets have been heavily affected. At the Wyss Academy, we are working closely with our partner CETRAD, and collaborating with local stakeholders to formulate a shared vision and implement various interventions aimed at protecting the remaining parts of the region, including the crucial main spring of the wetland. Additionally, we aim to create an inventory of water resources. The rehabilitation initiative for the Gambella wetland started with a sensitization meeting in November 2023, involving communities and stakeholders from Meru and Isiolo Counties. This comprehensive planning effort emphasized the critical need for protection and restoration, resulting in a consensus among participants. Our collaboration extends to various stakeholders in Kenya, such as local communities, riparian landowners, the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Meteorological Department, the Water Resources Authority, the National Environmental Management Authority, and the National Land Commission. To address water supply beyond the wetland, infrastructure locations have also been identified. Other ongoing activities include hydro-geological surveys, environmental impact and topographical assessments

    Trees Planting in Gambella, Kenya

Team

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