• Chivatsi said the restoration efforts have enhanced fishing in the area
• Chivatsi said the revenue from the sale of mangrove seedlings has helped initiate several development programmes.
Image: ELIAS YAA
A conservation group in Kilifi is reaping big from the sale of mangrove seedlings.
The Kidundu Mtongani Conservation Group is making at least Sh10.5 million annually from the venture. The seedlings are used to restore mangrove cover in the area.
Group chairman Stephen Chivatsi said the efforts have been made possible with the support of Gro With Us, a non-governmental organisation.
The group, which has 30 members, has restored 500 acres of mangrove plantation in Kidundu village.
Chivatsi said besides helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, the restoration and enriching of the mangrove ecosystem helps to fight poverty in the community by generating new income avenues.
Speaking in Kidundu village after planting more than 10,000 mangrove seedlings, Chivatsi said the restoration efforts have enhanced fishing in the area.
“Gro with Us has greatly changed this community because earlier we were doing the conservation of mangroves without any pay but now we are proud. Twenty-four of our members have been employed on a permanent basis," he said.
Chivatsi said the revenue from the sale of mangrove seedlings has not only enhanced conservation works but also helps in the initiation of development programmes like access to healthcare, clean water and education.
"We have students right now who are in secondary schools and universities and all this is through the support of Gro With Us. Before then, it was very difficult to educate a child to this level," he said.
Chivatsi said since they got the support of the NGO in 2019, the proceeds from the mangrove seedlings selling has doubled.
Jesca Katana, 30, said their conservation efforts have greatly changed their lives.
She said despite the group taking part in fishponds and prawns rearing, their sales inputs are too small compared to the sales of mangrove seedlings.
"Fish and prawns take three to four months to be ready for harvesting and their market is low compared to the sales of mangrove seedlings," Katana said.
Gro with Us Africa managing director Kelly Banda said the project has been successful due to the support of the community and the high level of commitment.
He said his organisation is working with Mtongani Kidundu self-help group to restore mangrove forest cover and empower the community economically.
Banda said it is a seven-year project targeting to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the coastal region.
He said they are planning to establish other conservation areas along the coastline as part of expanding their conservation efforts.
"As part of conservation, plans are underway to make sure communities along the coastline get informed on the importance of conserving mangrove forests. From here, we will pitch tent in Maya Island and Watamu and then will go to Mombasa and Diani in Kwale county," Banda said.