The blog of the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature initiative looks at 2 approaches to integrated landscape management that are proving effective in Kenya.

Lake Naivasha and Lari were recently visited by participants to the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature in Africa conference.

In and around Lake Naivasha, international flower-growing companies co-exist with local fishers. Higher up in the catchment, the practices of smallholder farmers impact on these industries. Through a multi-stakeholder planning and management platform - the Imarisha Naivasha board – upland farmers are implementing sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, to help regulate water flows and ensure water quality downstream. In return, they receive vouchers which can be used to buy farm inputs and supplies.

In the landscape of Lari, in Kereita forest on the northern face of the Aberdare mountains, the community organization, KENVO, began fighting illegal charcoal production in the forest, but soon realized that people had few livelihood alternatives. They have since turned to training farmers in bee-keeping and organizing dairy and vegetable farmers to improve practices and negotiate better prices.

Read the full story: Traveling to Integrated Landscapes in Kenya

Find out more about the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature in Africa conference