Stories of Change - Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)

This publication captures the inspiring journeys of individuals and communities whose lives have been transformed through the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) approach and complementary interventions implemented under the Central Rift Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration Scale-Up Project (CRIFSUP). 

Since its inception, the project has worked with smallholder farmers, schools, research institutions, local leaders and government agencies to strengthen resilience to climaterelated shocks and environmental degradation across Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru and West Pokot counties. 

Central to this transformation are 1,000 lead farmers who were trained and empowered as champions of change within their communities. Through peer-to-peer learning, demonstration farms and community engagement, they have promoted the adoption of FMNR, contributing to the regeneration of indigenous trees, restoration of degraded landscapes and improved household wellbeing. 

The project's success has been further strengthened by complementary interventions, including Savings for Transformation (S4T), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Gender Transformative Approaches (GTA) and other community empowerment approaches. Together, these initiatives have helped communities build resilience, strengthen livelihoods and create sustainable pathways for the future. 

In partnership with Moi University and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the project has also contributed to the growing body of evidence on FMNR through the development and publication of eight research manuscripts, providing valuable insights and supporting efforts to scale up the approach and influence policy and practice. 

Collectively, these efforts have contributed to the restoration of more than 10,000 hectares of land and improved the livelihoods of over 10,000 households. The stories featured in this publication are a testament to the power of community-led restoration and the lasting impact that can be achieved when people are empowered to drive change. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to all farmers, partners and stakeholders who have been part of this journey and hope these stories inspire continued investment in FMNR and sustainable land restoration across Kenya and beyond.