By John Kariuki
The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Women Center for Peace and Development (WCPD) in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at empowering women in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) through environmental conservation and socio-economic initiatives.
The agreement was signed by KEFRI Director, Dr. Jane Njuguna, and WCPD representative, Ms. Halima Mohammed, signaling a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development in ASAL regions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Njuguna emphasized KEFRI’s dedication to supporting communities in ASAL areas by promoting sustainable forestry practices and environmental conservation. She highlighted the vital role women play in driving positive change within their communities and underscored the importance of equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary for resilience and development.
Ms. Mohammed lauded the collaboration, noting that it aligns with WCPD’s mission to uplift women and create lasting peace and development in marginalized regions. She emphasized that the partnership will not only enhance environmental conservation but also address socio-economic challenges faced by ASAL women, such as poverty and limited access to resources.
Through this partnership, KEFRI and WCPD aim to implement programs that integrate environmental management with livelihood improvement. Key areas of focus include afforestation, climate change adaptation, and capacity-building initiatives designed to empower women as agents of change in their communities.
This initiative represents a significant step toward achieving sustainable development in ASAL regions, addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic empowerment for women. Both organizations expressed optimism that the partnership will inspire similar collaborations across the country.
This milestone marks a new chapter in KEFRI’s efforts to link environmental stewardship with community development, setting a precedent for inclusive and sustainable progress.