The Livestock Intensification Project – South Western Mau, Kenya is a groundbreaking initiative designed to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. As part of IDH’s Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA) Kenya, this project is on a mission to restore and conserve 60,000 hectares of the Mau Forest by 2030, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Why the Mau Forest Matters
Spanning over 400,000 hectares, the Mau Forest Complex is one of East Africa’s most critical ecosystems. It serves as a lifeline for more than 10 million people, supplying water for households, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. The forest also plays a key role in regulating rainfall patterns, supporting agriculture and industries such as tea farming, which thrives under its unique micro-climatic conditions.
A Sustainable Approach to Livestock Farming
Uncontrolled livestock grazing has been a major driver of deforestation and land degradation in the Mau region. The Livestock Intensification Project aims to reduce pressure on forest land by promoting sustainable livestock management practices, including:
✅ Improved animal husbandry – Training farmers on efficient feeding, breeding, and disease control.
✅ Zero-grazing systems – Encouraging controlled feeding to prevent overgrazing and habitat destruction.
✅ Alternative fodder production – Promoting high-yielding, sustainable fodder crops to reduce reliance on forest grazing.
✅ Market access and value addition – Helping farmers increase productivity while ensuring economic sustainability.
A Win-Win for Farmers and the Environment
By enhancing productivity per animal, the project enables farmers to earn higher incomes with fewer livestock, reducing the need for extensive grazing. This not only preserves forest ecosystems but also boosts food security, climate resilience, and economic stability for communities surrounding the Mau Forest.
With 2023-2030 as a pivotal period for conservation and agricultural transformation, the Livestock Intensification Project is set to make a lasting impact—where thriving farms and a thriving forest go hand in hand.
