Mau Forest Women Preservers: Maintainers of Food Independence and Protectors of Sovereignty
The Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) has embarked on an ambitious project, funded by the Keepers of the Earth Fund (KOEF), to improve the lives of the Ogiek community in the Mau Forest Complex, East Africa's largest forest.
The "Seeds of Change: Enhancing Climate Resilience and Adaptation for the Ogiek Indigenous Peoples" project, initiated by KOWYN, aims to strengthen food security, family health, and empower women as guardians of the Ogiek People's food culture and biodiversity.
The project involves planting fruit trees in schools and establishing family gardens with composting systems, a move that is expected to improve nutrition, food security, and household self-sufficiency. In addition, training in organic farming, composting, intercropping, and traditional seed conservation is provided to ensure sustainable practices.
The Keepers of the Earth Fund's grantmaking strategies are based on a rights-based approach, aligning with the project's focus on self-determination, territorial autonomy, and cultural revitalization for the Ogiek People. The foundation that financially supported the KOWYN project is the Robert Bosch Stiftung.
The plight of the Ogiek People has begun to receive international attention in recent years, with the community facing numerous challenges that threaten their territory and traditional way of life. These challenges include systematic loss of ancestral lands and denial of the right to self-determination.
However, a major turning point was the historic ruling by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in 2017, declaring the forced eviction of the Ogiek from the Mau Forest unlawful. This ruling marked a significant step towards recognising and protecting the rights of the Ogiek People.
Since 2017, the Keepers of the Earth Fund has supported 440 projects in 42 countries, with a total funding of $2,667,147 provided to date. The "Seeds of Change" Project is one of the many initiatives that demonstrate the fund's commitment to supporting Indigenous communities.
The Keepers of the Earth Fund is an Indigenous-led fund within Cultural Survival, a non-profit organisation that works to empower Indigenous Peoples to pursue their own solutions to the challenges they face. The fund awards grants of up to $12,000 USD directly to Indigenous communities, ensuring that funds are used effectively and efficiently to address community needs.
The top photo shows activities conducted by the "Seeds of Change" Project, offering a glimpse into the positive impact the project is having on the lives of the Ogiek People. The photos provided are by the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network.
The Mau Forest Complex serves as not only their ancestral home but also a vital source of sustenance and spirituality for the Ogiek. The project, which includes activities such as seed conservation, community agriculture, and sustainable environmental management, is a testament to the community's resilience and determination to preserve their culture and way of life.
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