Coast

Women-led mangrove restoration project in Kwale transforms environment, lives

Women planting mangroves at Munje Creek in Msambweni. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Saturday, June 8, 2024

Despite the dangers associated with their work, the women have not stopped their mission.

For the past five years, a group of 30 women from the Msambweni Sub-county in Kwale have been engaging in mangrove restoration to combat the effects of climate change.

What started as a passion for conserving the environment has now turned into a money-making venture. They plant mangroves in Munje Creek, where the area had become almost bare due to excessive cutting down of mangroves.

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They work under the Tunusuru Conservation Group, a women-led community-based organisation. Their chairperson, Mwanadiwani Baishe, said they have rehabilitated more than 300 hectares of mangroves.

"It is not an easy job; most of us have sustained injuries while planting the mangroves. As you can see, the path is full of sharp, slippery rocks," she said. She added that the majority of them do not know how to swim, so they have to study the water levels to ensure they get out of the ocean before the level rises.

"Most of these areas cannot be navigated by boat because the pathways are too narrow. We have to navigate between the mangroves while monitoring the water levels," she added.

Despite the dangers associated with their work, the women have not stopped their mission. Mwanadiwani said it is their passion for conservation that keeps them going. Despite some organisations coming on board to support them, there are still numerous challenges.

"Most of us do not have protective gear like gumboots and gloves for safety, which exposes us to injuries and other health hazards," she said. She added that some people throw broken glass into the water, which gets dragged to the mangroves, causing them injuries when they step on them.

Another member, Mariam Hamisi, said that apart from planting mangroves, they also sell mangrove seedlings to organisations, which has enabled them to earn a living.

"Last year, we made Sh4,969,900. We sold 50,000 mangrove seedlings to the Kenya Marine and Socio-Economic Development," she said. The women sell a seedling for Sh100.

Mariam Hamisi planting mangroves at Munje Creek in Msambweni. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Mariam said sometimes they fear being raped or beaten because the restoration program is conducted solely by women. Men sometimes sneak into the mangroves to cut trees for construction and firewood, and the women are unable to stop them.

She, however, said that despite the hurdles, the benefits outweigh the risks. Apart from mangrove restoration, the women also collect plastics and glass bottles for recycling.

Fatuma Mwanjenje said through the project, they create awareness about environmental pollution. The recycling initiative has opened up opportunities for ecotourism and learning, as students and tourists visit the site.

Fatuma said the project has empowered many women and residents on conservation, enabling them to earn a living, pay school fees, and improve their lives. Before the project, many of them were languishing in poverty.

The duo said they have expanded their network, are known by many people, and have gained respect and recognition. They have also broadened their knowledge of conservation and restoration efforts.

Fatuma added that they are currently teaching the rest of the community about mangrove conservation and seedling production. She said the project transformed her life and made her financially stable.