UTaNRMP Participates in The Inaugural ASAL Conference in Malindi (4th-8th Sep 2018)

UTaNRMP was invited to attend the inaugural ASAL Conference organized by the ministry of Devolution and ASALs (State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Land) in Malindi between 4th -8th Sep 2018 at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa. The aim of the conference was to create a platform for prioritization and realignment of the ASALs development agenda with the national development priorities for accelerated social, economic and cultural development with a focus on women and youth.

UTaNRMP’s participated in the conference as an exhibitor to showcase its success stories relevant to the theme of the Conference. The project’s Knowledge Management and Learning Officer and two community representatives; one from Kinyoo AIPCA women group-Meru County, supported by UTaNRMP in sunflower processing, and a seed multiplication host farmer from Green Paradise Irrigation Water Project in Mbeere North represented the project in the conference.

Besides many other conference participants, the Deputy President, Hon. William Ruto, members of the Council of Governors and the Diplomatic corps graced UTaNRMP’s stall and took a keen interest in what UTaNRMP was doing to alleviate poverty and conserve the Upper Tana catchment.

Arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) make up to 89% of Kenya’s land mass and approximately hold 38% of its Population. Despite their enormous potential, ASALs continue to have the lowest development indicators and the highest incidences of poverty. The upper Tana Natural Resources Management Project (UTaNRMP) is contributing to poverty reduction in the upper Tana catchment through its twin development objectives of Increasing sustainable food production & incomes for poor rural households; and Sustainable use and Management of Natural Resources for provision of environmental services