Ecosystem Protection and Restoration

Pillar 3: Sustainable Livelihoods, Agribusiness, and Climate Justice (SLAC)

HEDSO empowers AGYWs, youth, and PWDs in Kenya on land governance, climate-smart agribusiness, family economic resilience, and environmental conservation and sustainability. Through integrated interventions across 10 targeted counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kwale, and Tana River), HEDSO addresses the intersection of poverty, climate vulnerability, and environmental degradation affecting marginalized communities.

In Kenya's Lake Region and Sugar Belt areas, environmental pressures from agricultural expansion, collapsed sugar economies, overfishing, and climate change threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. Studies by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) highlight that deforestation for agriculture and urban expansion has drastically reduced forest cover, impacting local biodiversity and water resources. The African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (2022) indicates that women's disempowerment in sugarcane farming is linked to higher household poverty, pushing many young women into precarious survival strategies when these economies collapse.

HEDSO's SLAC interventions respond to these pressing challenges by promoting climate-smart agriculture, establishing 500 youth- and PWD-led green enterprises, supporting 5,000 households with ecosystem restoration training, and linking 3,000 vulnerable households to savings groups and green value chains. By 2030, HEDSO aims to achieve a 25% increase in tree cover, 60% reduction in waste pollution, and improved land rights awareness among 5,000 households, contributing to healthier ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-resilient communities.

Key Interventions (2026-2030)

  • Land Rights and Climate Governance: HEDSO conducts community-based forums and trains local leaders on inclusive land governance, ensuring AGYWs, youth, and PWDs can claim their rights. By 2030, 60% of trained households will actively participate in governance forums, with at least 5 county-level policies influenced by advocacy networks.
  • Climate-Smart Agribusiness Enterprises: Through incubation programs, extension services linkages, and bi-annual agribusiness expos, HEDSO supports 500 climate-smart enterprises led by AGYWs, youth, and PWDs. By 2030, 70% of these enterprises will be scaled to commercial level, creating employment for 3,000+ youth.
  • Environmental Conservation and Circular Economy: HEDSO launches environmental clubs, trains 5,000 households on waste management from household level, and pilots youth-led circular economy hubs. By 2030, 70% of trained households will sustainably apply ecosystem restoration practices, with 50 youth- and PWD-led green enterprises established.
  • Family Economic Resilience: HEDSO forms and trains savings groups with financial literacy modules, links 3,000 vulnerable households to conditional microgrants, and facilitates access to green value chains and cooperative markets. By 2030, household savings and asset ownership will increase by 50%, with poverty levels reduced by 30%.
  • Inclusive Policy Advocacy: Through county roundtables, policy briefs featuring AGYW and PWD voices, and participation in technical working groups, HEDSO influences the integration of disability-inclusive and gender-responsive approaches in at least 5 county agricultural and environmental policies by 2030.
Pillar 3: Sustainable Livelihoods, Agribusiness, and Climate Justice (SLAC) - Strategic Objectives 2026-2030
OBJECTIVES EXPECTED OUTCOMES BY 2030
Improve knowledge and capacity of 5,000 households of AGYWs, youth, and PWDs on land rights, policy advocacy, and inclusive land governance. ✅ 60% of trained households actively exercise land rights and participate in governance forums.
✅ At least 5 county-level policies influenced by AGYW, youth, and PWD advocacy networks.
Support the establishment and scaling of 500 climate-smart agribusiness enterprises led by AGYWs, youth, and PWDs. ✅ 500 climate-smart agribusiness enterprises fully operational and profitable.
✅ 70% of enterprises report 40%+ income increase.
✅ Employment created for 3,000+ youths and PWDs.
Strengthen family economic resilience by linking 3,000 vulnerable households to savings groups, financial literacy training, and green value chains. ✅ 60% of households sustain active participation in savings groups.
✅ 50% increase in household savings and asset ownership.
✅ 30% reduction in poverty levels among target groups.
Increase participation of AGYWs, youth, and PWDs in environmental conservation through training 5,000 households on ecosystem restoration, waste management, and circular economy. ✅ 70% of trained households sustainably apply ecosystem restoration practices.
✅ 25% increase in tree cover and restored ecosystems.
✅ 50 youth- and PWD-led green enterprises established.
Influence integration of disability-inclusive and gender-responsive approaches in at least 5 county agricultural and environmental policies. ✅ 5 inclusive agricultural/environmental policies implemented across counties.
✅ 10% of county budgets allocated to inclusive programming.
✅ Improved representation of AGYWs, youth, and PWDs in policy-making structures.