This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Miriam Kipsang: Champion of Sustainable Farming in Elgeyo Marakwet ¶
Located at the slopes of the towering escarpments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Miriam Kipsang's homestead in Kapsokom is a testament to her dedication to sustainable farming. Her farm, a lush haven of green pastures, well-pruned trees, and vegetables, is a result of her adoption of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), a low-cost land restoration technique.
Supported by World Vision, FMNR involves the systematic regrowth and management of trees and shrubs from felled tree stumps, sprouting root systems, or seeds. The technique explores indigenous knowledge on natural regeneration and pruning, with the goal of contributing to improved food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers and pastoralists through evergreen agricultural practices.
As a lead farmer, Miriam was tasked with recruiting five farmers in her first year and another five in the second year. However, she exceeded expectations, recruiting over 60 women to join the FMNR movement in her community. 'I have recruited over 60 women to join the FMNR movement in my community and I've asked each one of them to recruit five others,' she says.
During our visit to her home, the 60 women had gathered under a shade, a testament to Miriam's empowerment in the FMNR movement. Speaking during the ceremony, Jennifer Chepseba recalled how it all began and how she got persuaded by Miriam's passion for the project. 'Miriam said that I did not have to plant a tree and that I just had to nurture what I already had on my farm,' Jennifer said.
For Miriam, the goal is to expand the farm under pastures to harvest more fodder to sustain dairy cattle. 'I can start selling milk and fodder while feeding my children,' she narrates. The women now don't go up the hills to fetch firewood, as they have fuelwood at their doorstep. 'I sell firewood from my home, and that gives me money to strengthen my clothes business,' Jennifer adds.
As the movement expands, the group in Kapsokom is now going to churches and schools to empower communities. 'We want to pass this technique to our children, because this, really, is about their future,' Miriam says.
