From coffee chats to forest restoration: The inspiring story of Wezesha
In Nakuru County, Kenya, Wezesha, a local women-led organisation, is on a mission to revitalise Dundori Forest and build a brighter future for the people who depend on it.
Members of a local Self-Help Group working to restore Dundori Forest
Humble beginnings
“We used to just link regularly for coffee and to discuss the problems we observed in our community,” shares Dr. Redempta Mutisia, founder of Wezesha. “A lot of which touched on the environmental degradation, vulnerability of women when the rains failed.”
Their journey started small.
With 200 shilling monthly contributions from their own pockets, they began approaching local schools to plant trees and educate young people about environmental conservation.
Wezesha’s passion and community-led approach resonated with ITF. And in late 2021, we began working together on a large-scale project to restore of Dundori Forest.
Since then, over 500,000 trees have been planted in the forest and on smallholder farms.
Women leading the way
Wezesha works with over 100 Self-Help Groups and Community Forest Associations based in Dundori who are involved in all aspects of the project.
From growing trees in nurseries right to down planting and protecting them in the forest, Wezesha’s deep ties with the community ensures local ownership over the project.
“We have a team of 30 scouts,” shares Redempta. “You can imagine the work of walking around to monitor how the trees are doing in the forest as something that would be done by men. But 40% of our scouts or the aftercare team are actually women.”
Building sustainable communities
“Its not really just about going out and growing trees, it’s about relationships that impact livelihoods,” Redempta says.
By creating job opportunities, promoting agroforestry and providing surrounding communities with fuel-efficient stoves, the project’s impact extends far beyond forest restoration.
And just last week, 500 fuel-efficient stoves were installed in homes around Dundori Forest to help reduce deforestation for firewood.
“When you go to the village, the joy is palpable,” Redempta shares. “Women will tell you how happy they are and how it has been a significant shift from those smoky kitchens to a very decent kitchen, utilising very few pieces of firewood, cooking very efficiently and also cooking within a relatively short period of time.”
Wezesha’s story is a testament of the power of collective action, driven by vision and a commitment to make a difference.
As we celebrate the upcoming International Women’s Day, let their journey inspire us to support and celebrate women who are shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for us all.
“There’s dire need for scaling up restoration activities in our county and we are really grateful to ITF’s partners for the kind of support that we have received to be able to accomplish what we have accomplished.”
Donate today
Your kind gift today can help groups like Wezesha to plant trees, restore forests and grow a greener future.