Project Name

Restoration of Degraded Riparian Ecosystems in Tharaka Nithi County

Implementing Organization

African Centre for Environment, Energy & Climate Advocacy (ACEECA) in partnership with the Working Group “Development Aid” (AK “EH”) eV, Germany.

Project Background

The Gituma and Muthangacwa Rivers in Tharaka Nithi County are vital water sources for local communities and biodiversity. However, these riparian ecosystems face severe degradation due to deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable land-use practices. The destruction of vegetation along riverbanks has led to reduced water availability, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods.

This project, funded by AK “EH,” aims to restore and protect these critical ecosystems through community-led reforestation, erosion control, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. By engaging smallholder farmers, women, youth, and local authorities, the project seeks to create lasting ecological and socio-economic benefits.

Project Objectives

1. Ecological Restoration: Rehabilitate 10 km of degraded riparian zones along the Gituma and Muthangacwa Rivers through tree and bamboo planting, erosion control measures, and sustainable land management.
2. Climate Resilience: Enhance the region’s capacity to withstand climate shocks by improving water retention, reducing soil erosion, and restoring biodiversity.
3. Livelihood Improvement: Empower communities through training in agroforestry, nursery management, and alternative income-generating activities like bamboo farming and beekeeping.
4. Community Engagement: Foster long-term stewardship of natural resources by involving local stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring.

Key Activities

• Stakeholder Mobilization: Conduct community meetings to establish project committees and secure local buy-in.
• Erosion Control: Construct gabions and terraces along vulnerable riverbanks to stabilize soil and reduce sedimentation.
• Reforestation: Plant 5,000 native trees and bamboo along 10 km of riparian zones, prioritizing climate-resilient species.
• Capacity Building: Train 250 community members (including women and youth) in sustainable land-use practices, nursery management, and agroforestry.
• Livelihood Diversification: Support community groups in establishing tree nurseries and bamboo-based enterprises.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Track tree survival rates, water quality improvements, and socio-economic impacts through community-led monitoring teams.

Expected Outcomes

• 10 km of restored riparian ecosystems with improved vegetation cover and soil stability.
• Increased water availability and quality for domestic, agricultural, and livestock use.
• Enhanced biodiversity through the reintroduction of native plant species and habitat restoration.
• Strengthened livelihoods for 250+ beneficiaries through income-generating activities linked to conservation.
• Long-term sustainability via community ownership, policy alignment with county government, and scalable models for neighboring regions.