Eburu Forest farmers adopt organic farming and biogas to reduce pressure on Mau Complex
Communities near Eburu Forest in the Mau Complex are transitioning from livelihoods based on illegal logging, charcoal burning, and forest farming to sustainable alternatives. The Rhino Ark Organisation partnered with locals to establish a community-based group and installed a 43.3 km electric fence within the forest. Farmers like John Ngugi Nganga and Mary Waruguru are now embracing fruit farming and biogas. Nganga, co-founder of the Eburu Fruit Farmers community-based organisation, stated that the fencing prompted them to seek livelihoods outside the forest. Rhino Ark and other partners provided training in sustainable agriculture. Waruguru from Morgan village has installed biogas for cooking, reducing her reliance on firewood and providing manure for her organic farm, which includes mango, avocado, and orange trees. Joseph Mutongu, fence and community manager at Eburu conservancy, noted that these interventions have significantly reduced pressure on the forest, which is a critical water tower and home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope.
