In the past 15 years HSHC has implemented many successful projects that had a major impact on many poor men and women living in the Mt. Kenya region. Through our work forest-adjacent communities have become more food-secure and are earning more income. HSHC’s has contributed to this improvement by promoting better agricultural techniques, introducing agro-forestry and training in growing and managing fruit trees. Setting up of local processing facilities has also helped the communities to earn a living and made the local economy more diverse.

Highlights of the past 15 years include:

•  Sustainable agricultural project (ICCO)
•  Integrating sericulture in the livelihood systems of small scale farmers (UNDP – Tree Crops Network)
•  Human rights & Natural Resource Conflicts Project (USAID)
•  Emergency Support Project for IDPs
•  Kieni East water harvesting and management program

Sustainable agricultural project:
1995-2001
The project’s main objective was to improve agricultural production and food security levels of small holder farmers. The project targeted 3,000 farmers, located in Laikipia / Nyeri districts. The funds came from ICCO.

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Integrating sericulture in the livelihood systems of small scale farmers
2003-2004
The project involved introduction and expansion of sericulture activities among smallholder farmers to diversify rural income generating opportunities. It was located in Laikipia and Meru districts and funded by UNDP through Tree Crops Network Africa.

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Human rights & Natural Resource Conflicts Project
2003 – 2004
The project involved creating awareness about human rights and documenting human rights violations. It also set up referral systems and aimed to mitigate wildlife-human conflicts.
The project was located in Mount Kenya Region and funded by USAID.
HSHC also conducted various research projects

To read about our research projects, please click here

Emergency Support Project for IDPs:
2008
In response to the crisis that hit Kenya after the general elections of 27 December 2007 HSHC provided emergency support to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) that sought refuge in our working area (Chaka, Karkuret, Burguret, Kabaru). HSHC assisted about 1,500 families with emergency support including food, blankets, agricultural tools, household goods and school fees. We continue to support the IDPs through micro-credits to start up small businesses and by advocating on their behalf.
The project was funded by ICCO, Emmaus Wageningen, Emmaus Haren, Emmaus Bilthoven and various individuals.

Naomi gets back on her feet One of the refugees is Naomi Wanjiru (30 Years). She has 2 children and she comes from Elburgon. She relates: “After the election results were announced, my house was set on fire by people armed with bows and poisonous arrows”. Her cattle was stolen as well. She first fled to a camp in Elburgon together with her family. Because she has family in Chaka, she decided to go there. However, she did not want to outstay her welcome and now rents a small room of about 4 m2. Her husband went back to Elburgon to assess the current situation. It turned out that their land has been taken by other villagers and they even built new houses on it. If she would return to their land, it would surely lead to new conflicts…The food and household products given by HSHC helped her and her children to slowly get back to her feet.

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Kieni East water harvesting and management program
2005-2008
The aim of the project is to develop horticulture and marketing systems of small holder farmers. The main project components include conducting a feasibility study, water harvesting, development of on-farm irrigation systems, organising farmers in viable marketing systems and capacity building. Major accomplishments in the project are the completion of the feasibility study and organizing farmers in viable marketing structures. Partners include Waterman foundation (The Netherlands) and ISCOM.

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