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 recently concluded projects:

1. Integration of Non Timber Forest Products in the Livelihood Systems of Forest Adjacent Communities in the Mt. Kenya West Region:
2. Fair Economic Development programme
3. Gender development program
4. Microfinance program
5. Mt. Kenya West Natural Resource Management and Advocacy Project
6. Mathira and Kieni environmental conservation project

Integration of Non Timber Forest Products in the Livelihood Systems of Forest Adjacent Communities in the Mt. Kenya West Region: 2007 – 2008

The Cape Chestnut Tree is a common tree in the Mt. Kenya region. HSHC has discovered that the seeds of the cape chestnut are rich in (non-edible) oils. This oil, known as yangu oil, is widely used in the cosmetic industry.
The project aim was to support the communities of Kabaru forest by starting an oil-processing unit. Through the Community Forest Association women were mainly  involved in collecting the seeds from the forest. Collecting the seeds provides a welcome additional income generating activity which is flexible and without risks. Apart from setting up the infrastructure for processing cape chestnuts, the project strengthened the relevant Community Forest Associations and helped them with drawing up a Forest Management Plan. This plan is a legal requirement to be able to access the forest and use its resources. The project was funded by PACT Kenya.

Fair Economic Development programme:2006-2008

The Fair Economic Development Programme is a long-term programme that focuses on value chain development and rural business creation revolving around agriculture, horticulture and non-wood forest products. HSHC helped local communities and farmers in the Mt. Kenya region by maximizing farm inputs, product research and development, setting up processing facilities and creating market linkages for various oil seeds. The programme focused on cape chestnut, sunflower, canola and croton. The local oil production offers a reliable market for the communities and as such forms a much-needed source of income. HSHC will continue to look for other business opportunities based on local resources and sustainable use of the forest. The project was funded by ICCO (The Netherlands) and KSP (USA).

Gender development program: 2007-2009

The program aim was to improve the livelihood of HIV/AIDS affected households, mainly women and children through education and advocacy support. The initiative worked with women and children who were disenfranchised off property and subjected to other human rights violations. It supported education on succession planning like will writing, appointing guardians and planning for the future schooling for their children. The trainings also included women property rights and inheritance. Financial support to this project came from Stop Aids Now! (The Netherlands).

Microfinance program 2008

This was a small program that focused on supporting vulnerable women and men (widows, IDPS affected by HIV/AIDS, disenfranchised) with small start-up funds. Most businesses supported were agriculture oriented.

Mt. Kenya West Natural Resource Management and Advocacy Project 2008-2010
This project aimed to contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of 5 forest blocks of the Mt. Kenya forest: Kabaru, Thegu, Hombe, Gathiuru and Naromoru. The focus was on strengthening the capacity of Community Forest Associations and awareness creation on environmental and conservation issues. Promoting alternative nature-friendly livelihoods formed an important conservation strategy along with linking local community groups with relevant government structures.

The project was funded by DANIDA / SIDA through CDTF (Community Development Trust Fund, Kenya).