Promoting Agroecology Practices for Biodiversity Conservation and Food Security in the UNESCO Designated Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

Lead Organization:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Partner Organizations:

Implementing Partners Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (UNATCOM) Knowledge and Policy Partners Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (Kenya) Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife (Kenya) Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Kenya) State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action – Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage (Kenya) Kenya Wildlife Service Ministry of Water and Environment (Uganda) Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Uganda) Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities (Uganda) Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Uganda) Uganda Wildlife Authority Technical Partners Kibabii University (Kenya) Masinde Muliro University (Kenya) Vi Agroforestry Kenya Mount Elgon Foundation (Kenya) Science for Africa Foundation (Kenya) Vi Agroforestry Uganda Busitema University (Uganda)

Community of Practice:

East & Southern Africa

Countries:

Kenya

Duration:

8/2025—8/2028

Overview:

Agroecology stands as a holistic approach pivotal for transitioning toward sustainable food systems, ensuring food security, environmental preservation, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Recognized by FAO, agroecology optimizes interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment, offering significant potential for biodiversity conservation and food security within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs). These BRs critical platforms for sustainable development, facilitating interdisciplinary approaches to managing changes in both social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and biodiversity management.

The Mt. Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (TBR), shared between Kenya and Uganda, confronts a multitude of challenges driven by climate change, such as floods, droughts, and landslides. The IPCC underscores a 34% decline in Africa’s agricultural productivity growth since 1961, primarily attributed to climate change. Further warming could exacerbate food system challenges, leading to shorter growing seasons, heightened water stress, and increased conflicts. Temperature increases exceeding 2°C could imperil staple crop yields, jeopardizing terrestrial species, and potentially triggering climate-induced migration, impacting millions. Extensive research, including a 30-year analysis of historical meteorological data and community perceptions in the Mt. Elgon region, unveils altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, increased fog instances, and their detrimental impacts on agriculture, livestock, and land health. These findings corroborate local communities’ observations of climate variability, aligning with observed meteorological trends.

This research targets three primary knowledge gaps. First, the project aims to fill scientific gaps in understanding tailored agroecological practices for Mt. Elgon’s socio-cultural and ecological context. Secondly, It seeks to empower marginalized groups within agroecology and conservation efforts, focusing on women, girls, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities and lastly, the research explores ecosystem restoration techniques and biodiversity conservation measures suited to Mt. Elgon’s dynamics. This involves assessing agroecological restoration interventions like reforestation. Addressing these gaps can enhance contextually relevant agroecological strategies, promoting sustainable development, conservation, and resilience in the Mt. Elgon TBR. 

The project employs participatory citizen science to gather local wisdom on agroecology, guided by Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) and the ‘KESHO’ Tool for scenario modeling. These methodologies enhance understanding of socio-economic and environmental impacts, conflicts during transition, and the effectiveness of participatory methods. They also fill knowledge gaps in integrating agroecology into development agendas, fostering resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity within the Mt. Elgon TBR.

Managed by the Man and Biosphere Committee (MAB), the project engages diverse stakeholders—communities (including women, girls, youth, and indigenous people), scientists, policymakers—towards effectively addressing complex challenges within the reserve. Partnerships with UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks, and UNESCO Associated Schools Network ensure comprehensive engagement and knowledge exchange.

Research Questions:

  1. How do socio-economic and environmental factors influence the successful integration of agroecological principles in Mt. Elgon TBR management?
  2. What are the gendered conflicts and trade-offs in transitioning to agroecological systems in Mt. Elgon TBR, and how can they be managed?
  3. How can agroecological principles be integrated into Mt. Elgon TBR management to address climate change, biodiversity loss, gender inequalities, and social exclusion?
  4. What initiatives can promote understanding and adoption of agroecology, aligning to SDGs and AU agenda?”

Grant Aims:

The outputs and outcomes of our project signify a significant step forward in understanding and implementing agroecological principles within the Mt. Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (TBR). Through comprehensive socio-economic and environmental assessments, participatory and gendered citizen science methodologies, and scenario planning, we aim to revolutionize management strategies within UNESCO BRs. Our efforts are geared towards fostering community engagement, promoting sustainability, and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs: 

  1. Conduct comprehensive socio-economic and environmental assessments of integrating agroecological principles into Mt. Elgon TBR management strategies. 
  2. Utilize participatory citizen science methodologies, CRIDA and the ‘KESHO’ Tool, for community and stakeholder engagement. 
  3. Develop evidence-based adaptation strategies and long-term management plans for Mt. Elgon TBR integrating agroecological principles. 
  4. Promote knowledge exchange and capacity-building among local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster increased understanding and adoption of agroecology. 

Outcomes 

  1. Improved understanding of the socio-economic and environmental implications of agroecology within Mt. Elgon TBR, leading to informed decision-making and management practices. 
  2. Enhanced community and stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration and ownership of agroecological practices. 
  3. Development of adaptation strategies and management plans that enhance resilience to climate change impacts and contribute to biodiversity conservation, gender equality, and social inclusion. 
  4. Increased adoption and scaling up of agroecological practices, leading to improved food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development within Mt. Elgon TBR. 
  5. Strengthened capacity for long-term decision-making and planning among local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders, contributing to the achievement of SDG 2030 and the Africa Union 2063 agendas