I&M Foundation has partnered with Furaha & Baraka Farms (FBF) to scale up mangrove restoration in Kwale County, a move expected to strengthen climate resilience while creating more livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
The partnership will support the rehabilitation of degraded mangrove forests through a community-led programme implemented by Furaha & Baraka Farms in collaboration with the Mwatsumbo Community Forest Association (CFA) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
The initiative combines conservation efforts with economic empowerment by involving local communities in restoring one of Kenya’s most important coastal ecosystems.
The programme has already recorded significant progress. Between June and December 2025, about 678,500 mangrove seedlings were planted across nearly 70 hectares in the Mwache Block, Kwale County.
Field monitoring carried out in May 2026 showed that approximately 624,503 of those seedlings had survived, representing a 92 per cent survival rate. The results point to the success of the restoration model and the effectiveness of community participation in protecting the young forests.
Building on that progress, another one million mangrove seedlings were planted between January and July this year, further expanding restoration efforts along Kenya’s coastline.
Under the new partnership, I&M Foundation has committed to supporting the planting of an additional 1.563 million mangrove seedlings before the end of 2026.
Speaking during the partnership signing ceremony, I&M Foundation Head Dorine Nalo said the organisation is committed to supporting locally driven initiatives that create lasting impact.
“At I&M Foundation, we believe lasting impact is achieved by investing in locally led solutions that address real community needs. We recognise the importance of protecting natural ecosystems while creating opportunities for communities to thrive. Through this partnership with Furaha & Baraka Farms, we are supporting a project that delivers measurable environmental impact, strengthens climate resilience and creates sustainable livelihoods for local communities,” she said.
Mangrove forests play a critical role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, supporting marine life, sustaining fisheries and absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Conservation experts say restoring these ecosystems is essential in tackling climate change while supporting Kenya’s environmental conservation targets.
The founder and executive director of Furaha & Baraka Farms Daniel Mwero stated that the project shows the potential of harmonious existence between environmental conservation and development of the community.
“Healthy ecosystems and successful communities walk hand in hand. Our collaboration will help us to make further progress in cooperation with the local communities and conservation organizations on the restoration of the Kenyan coast mangroves,” Daniel Mwero said.
In addition, he mentioned that the program makes a positive contribution to the implementation of different SDGs, namely climate action, life below water, life on land and decent work in line with the principles of the circular economy which guarantees communities direct benefits such as employment, education and sustainable sources of livelihood.
As partners note, the collaboration unites local communities, conservationists, governmental bodies and business sector in order to create a scalable model of restoration of degraded ecosystems as well as improvement of household incomes.
Apart from environmental conservation, the project is expected to increase community resilience to climate change through implementation of nature-based solutions.
