The Kipepeo Project
Case Study C0103
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| Date | 1998 |
| Agency | East Africa Natural History Society (EANHS) in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) |
| Donor/support agency | GEF |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Kenya |
| Locality | Arabuko-Sokoke Forest |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Build local support for the conservation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest |
| Poverty reduction goals | Increase the income of local communities through the sustainable utilisation of butterflies in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest |
Summary
The purpose of the Kipepeo project is to link conservation and development through sustainable utilisation of butterflies in support of a globally important forest.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest on Kenya's north coast is an island of unique biodiversity in a sea of human poverty. It harbours six globally threatened bird species, four threatened mammals and unknown numbers of other threatened species. It is surrounded by impoverished farmers with a mean per capita cash income estimated at less than $50. In 1991, 96% of the farmers were unhappy with the forest and 54% wanted it completely cleared for settlement. The major reasons for this were wildlife crop-raiding and hunger for land.
Recognising that the forest cannot be conserved in the face of local hostility, the Kipepeo Project aims to win support by enabling the local community to benefit from its biodiversity. It has trained 150 forest-edge farmers how to rear forest butterflies using leaves of forest trees. The project buys the butterfly pupae they produce and exports them to Europe and America.
Since 1994 Kipepeo has earned over US$100,000 in foreign exchange for Kenya and has paid out over US$35,000 to the farmers. In 1998, it added over US$37,000 to the annual value of the forest. Before and after butterfly monitoring has indicated no adverse impacts on wild butterfly populations. Most importantly, a 1998 survey of the butterfly farmers showed a major change in attitudes: 84% now support the forest. The project also has an active schools programme and has helped to start 17 Wildlife Clubs in forest-adjacent schools.
Conservation impact
Before and after butterfly monitoring has indicated no adverse impacts on wild butterfly populations. A 1998 survey showed that 84% of farmers living in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest now support the forest, in contrast with 96% of the farmers being unhappy with the forest in 1991.
Poverty reduction impact
Since 1994 Kipepeo has earned over US$100,000 in foreign exchange for Kenya and has paid out over US$35,000 to the farmers. In 1998, it added over US$37,000 to the annual value of the forest. The project also has an active schools programme and has helped to start 17 Wildlife Clubs in forest-adjacent schools.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.org/awards/awards06b.htm
Reference 2
DfID (Department for International Development), 2001, 'SL Approaches in Practice: The Kipepeo Project', Sustainable Livelihoods Guidance Sheets 7.3. DfID: London
More information
Ian Gordon
E-mail: kipepeo@africaonline.co.ke
Related records above this one:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)