Eldume Lororo Cooperative Meeting: Unmasking the Mathenge Challenge
The first stop on this transformative journey took the Ocean Youths Innovators team to the Eldume Lororo location, where they met with the local farmers’ cooperative. Here, members of the cooperative eagerly outlined the detrimental impacts of mathenge on their ecosystem and the pervasive threat it posed to human life. The mathenge, with its formidable thorns and voracious growth, has been a bane to both livelihoods and the environment.
The farmers spoke passionately about the challenges they faced due to mathenge infestation. These invasive plants depleted water sources, rendered fertile lands unusable, and even altered the landscape, making it unrecognizable. The Mathenge plant has outcompeted every other vegetation in Baringo South which has greatly affected the pastoralist community as they rely solely on the grasslands for feeding their animals. This, in turn, endangered the biodiversity of the region. More alarmingly, mathenge threatened the safety of the local populace, making travel through the thorny thickets a perilous endeavor. Any time the thorns prick a person, it forms a festering wound which may result in amputation. Additionally, animals feed on the sweet pods if the Mathenge plant which causes their teeth to fall out and they end up starving; reducing productivity.
The team listened intently, absorbing the urgency and gravity of the situation. The local farmers’ testimonies offered an unvarnished view of the havoc wrought by mathenge, underlining the necessity of Ocean Youths Innovators’ mission to eradicate it and bring about positive change.
Sandai Baraza: A Dialogue of Concern and Hope
The next stop in the mission was the Sandai location, where the team held a baraza, a community meeting, to engage with the local residents. Here, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as the community members, with genuine caution, shared their concerns about introducing a new plant species into their ecosystem.
The Sandai residents, while acknowledging the menace of mathenge, raised apprehensions about the potential negative impacts of a hasty transition to gliricidia. They voiced their anxieties about the introduction of another species, fearing unintended consequences on the delicate ecological balance. They were passionate about preserving their environment but wanted to ensure the new plant would be a welcomed guest in their ecosystem.
Ms. Chepkemoi and Prof Kipyamat used the native language to converse with the locals, ensuring that the concepts of the project were well communicated. This personal touch played a significant role in bridging the gap between the innovators and the community. It was a powerful gesture that conveyed the respect and care the Ocean Youths Innovators held for the region and its people. The group believes that scientific knowledge and climate education should be conducted in a manner that can be understood by communities thus fostering a sense of ownership for communities.
The Sandai residents came to an agreement with the Ocean Youths Innovators team—a pilot study with gliricidia would be conducted before any large-scale introduction. The concept of a controlled pilot study resonated with the community, as it promised a cautious and considered approach. Organize seminars,workshops and educate the community about this sustainable solution. The visit ended on a hopeful note, as both parties were determined to work together toward a sustainable future. The seeds of change were sown, both metaphorically and literally, as a plan for a pilot study was agreed upon, with a set date of 28th October 2023.
The Grand Finale: Sightseeing and Reflection
As the mission concluded, the Ocean Youths Innovators took some time to explore the breathtaking beauty of Baringo South. The sightseeing tour provided a well-deserved break after the intense and inspiring days spent with the local communities. It was an opportunity to reflect on the journey and to appreciate the extraordinary landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the intricate relationship between the environment and its people in Baringo County.
The journey highlighted the magnitude of the task at hand and the complex interplay between environmental conservation and community engagement. The beauty of Baringo County served as a powerful reminder of why this mission was so crucial—it aimed not only to combat the environmental challenges but also to uplift the lives of the people who call this region home.
The Ocean Youths Innovators left Baringo County with renewed determination, a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the local communities, and a clear path forward. The eradication of mathenge and the introduction of gliricidia as a green alternative are no small tasks, but they are essential for the region’s ecological balance and the well-being of its residents. The visit to Baringo County was a pivotal moment in this ongoing journey, and the seeds of positive change were sown, taking root with the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
One of the community members dedicated a land to put up a seedbed. Currently, we have over 1000 seedlings of Glyricidia Sepium transplanted in the community.