On 29th–30th April 2026, the Centre for Research Training and Publications (CRTP)- Hekima University College in partnership with the Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD) of Kakamega Diocese, conducted an impactful agroforestry training on sustainable land management under Nurturing Environmental Equity through Mining and Advocacy (NEEMA) project at Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral and Animation Centre, Kakamega. Bringing together a total of 22 participants (8 Men and 14 Women) including farmers, youth, environmental practitioners, and county representatives., The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and hands-on skills to integrate trees into farming systems for improved livelihoods, environmental conservation, and climate resilience in the affected mining sectors. Participants led by Mr. Amos Wekesa (The Trainer), explored key agroforestry concepts, sustainable land restoration approaches, biodiversity conservation, and practical farming systems designed to boost productivity while protecting natural resources. The agroforestry training was highly relevant to the Nurturing Environmental Equity through Mining and Advocacy (NEEMA) Project as it provided communities affected by environmental degradation with practical and sustainable alternatives for land restoration and livelihood improvement
The training combined theory with practical field sessions, including nursery establishment, tree management, contour planting, and farm visits to observe successful agroforestry models in practice. Participants gained valuable insights into how agroforestry can restore degraded land, improve soil fertility, strengthen food security, and generate long-term income opportunities for communities. The initiative also emphasized collaborative action, equipping participants with strategies to promote sustainable Mining and Agroforestry practices, resolve land-use challenges, and share knowledge within their communities to foster environmental stewardship and resilience.
Key Lessons Learnt
Participants recognized that appropriate tree species selection and proper management practices minimize competition between trees and crops while improving productivity. The training demonstrated that agroforestry provides both economic and environmental benefits in the short, medium, and long term. It was also observed that land restoration initiatives are more sustainable when linked to livelihood and income-generation opportunities. The sessions further highlighted the importance of community participation, inclusive dialogue, and collaborative approaches in addressing environmental conflicts and promoting sustainable natural resource governance in the mining sector. Overall, agroforestry was identified as a viable strategy for restoring degraded mining areas, strengthening climate resilience, and enhancing food security within local communities.