Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a Catalyst for Land Resource Restoration: Insights from Selected Kenya Counties
African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability
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Abstract: This mixed-methods study assessed the impact of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) practices across four sites in three Kenyan counties: Osiligi (Kajiado County), Mara (Narok County), and Kalawa and Kitise (Makueni County). Using data from 1,632 lead farmer households complemented by focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations, the research evaluated land degradation extent, restoration achievements, household well-being, and FMNR adoption and awareness rates. Results revealed significant regional differences with Osiligi exhibiting the highest degraded land area at 3,407 hectares and the largest absolute restoration area at 893 hectares, while Mara achieved the highest restoration-to-degradation ratio of 86.6%. FMNR adoption rates varied across sites, with Mara leading at 66% and Kitise at 41%, despite high awareness levels ranging from 82% to 97%. The findings affirm FMNR's potential as a scalable, low-cost restoration strategy that enhances ecosystem health and rural livelihoods, while highlighting the need for context-specific interventions to address adoption gaps and align restoration efforts with climate adaptation and sustainable development goals.