Man of the Cloth and His Mission for Land Restoration

Reverend Paul Kyambu, a 65-year-old pastor and farmer from Muukuni Village, Makueni County, is breathing new life into his degraded farm through practicing the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) approach. 

As a leader both spiritually and within his community, Paul has worked with World Vision programmes such as Celebrating Families and Empowered Worldview to support vulnerable children and families. His commitment to community well-being led him to be selected as a lead farmer in World Vision’s Greater Regeneration for Evergreen Environment (GREEN) Project. This initiative funded by The Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) aims to impact the lives of 55,000 agro-pastoral farming households through FMNR. 

In June 2024, Paul, among other community members, went through a comprehensive training on FMNR, a simple, low-cost approach that focuses on managing and regenerating existing tree stumps instead of planting new trees from scratch.

Before FMNR, Paul’s land suffered from extreme drought, soil erosion, and limited vegetation cover. Grass for his livestock was scarce, forcing him to spend over 10,000 KES ($ 77.43) per dry season buying feed just enough to feed his animals until the next rainy season. 

However, after setting aside 4.28 acres of his land for FMNR, fencing, and excluding interference from livestock, the once barren gulley-filled portion has tremendously transformed with the regrowth of indigenous grass after the rains and highly eroded areas gradually recovering. For the first time, he anticipates not buying grass during the dry season as he has harvested the surplus grass that will sustain his livestock throughout the period.

“There was a time we sold a cow at 5,000 shillings [$ 39] during the dry season because it was emaciated from lack of pasture,” Paul recalls, “The same cow would normally sell for 40,000 [$ 309] shillings when pasture is abundant.”

Paul says his livestock have become healthier since they no longer trek long distances to get pasture. He uses the cut-and-carry system, feeding his animals within the homestead where water is readily available. 

The impact of FMNR has extended beyond just pasture restoration as Paul has reduced soil erosion by allowing grass to regrow without interference from livestock, increased firewood availability through sustainable pruning of existing trees, eliminating the need to travel far or buy firewood, he has also harvested more honey from his three beehives thanks to flowering trees nurtured by FMNR.

Paul and his wife, Bibiana Ngumbi, have also seen direct financial benefits. They sell milk, eggs, and honey, supplementing their income while ensuring a steady food supply for their family. Before FMNR, their cows produced less than four liters of milk per day. Now, they are yielding up to seven liters, generating daily income from milk sales, earning them a steady income of approximately 5,000 KES ($ 39) monthly.

FMNR has not only revitalized Paul’s farm but has also strengthened his family’s bond. His children actively participate in pruning and farm maintenance, turning conservation into a shared family effort. Household conflicts over firewood scarcity have ceased, and meal preparation times have improved, enhancing overall well-being.

“When there is a delay in food preparation, even your day’s schedule is interrupted. We no longer have such instances. In fact, we are saving time and money.” Paul shares.

“Having firewood within the homestead has helped us manage our time better. There is more time to tend to my kitchen garden, care for our livestock and participate in community and church gatherings,” adds Bibiana.

Beyond his own land, Paul has become a champion for FMNR. He has trained farmers in four different locations and even introduced the practice in his church compound. His neighbors and fellow pastors have followed his lead, and he hopes for a future where FMNR spreads across the region, restoring more degraded land and uplifting livelihoods.

Paul intends to expand his FMNR efforts to his brother’s land, further increasing pasture for livestock and establishing a thriving beekeeping enterprise. He envisions commercializing pasture farming and selling surplus grass to other farmers. With a healthier environment and improved productivity, he is confident that FMNR will continue to elevate his family's financial stability.

Reflecting on his journey, Paul expresses deep gratitude to World Vision for introducing FMNR. “We were not empowered before. We could not see the potential in our own land. But now, we have knowledge and the power to restore what was lost. In less than a year, my land has changed, and in three years, I know it will flourish beyond my imagination.”

By Hellen Owuor, Communications Specialist, World Vision Kenya