The Munilinde Niwalinde Initiative
Climate change is the most significant threat facing humanity and jeopardizes the mental health and well-being of society as a whole.
Why do various conservation efforts repeatedly fail? Despite billions of resources and legislative advancements, what are we doing wrong? NAAA identifies the primary ongoing obstacle to environmental conservation.
Sustainability hinges on ownership and genuine involvement from all societal actors. The adage "non-involvement, non-commitment" applies to all human endeavors. "One who is not involved cannot be committed to it and therefore cannot own it."
At New Age Action Africa, we focus on providing capacity to our partners to deliver more impact and significance in every aspect of project(s) they engage in. We specialize on the software aspect of any given project for the fact that ultimately software drives the project hardware and vision.
NAAA PATHWAY TO SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE MENTAL HEALTH SOFTWARE SERVICE (MHSS) IN CONSERVATION AGENDA
NAAA Convenes Meeting to Address Mau Forest Challenges
On February 28, 2023, NAAA Project Director Mr. Bonfas organized a crucial meeting to discuss the pressing issues facing the Mau Forest. Attendees included NAAA directors and representatives from the Community Forest Association (CFA), led by Deputy Chair Mr. Stephen Towet.
The meeting focused on assessing the current state of the Mau Forest, identifying critical gaps, and introducing NAAA's mental health software service (MHSS) as a potential tool for enhancing environmental conservation efforts. The NAAA project received positive feedback from all participants.
To further engage with the community, it was decided to schedule another meeting that would include all community members, not just leaders. This broader engagement aims to foster ownership and collective action towards preserving the Mau Forest.
On 14th July 2023, our guest of the day was Mr. Soi, representing the Londiani Community Forest Association (LOCOFA), along with other leaders from CBOs associated with environmental conservation.
The theme of the day was exploring solutions to achieve a positive impact in the conservation agenda.
NAAA introduced the Win-Win Strategy, which is now known as the MUNILINDE NIWALINDE project. This strategy focuses on alternative approaches to environmental care that also benefit the community.
Mr. Soi extended an invitation to NAAA leadership to visit the LOCOFA office located in Londiani KFS offices.
At LOCOFA Offices Londiani
On 30th March 2023, NAAA met with officials from LOCOFA at the KFS offices in Londiani. During the meeting, NAAA and LOCOFA agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Both parties committed to conducting a Mental Health Software Service (MHSS) Introduction Workshop for leaders from KFS, Agriculture, KEFRY, and CBOs.
On 18th July 2024, LOCOFA and NAAA successfully organized a workshop to introduce the Mental Health Software Service (MHSS) and its importance in integrating mental health into daily development planning frameworks for environmental conservation.
The workshop took place at the Londiani KFS offices compound. All attendees welcomed the integration of MHSS in the restoration of the Mau Forest.
This marks the beginning of NAAA's journey towards utilizing technology to address mental health challenges in environmental conservation.
Evidence Photos
On 19th October 2023, I presented to the PS and Secretariats, advocating for the integration of Mental Health Software Service (MHSS) in environmental conservation to foster ownership and sustainability.
Photos taken with the PS for environment and other officials during a tree planting exercise near Mount Blanket Londiani.
On 15th December 2023, NAAA and CFA invited Mr. Kadogo, the Kericho County Conservator, to meet with the community living along the Mau Forest.
Mr. Kadogo was impressed by the community's willingness to participate in environmental conservation efforts. He believed that NAAA's project could significantly contribute to the restoration of the Mau Forest. Mr. Kadogo entrusted NAAA with 100 hectares of land in the Mau Forest for a demonstration site.
The restoration journey has begun.
The community, through the Blooming Lillis user group and CFA, has come together to willingly lay the foundation for nursery beds down the valley.
This demonstrates their sense of ownership and commitment to their environment.
On 22nd December 2023, the Kenya Forest Manager (forester) was impressed by the community's actions and participated in the launch of the first nursery bed.
The forester trained the community on how to transplant seedlings into seedling bags. This marks a shift where the community is now leading the conservation efforts, and KFS is supporting their initiatives.
A sense of ownership has been achieved, demonstrating the community's commitment to environmental restoration.
On 3rd January 2024, after launching the nursery bed, the community requested seed bags. Kenya Forest and NAAA jointly supported the community by providing a small number of seed bags.
This demonstrates the power of unity and the positive impact of community-led conservation efforts.
On 18th May 2024, I visited the Kagima nursery bed for an assessment. I was accompanied by the area's assistant chief elect, after requesting to visit the group leader. The nursery bed project appeared to be struggling, with low participation from the community.
However, the community recognized the need to revive the project. I promised them to provide leadership training to help them revitalize the initiative.
On 17th June 2024, I met with the Kagima Nursery Bed leadership for the second time. We discussed the MUNILINDE NIWALINDE project initiative, as promised. The changes made to the nursery bed were impressive.
The community welcomed the integration of the Mental Health Software Service (MHSS). They arranged for all members to join the effort to revive their nursery bed and expand its size. NAAA will provide nails for fencing and refreshments.
On 29th June 2024, the NAAA team visited Kagima. The turnout was impressive, with community members actively participating and working tirelessly. The project has become self-driven and owned by the community. We promised to launch their nursery bed project.
On 10th August 2024, Mr. Ochieng from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) inspected the progress of the first nursery bed. Before attending the launch of the second nursery bed, he planted seedlings.
The second nursery bed was launched under the guidance and strategy of the Mental Health Software Service (MHSS).
On 10th August 2024, Blooming Lillis took the initiative to construct their own road to the nursery bed. They requested KFS and NAAA to launch the newly constructed road and the nursery bed. This demonstrates the community's ownership and commitment to the project.
The community requesting a large number of seed bags to support their nursery bed initiatives.
On 10th August 2024, the second nursery bed was launched. Guests from KFS, Cooperative Bank, the County governments of Nakuru and Kericho, and various PBOs attended the event to witness the power of integrating mental health software service (MHSS). The event began with a tree planting ceremony.
The Kenya Forest Service Manager for Londiani Forest has confirmed the positive impact and achievements of NAAA's involvement in the conservation movement. Due to NAAA's strategies, 9 nursery beds have been revived.
The manager emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to conservation, focusing on both nature and human well-being. He highlighted the need to shift away from a narrow humanitarian perspective and prioritize planting trees and taking action.
The County Government of Nakuru is now adopting the MHSS strategy used in NAAA's project. The positive progress made so far is a testament to the effectiveness of the approach and the dedication of all involved.