resOURCE

About our resource pillar

At CER-Kenya, we aim to empower communities to restore Kenya’s ecosystems. Our resource pillar provides essential tools and knowledge to drive impactful restoration efforts. We improve access to high-quality seeds and seedlings, vital for rejuvenating our landscapes. We ensure a sustainable supply chain that supports thriving ecosystems by involving communities in the collection, processing, and distribution processes.

01 impact

Quality and sustainability:

We strengthen community seed collection networks by creating training modules, identifying key Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and conducting training sessions for selected seed collectors.

Community empowerment:

We strengthen community seed collection networks by creating training modules, identifying key Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and conducting training sessions for selected seed collectors.

Knowledge sharing:

We strengthen community seed collection networks by creating training modules, identifying key Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and conducting training sessions for selected seed collectors.

Education and Engagement:

We strengthen community seed collection networks by creating training modules, identifying key Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and conducting training sessions for selected seed collectors.

02 sEED BANK

At our Seed Bank, we specialise in providing a diverse selection of native seeds; sowing the roots of sustainability and nurturing the growth of resilient ecosystems and thriving communities.

Our seed bank, donated by Terraformation Projects, currently holds:

2.2 M seeds

of 87 accessions

Why is it important

Seed Supply

Resilience

Rapid response to disasters

Preservation

03 Seed collection network

Our diverse seed collections come from over 140 community seed collector networks across the Highland and Savanna ecosystems

Our seeds are processed and tested for germination, purity and thousand seed weight (TSW) and stored at controlled temperature and humidity to enhance longevity.

Community roles in germplasm processing

Community members distribute germplasm by organising seed networks and leading planting initiatives to restore ecosystems. They monitor growth, conduct site visits, and perform maintenance tasks like weeding and protection. This involvement promotes community ownership, enhances ecological awareness, and ensures the long-term success of restoration projects

Capacity building

Community members are trained to identify, collect, and document seeds from native plant species.

Responsibilities:

Identifying and mapping seed collection sites.
Collecting seeds at the right maturity stage to ensure viability.
Recording data on seed provenance, such as location and date of seed collection.

Benefits: Provides employment opportunities and empowers communities with knowledge about native flora.

Traditional Knowledge Holders:

Community elders and traditional knowledge holders provide insights into local plant species, their uses, and optimal collection times.

Responsibilities:

Sharing traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to guide sustainable harvesting practices.
Identifying rare or culturally significant species for conservation.

Benefits: Preserves and integrates traditional knowledge into scientific practices, enhancing cultural heritage.

Additional benefits of community engagement

Community engagement in germplasm projects offers significant benefits: it creates economic opportunities through job creation, enhances skills and knowledge in conservation and sustainable practices, strengthens social cohesion by fostering collaboration, and builds resilience by empowering communities to adapt to environmental changes and contribute to ecosystem resilience.