Indigenous Women's Arboretum Namarat: A Beacon of Hope in Kenya's Isiolo County
In the heart of Kenya's Isiolo County, the Indigenous Women's Arboretum Namarat has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Samburu and Turkana communities. This unique initiative, established on a 10-acre plot donated by the Samburu Women Trust (SWT), focuses on the conservation of indigenous plants, empowerment of women, community education, and ecosystem sustainability. Recently, it received a significant boost with a grant from the Earth Guardians Fund in 2024.
The arboretum's primary goal is to preserve and promote the use of native medicinal plants like Acacia nilotica (Lkiloriti) and Acacia tortilis (Ntepes), which hold immense cultural and practical significance for the Samburu communities. Acacia nilotica, for instance, is used to treat a wide range of ailments including diabetes, ulcers, wounds, cough, asthma, and hypertension, while also providing nutrients to livestock and bees. Acacia tortilis, on the other hand, offers shade, food, and medicine for livestock, and its wood is used for building and crafting, additionally helping to combat desertification.
The arboretum serves as a center for Indigenous Women, where they preserve native seeds and medicinal plants, and restore land and biodiversity. It also functions as a nomadic school, teaching traditional knowledge and cultural practices to women, thereby strengthening their resilience to climate change. This initiative has become increasingly vital due to the severe drought and floods that have devastated the region over the past three years, leading to the loss of over 95% of the communities' livestock and the demolition of their homes.
The Indigenous Women's Arboretum Namarat, with its focus on preserving native plants and empowering women, is more than just a response to the current crisis; it is a symbol of hope and resilience for the future. With the support of the Earth Guardians Fund and the Samburu Women Trust, the arboretum continues to serve as a lifeline for the Samburu and Turkana communities, providing not only sustenance and medicine but also a sense of cultural identity and community pride.
