In the drylands of Kipsing, Isiolo County, climate change and prolonged droughts have taken a heavy toll on pastoralist life. Key indigenous trees and medicinal plants—vital for ecosystem health, traditional healing, and cultural ceremonies—have begun disappearing from local landscapes.
To confront this challenge, the Samburu Women Trust allocated 10 acres of land to establish the Naramat Indigenous Women’s Arboretum, creating a sanctuary for land restoration, traditional knowledge, and community resilience.
A Sanctuary for Indigenous Seed Banks and Herbal Medicine
For centuries, indigenous plant species like Lkiloriti (Acacia Nilotica)have provided crucial solutions for pastoralist communities:
• Natural Medicine: Bark and seeds serve as vital treatments for digestive issues, coughs, and overall wellness.
• Ecosystem Balance: Canopy shade protects soil moisture and livestock, while seasonal flowers support native bee populations and honey production.
• Cultural Traditions: Essential plants supply materials needed for rites of passage, house building, and community ceremonies.
By establishing nurseries, seed banks, and agroecology demonstration sites, the Arboretum ensures that endangered indigenous plants are conserved and replanted across degraded landscapes.
A Nomadic School and Hub for Knowledge Transfer
The Arboretum serves as more than just a conservation site—it is a living classroom.
Through an intergenerational exchange, village Elders gather to pass down deep-rooted traditional ecological knowledge to younger women, youth, and researchers. From sustainable land management and native seed propagation to kitchen gardening and nature-based enterprises, women are taking the lead in climate adaptation.
By blending traditional wisdom with practical climate resilience, the Naramat Indigenous Women Arboretum continues to restore hope, safeguard biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.