Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA)

The unity, passion, and hope shared today showed just how much the community cares about its land — and its Hirola. Together, we're building a future where people and wildlife thrive side by side.

overgrazing, insecurity, and increasing trade. By the end of the meeting, participants committed to action: -Establishing community-managed grazing zones -Reseeding and restoring degraded rangelands -Running anti-poaching campaigns -Forming local wildlife monitoring groups.

🌿 A Powerful Day for Hirola Conservation in Bura East! 📅 20th November 2025 – Fafi, Garissa County GSA spent the day with 40 dedicated participants, board members, rangers, local administration, and community representatives, exploring how natural resources are used,

Final Day in Mandera – Closing a Powerful Chapter 🌿📘 On our final day of project implementation in Mandera County, training sessions focused on value chain addition and agribusiness models—equipping farmers with knowledge on how to turn raw products into market-ready goods that fetch higher income. From improved packaging and branding to small-scale processing, participants explored practical ways to increase the value of what they already produce. To honor the dedication and time invested, we held a certificate awarding ceremony, recognizing each participant for their active role in the training. To make the day even more meaningful, we ended with a tree planting session, symbolizing long-term growth and our shared responsibility to nurture the environment for future generations. This marks the successful completion of output 1 & 2 of our three-part project “Improving Tenure Security and Sustainable Development in ASAL Areas of Kenya” across the four counties of Garissa, Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera. We are deeply grateful to every community member, local partner, and leader who walked this journey with us. We look forward to seeing the impact of this work continue to grow through the communities we’ve partnered with.

Day 2 – Greener Homes, Stronger Livelihoods | Lafey Sub-County, Mandera 🌾 Day 2 of our training in Lafey, Mandera County focused on practical, community-led solutions for building climate resilience in dryland areas. The day’s sessions covered: 🏡 House Greening & Wastewater Management – showing how simple practices like kitchen gardens, shade planting, and greywater reuse can improve food security and home environments even in arid conditions. 🌱 Drought-Resistant Crops & Livestock Breeds – introducing varieties that can thrive in Mandera’s climate, offering better yields, nutrition, and economic returns with less water. Participants engaged actively, asking questions about crop suitability, local availability, and how to scale these practices at household and community levels. The conversations highlighted both hope and urgency—a desire to shift toward sustainable practices, even as communities face climate stress. We’re proud of the curiosity and commitment shown by the people of Lafey. Onward to Day 3!

Day 1 – Mandera County (Lafey Sub-County) | Final Leg of Our ASAL Journey 🌍 After impactful engagements in Garissa, Isiolo, and Wajir, we’ve now reached the final county in our project: Mandera County, Lafey Sub-County. Under the project “Improving Tenure Security and Sustainable Development in ASAL Areas of Kenya,” we officially kicked off our training sessions with a strong start. The day began with a warm welcome and introduction of the project’s goals. The training session focused on Water Conservation and Harvesting Techniques—a particularly relevant topic for Lafey’s arid environment. Discussions centered around: 💧 Efficient water use strategies 🌧️ Rainwater harvesting methods 🚿 Household-level conservation practices After the foundation was set, participants were divided into five groups for focused discussions. Each group reflected on their existing water practices, the challenges they face, and shared local innovations already being used to survive increasingly dry seasons. The engagement was highly interactive, with participants asking insightful questions and offering real-life examples from their homes, farms, and schools. What stood out was the shared sense of urgency to adopt more sustainable practices—not just for today, but for future generations. Day 1 was a success, marked by energy, openness, and a strong desire to learn and adapt. We’re excited to see what the coming days will bring as we walk this final stretch with the people of Mandera.

Closing in Wajir with Roots of Hope Our 3-day climate action training in Wajir culminated in a meaningful tree planting session at Aisha Madarasa Education Centre, where the Global Sustainability Alliance Kenya team joined hands with teachers and students. The joy and energy from the children as we planted a variety of fruit trees were infectious. We were proud to be part of something that will grow with them: offering shade, sustenance, and a symbol of shared responsibility for the planet. Mr. Evans Masese captured the essence of our mission when he said, “The future belongs to them, we are only custodians. It’s our duty to ensure they inherit a world where they can thrive, not just survive.” A heartfelt thank you to everyone who journeyed with us. Together, we didn’t just plant trees, we planted purpose, partnership, and hope.

Final Day in Wajir: Turning Ideas into Income. We concluded our training in Ibrahim Ure Ward, Wajir County on a high note with an engaging and impactful session on Value Addition, led by Mr. Evans Masese. It proved to be the most popular topic, sparking lively discussions, thoughtful questions, and genuine excitement among participants. From turning fresh milk into yoghurt, doubling or even tripling its value to the power of smart packaging, labeling, and presentation, the session highlighted just how ready and eager local producers are to unlock new income opportunities. Participants brainstormed creative ways to apply these lessons across various sectors from dairy and honey to local crafts and more. The passion to learn and innovate was evident in every conversation. We wrapped up with a certificate awarding ceremony, celebrating the commitment, curiosity, and drive of every participant over the past three days. Their enthusiasm made this journey memorable. As we leave Wajir, we carry with us deep admiration for a community determined to grow, uplift each other, and build a better future: one idea at a time.

After concluding a successful program in Isiolo, our @GSAKenya (GSA) team arrived in Ibrahim Ure Ward, Wajir County, to begin the next chapter of our initiative: “Improving Tenure Security and Sustainable Development in ASAL Areas of Kenya.” The team, led by Ms. Lynn Kandie, reaffirmed GSA’s mission and our commitment to delivering practical, inclusive, and community-driven solutions tailored to the unique realities of ASAL regions. The team was honoured to pay a courtesy call on Deputy Governor of Wajir County @HEamcaato, who warmly welcomed them and expressed strong support for our work. He emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration between county governments and development partners to address urgent environmental and socio-economic challenges. We look forward to meaningful engagement and impact in Wajir in the days ahead.

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮: 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 🌿 We began Day 2 with a brief recap on water and soil conservation, reinforcing key lessons from yesterday’s discussions. Ms. Lynn Kandie introduced the day’s focus: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, highlighting practical strategies like sustainable land use, drought-resistant crops, and green living tailored for ASAL communities. Mr. Evans Masese localized the topic, emphasizing Wajir’s unique environmental needs such as maximizing limited rainfall and reducing dependence on charcoal. This led to an honest exchange on challenges like water scarcity and limited income options, and sparked practical solution-sharing among participants. In the afternoon, we visited participants’ farms. Despite the harsh climate, we saw crops like maize, sugarcane, wheat, and local vegetables thriving through innovative irrigation and traditional techniques that conserve soil moisture. What stood out was the rich local knowledge. The exchange between our team and the farmers was not only insightful—it was inspiring. It reminded us that adaptation is mutual, grounded in respect and shared experience. We are encouraged by the resilience we have seen and look forward to what comes next.

Day 1 – Building Sustainable Futures in Wajir County 🌿 Following the successful completion of our program in Isiolo, the Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA) team arrived in Ibrahim Ure Ward, Wajir County, to launch the next phase of the project “Improving Tenure Security and Sustainable Development in ASAL Areas of Kenya.” We began the day with an inspiring introduction from Ms. Lynn Kandie, who reaffirmed GSA’s mission and outlined our commitment to empowering ASAL communities through inclusive, practical, and locally led solutions. Mr. Evans Masese then facilitated the first training session, focusing on Water and Soil Conservation - topics of critical importance in a region like Wajir, where environmental challenges are both acute and evolving. Participants were organized into five discussion groups to share indigenous knowledge and local practices on water harvesting, soil management, and ecosystem resilience. The presentations that followed sparked lively and insightful exchanges. Mr. Masese skillfully wove participants' experiences into the technical content, creating a training environment that was both informative and deeply relevant. In the afternoon, the GSA team had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Wajir County, H.E. Ahmed Muhumed Abdi. He warmly welcomed us to the county and commended GSA’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of deepening collaboration between local government and development partners to tackle the county’s pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Day 1 set a strong foundation, marked by enthusiastic engagement, mutual learning, and a shared vision for sustainable change. We look forward to the days ahead as we continue to learn and grow together with the Wajir community.

Closing with Growth 🌱 | Final Day in Kina Ward, Isiolo County As we conclude our activities in Kina Ward, I am filled with pride and gratitude. Our final day was marked by a deeply symbolic and impactful tree planting exercise at Algani Girls Primary School, an initiative led by @GSAKenya that not only promotes environmental stewardship but also reflects the spirit of growth we have nurtured throughout this journey. Together with 15 dedicated local farmers, we planted a variety of fruit seedlings: mango, guava, avocado, lemon, tamarind, and custard apple. Each species was thoughtfully chosen for its nutritional value, economic potential, and long-term environmental benefits. The exercise was also an opportunity to equip our farmers with practical knowledge. They received hands-on training in effective planting methods, including the essential soil-to-fertilizer ratio of 1:3, which ensures healthy root development and greater tree resilience. This was more than just a tree planting, it was the sowing of values: knowledge, unity, and shared responsibility. As these trees take root and begin to flourish, so too does our collective hope for a greener, more food-secure, and empowered Kina Ward. On behalf of GSA, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this week a success.

Closing with Growth 🌱 | Final Day in Kinna Ward, Isiolo County. We wrapped up our final day in Kinna Ward with a meaningful tree planting activity at Algani Girls Primary School—an effort that symbolized not just environmental care, but the growth we have cultivated together throughout the week. Alongside 15 dedicated local farmers, we planted a diverse range of fruit seedlings: mango, guava, avocado, lemon, tamarind, and custard apple. Each was carefully selected for its nutritional benefits, economic potential, and contribution to long-term environmental sustainability. The farmers also received hands-on training in proper planting techniques, including the recommended soil-to-fertilizer mixing ratio of 1 part fertilizer to 3 parts soil—a crucial step for healthy root development and tree resilience. More than a planting session, this was a planting of values—knowledge, unity, and shared responsibility. As these trees take root, so too does our collective hope for a greener, more food-secure, and empowered future for Kinna.

🌿 Day 3 – Wrapping Up in Kina Ward, Isiolo County 🌿 After three powerful days of training, learning, and community connection, our journey in Kina comes to a meaningful close. Today’s highlights: ✅ Value Chain & Agribusiness Models – Diversification & profit strategies ✅ Market Access & Financial Management – Smart pricing, saving & budgeting ✅ Record Keeping – A powerful, honest session on building business discipline Participants openly acknowledged challenges with record keeping, leading to a rich, eye-opening discussion on why it matters. To sustain the impact, we’ve formed a 15-member Environmental Committee drawn from all 5 groups. They'll lead community nursery management & local environmental efforts. 🌱 We closed with a joyful certificate ceremony, celebrating commitment, growth, and shared purpose. Thank you, Kina Ward! Together, we planted seeds of sustainability, and the journey doesn’t end here. 💚 #SustainabilityInAction #Isiolo #ClimateAction

🌿 GSA Kenya | Day 2: Kina Ward, Isiolo County 🌍 Theme: Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation We kicked off Day 2 with a thoughtful recap, as participants reflected on key takeaways from Day 1. Programme Manager Ms. Lynn Kandie introduced the day's central theme: Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation, with a focus on green living and homegrown solutions. Mr. Evans Masese led an insightful session on Community-Led Environmental Initiatives, including practical topics like house greening and waste management. One of the most moving parts of the day came during one-on-one conversations. Community members openly shared the difficult choices they face, particularly the dependence on charcoal production for income, despite the environmental harm it causes. Their questions were bold, honest, and rooted in hope: What alternatives can provide both livelihood and environmental protection? We were also inspired by the powerful local initiatives already shaping change in Kinna, such as: ✅ Kina Green Ambassadors ✅ Bashbash Cultural Center ✅ Kina Irrigation Scheme ✅ Ardha Jabesa ✅ Kina Youth Empowerment Program … and many more working tirelessly for sustainable development. We are humbled by the trust, vulnerability, and wisdom shared throughout the day. The dialogue is deepening and so is the community’s resolve. On to Day 3! #GSAKenya #SustainabilityInAction #ClimateAdaptation #IsioloCounty