Nestled in the heart of Homa Bay County in southwestern Kenya, just eight kilometers from Lake Victoria—the world’s second-largest freshwater lake—lies a thriving ecological gem known as Munglu Eco-Village. This expansive sanctuary, named after the endangered hedgehog (referred to as “Munglu” in the local Luo language), is an inspiring example of how grassroots community efforts can merge traditional knowledge with modern practices to combat climate change, restore biodiversity, and create sustainable livelihoods.
A Vision Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The brainchild of environmentalist Brian Omondi Omollo, Munglu Eco-Village embodies a deep commitment to agroecology, conservation, and community resilience. Founded on 11 acres of land in 1999, the village has since grown to encompass over 100 acres of mixed indigenous forests, pastureland, and organic farms. Omollo’s initial vision was sparked by his observations of environmental degradation in the region, as evidenced by satellite imagery over the years. Forests were vanishing, and with them, the herbs and plants that played a vital role in traditional medicine and cultural rituals.
“In my lifetime, I saw the environment deteriorating before my eyes,” Omollo recalls. “Lands that once supported vibrant ecosystems were turning barren. The forests, which were once our pharmacies and sacred spaces, were disappearing.”
Omollo’s response was to create a haven where nature could heal, and people could learn how to live in harmony with their environment. Munglu Eco-Village stands as a model for sustainable living and community-led environmental stewardship in the face of climate change—a challenge that has severely affected regions like Homa Bay County, where deforestation, unpredictable weather patterns, and loss of biodiversity are commonplace.
Agroecology: The Heart of Sustainability
At the core of Munglu Eco-Village’s mission is agroecology—a form of agriculture that works with nature rather than against it. Agroecology emphasizes sustainable farming practices that enhance biodiversity, conserve water, and improve soil health, ensuring that agricultural activities not only yield food but also regenerate the ecosystems in which they occur.
Munglu Eco-Village has introduced innovative techniques that integrate organic farming with natural resource management. The villagers practice intercropping, where diverse crops such as cassava, maize, and legumes are grown together, maximizing the use of available space while enhancing soil fertility. These crops are rotated to preserve soil health, a traditional farming practice that has long been used by indigenous communities in the region.
Additionally, the eco-village’s inhabitants cultivate herbs like sage, mint, and rosemary, not just for their own consumption but also as a means of generating income. These herbs, known for their medicinal and culinary uses, offer a sustainable way for the community to benefit economically while preserving biodiversity. Coconut and Ashoka trees are also grown to promote agroforestry, providing the village with additional income from the sale of fruits and seedlings.
Restoring Indigenous Forests
Perhaps the most striking feature of Munglu Eco-Village is its dedication to restoring indigenous forests. Initially, the project focused on planting Grevillea and Eucalyptus trees, but it soon became apparent that these exotic species were incompatible with the local environment. Eucalyptus, in particular, proved problematic as it attracted termites and depleted the soil’s nutrients. This realization led to a shift in focus toward planting indigenous species, which are better suited to the region’s ecology.
Today, Munglu Eco-Village’s reforestation efforts are centered on the natural regeneration of trees such as acacia and other native species. Natural regeneration is encouraged in areas where it is slow, allowing the ecosystem to heal itself over time. The village’s forests have grown into a thriving habitat for birds, small mammals, and insects, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports biodiversity while also sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
The forest is also a sanctuary for traditional medicinal plants, many of which had become rare due to deforestation. By protecting these plants, Munglu Eco-Village preserves both the natural heritage and the cultural knowledge of the Luo people, who have long used these species for healing and spiritual practices.
A Model of Climate Resilience
Kenya, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent droughts have strained the country’s agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the economy. Initiatives like Munglu Eco-Village offer a promising path forward, demonstrating that agroecology can play a critical role in enhancing food security, conserving biodiversity, and building resilience against climate shocks.
The Eco-Village’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond farming and forestry. It has become an off-grid community, relying on solar energy and biogas for its power needs. Solar panels provide electricity for lighting, while biogas is used for cooking and heating. The village’s cottages, which are solar-powered, offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience sustainable living firsthand, attracting ecotourists who are eager to learn about conservation and climate resilience.
Water management is another key component of Munglu’s climate resilience strategy. The village harvests rainwater, which is stored in tanks for year-round use. Wastewater from the cottages is repurposed to irrigate the farms, ensuring that no resource is wasted. This integrated approach to water management helps the village remain productive even during periods of drought.
Economic Empowerment through Ecotourism
As Munglu Eco-Village has grown, so too has its impact on the local economy. What began as a small conservation initiative has evolved into a thriving eco-resort, offering employment opportunities for local residents and generating income through ecotourism. Visitors to the village can stay in solar-powered cottages, enjoy guided tours of the indigenous forests, and participate in workshops on organic farming and conservation.
The eco-village also produces and sells lemongrass, which is used for beverages, animal fodder, and essential oil production. The cultivation of lemongrass serves a dual purpose: it generates income for the village while also attracting bees to colonize hives, supporting local biodiversity and honey production.
Despite its successes, Munglu Eco-Village has faced challenges, particularly in its efforts to establish a wildlife conservancy. The Kenya Wildlife Service’s stringent requirements have made it difficult for the village to secure the necessary permits to protect endangered species in the area. Nevertheless, Omollo remains optimistic that the eco-village’s model can be replicated in other parts of the country.
A National Commitment to Conservation
Munglu Eco-Village’s efforts are part of a broader movement in Kenya to address environmental degradation and climate change. During this year’s Mazingira Day, thousands of Kenyans across the country participated in tree-planting initiatives, demonstrating a growing national commitment to conservation. With only 6.1% of Kenya’s land currently under forest cover, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), grassroots initiatives like Munglu are crucial for reversing deforestation and restoring the country’s ecosystems.
Kenya’s embrace of eco-villages as a tool for climate resilience aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development both emphasize the importance of community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Munglu Eco-Village stands as a shining example of how local action can contribute to global sustainability goals, offering hope for a future in which people and nature coexist in harmony.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Living
Munglu Eco-Village is more than just an environmental conservation project—it is a living model of sustainability, climate resilience, and community empowerment. Through its integrated approach to agroecology, reforestation, renewable energy, and ecotourism, the village has created a thriving ecosystem that supports both people and nature. As Kenya—and the world—grapples with the realities of climate change, Munglu offers a blueprint for how communities can take charge of their own futures, building a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
