Speaker
Description
Mining has long been a vital economic activity in the Kimwarer-Fluorspar region of Elgeyo Marakwet County. For years, fluorspar mining made Kimwarer a lively business town, offering jobs and attracting trade and services that sustained the local economy. However, this economic boost came with significant environmental consequences. Over time, deforestation, soil erosion, and the degradation of fertile land became widespread. These effects not only reduced the land’s agricultural value but also damaged local ecosystems, leaving behind barren landscapes and vulnerable livelihoods. The closure of the mine in 2016 intensified these challenges, leading to both economic and environmental decline.
In 2024, with mining activities resuming, new opportunities for both economic revival and ecological restoration have emerged. This youth-led initiative proposes the integration of climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable land management in tandem with ongoing mining activities. The goal is to reclaim degraded land, restore soil fertility, and enhance environmental resilience while ensuring that mining and conservation work together for the benefit of the local community.
Methods: Field visit to Kimwarer Fluorspar mine on 20th Feb 2025, interviews with local community members and analysis of secondary data were used to gather insights for this research.
Findings: Findings show mining has degraded land and reduced agricultural value. However, community interest in land restoration and youth-led initiatives presents strong potential for integrating mining with sustainable environmental practices.
Conclusion: Mining and environmental restoration can coexist. With youth-led initiatives, Kimwarer’s revival offers a chance to restore degraded land, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable development aligned with climate action goals.
