Reviving Maragoli Hills – Environmental Restoration and Community Engagement

Maragoli Hills, situated at the unofficial boundary between Kisumu and Vihiga County in Kenya, are a significant natural and cultural landmark.

Known for their panoramic scenic views, bird watching adventures, and hiking opportunities, they are located adjacent to the Mungoma caves and offer views of Nandi Hills, Miwani Plains, Ndere, and Maboko Islands on Lake Victoria (Visit Kisumu).

This region, part of Vihiga County, is hilly and enjoys a fair climate, with great potential for domestic and international tourism, including forests, hills, and heritage areas (Enzogu Gardens).

However, the hills have been deteriorating since the early 1990s, prompting urgent revival efforts under the “Protect Our Hills” project.

Deterioration of Maragoli Hills: Causes and Extent

Research indicates that Maragoli Hills have suffered from massive deforestation and degradation, starting in the mid-1970s and intensifying in the 1990s, leaving the forest a pale shadow of its former self (All Africa).

The primary causes include:

Agriculture and Timber Harvesting: Clearing land for farming and timber for construction and fuel has significantly reduced forest cover. A research paper highlights that deforestation in Maragoli Hills is driven by clearing for agriculture, with small land holdings exacerbating the issue (Essay Kitchen).

Charcoal Burning: The demand for charcoal, especially in a region where 90% of the population depends on wood for fuel, has led to extensive tree felling (Wikipedia).

Encroachment and Land Use Changes: Expansion of human settlements and agricultural activities has encroached upon the 1,000-acre forest, with communities historically blamed for invading the forest for firewood, herbal medicine, and fruits (The Standard).

Local Community Activities: Activities such as chasing away dangerous animals and collecting resources have contributed to degradation, with the forest area covering 369.1 hectares (922.75 acres) now significantly degraded (Essay Kitchen).

The extent of deforestation is notable, with historical forest cover in Kenya dropping from 10% in 1963 to 1.7% by 2006, and Maragoli Hills reflecting this trend with shrubs, scattered trees, and rocky hills as key features today (Nation). About 20 streams emanating from the foot of the forest have dried up, affecting water availability (All Africa).

Impacts on Environment, Economy, and Community

The deterioration has had profound impacts:

Water Scarcity: The drying up of streams has affected water catchment, crucial for agriculture and human use, with the forest historically serving as a water tower in the Western region (All Africa).

Biodiversity Loss: Reduced forest cover has led to a decline in flora and fauna, disrupting the local ecosystem, which is vital for bird watching and ecotourism (Visit Kisumu).

Soil Erosion: Deforested areas are prone to erosion, leading to loss of fertile topsoil and increased sedimentation in water bodies, further degrading the landscape (The Star).

Climate Change Contribution: Deforestation contributes to increased CO2 emissions, exacerbating global warming and altering local climate patterns, with an estimated economic loss of US$300 million annually for Kenya due to impacts on tourism, tea, and energy sectors (Essay Kitchen).

Community Impact: The degradation negatively affects local livelihoods, with residents facing food security challenges and potential eviction fears, especially given land rights issues where the forest is designated as trust land under the Kenya Forest Service (Mulembe Online).

Current Revival Efforts: Projects and Initiatives

Efforts to revive Maragoli Hills are multifaceted, involving government, community, and environmental organizations:

Reforestation Programs: The national government, in partnership with Vihiga County, has embarked on ambitious reforestation, with recent initiatives including planting 13,000 trees in May 2024 and targeting 2.3 million trees annually for ten years to mitigate climate change effects (Kenya News Agency).

In 2022, 100,000 tree seedlings were planted, aiming to reclaim over 150 hectares (The Star). The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority committed to planting 30,000 trees in October 2023 as part of national reforestation goals (KCAA).

Community Involvement: Locals are increasingly integral to restoration, with the Community Forest Association (CFA) and groups like Climate Change Advocates partnering in tree planting (The Standard).

However, challenges include locals uprooting seedlings due to fears of eviction and lack of title deeds, with 100 families living in the forest for over 50 years seeking legal recognition (Nation).

Alternative Livelihoods: Plans are underway to set up a honey refinery and develop ecotourism jobs, providing sustainable income while promoting conservation, with the State Department of Forestry appreciating community efforts (Kenya News Agency).

The Energy PS has also donated clean cooking jikos to reduce firewood dependence, mitigating deforestation (The Star).

Land Rights Resolution: Discussions continue to address land tenure, with the forest designated as trust land, raising concerns among indigenous residents about potential forceful evictions, as voiced by CFA Chair Caleb Adembesa Malongo (Mulembe Online).

Action Plan for Further Revival: Detailed Strategies

To ensure the long-term revival of Maragoli Hills, a comprehensive action plan is essential:

Strategy	Details
Sustained Reforestation	Continue planting indigenous trees, targeting 200 hectares for restoration, focusing on water-friendly species like bamboos and pines ( KBC ).
Strengthen Community Participation	Develop programs to empower locals, provide training for sustainable practices, and ensure their involvement in monitoring and management, addressing title deed concerns.
Enhance Enforcement	Increase patrols by Kenya Forest Service to prevent illegal logging and charcoal burning, with public participation to agree on removing non-friendly trees ( The Star ).
Promote Sustainable Agriculture	Encourage agroforestry and organic farming to reduce pressure on forest lands, supporting food security and environmental health.
Research and Monitoring	Conduct regular assessments using GIS and GPS to monitor forest health, with data informing future actions, as seen in similar studies ( Essay Kitchen ).
Public Awareness and Education	Launch campaigns to educate locals and nationals on the importance of Maragoli Hills, encouraging tree planting during special events and promoting environmental conservation ( Kenya News Agency ).

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The revival of Maragoli Hills is not merely an environmental imperative but also a social and economic necessity, given its role as a water tower and tourism asset.

Current efforts, while promising, face challenges like land rights disputes and community resistance, requiring a balanced approach that respects indigenous rights and promotes sustainable development.

As of March 25, 2025, ongoing projects like the honey refinery and ecotourism development offer hope, but sustained action is crucial to restore the hills to their former state, ensuring benefits for current and future generations.