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Bee Keeping
Eco-Tourism Activities
Eco-tourism is one of the main focuses of MACODEV's sustainable development initiatives. The organization promotes eco-tourism as a way to preserve the environment and promote economic growth for the local communities. MACODEV organizes nature walks, showcasing traditional honey harvesting, bird watching, and cultural visits that showcase the local Ogiek community's way of life.
These activities offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the region while supporting local communities. MACODEV ensures that these activities are carried out sustainably to protect the environment and minimize any negative impact on the ecosystem.
Community Guest House
MACODEV operates a guest house located in Mariashoni, Elburgon with a capacity of 5 rooms. Each room has two double deckers, which can accommodate up to four people per room.
The guest house is designed to offer comfortable and affordable accommodation to visitors who come to the region for various reasons such as business, eco-tourism, or cultural tours. The guest house is equipped with modern amenities and a communal kitchen for self-catering.
Our staff is friendly and welcoming, ensuring that guests feel at home during their stay.
Community Empowerment
Community empowerment is one of the main objectives of MACODEV CBO. The organization aims to promote growth and development in the region by empowering the communities in various ways. One of the ways is through crude honey buying and marketing it as a final product. This initiative not only generates income for the communities but also provides them with an opportunity to learn about the value chain of honey production.
In addition, MACODEV CBO also provides training to the community in the bee hive and traditional weaving. These skills are essential in creating alternative livelihoods and improving the economic status of the communities.
The organization also equips the group members with hives, which enables them to start their own beekeeping businesses and improve their income levels. By empowering the community, MACODEV CBO contributes to the growth and development of the region, making it a better place for everyone.
SoGoot FM Radio
Sogoot FM Radio is a community radio station operated by MACODEV that serves as a vital source of information and education for the local community. The station provides a platform for advertisement, enabling businesses and organizations to reach a wider audience.
It also focuses on providing educational programs that promote community development, such as health education, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship.
Sogoot FM Radio serves as a powerful tool for community mobilization and empowerment, as it keeps the community informed on important issues and events, and encourages active participation in local decision-making processes.
Environmental Conservation
MACODEV CBO is committed to promoting environmental conservation in the region through various initiatives. One of the key areas of focus is sustainable farming practices that help to prevent soil erosion and protect the soil from degradation. This is achieved through educating farmers on the importance of crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming practices.
In addition, MACODEV CBO encourages beekeeping practices as an environmentally friendly activity that helps to promote biodiversity and conserve the natural habitat of bees. Beekeeping also helps to promote the pollination of crops, leading to better yields and a healthier ecosystem.
MACODEV CBO also promotes the conservation of natural resources such as water and forests. The organization works with communities to sensitize them on the importance of responsible use of natural resources and to adopt practices that help to conserve the environment.
Overall, MACODEV CBO recognizes the importance of environmental conservation in achieving sustainable development in the region and is committed to promoting practices that help to conserve the environment for the benefit of current and future generations.
Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All
Terra Madre is an international event that celebrates local food traditions and sustainable food systems. MACODEV, being a community-based organization that promotes eco-farming, participates in this event by showcasing traditional Ogiek foods.
These dishes not only celebrate the rich food culture of the Ogiek community but also promote the use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Macodev Ogiek Members Showcase Honey Products on World Bee Day 2024
Macodev Ogiek members proudly displayed their honey products during the World Bee Day celebrations in May 2024, held at Ildamat Stadium in Kajiado County. The event highlighted the Ogiek community's deep-rooted tradition of beekeeping, showcasing their expertise and the exceptional quality of their honey. Attendees were treated to a variety of honey-based products, each representing the Ogiek's sustainable practices and dedication to preserving their natural environment. This celebration not only underscored the importance of bees in biodiversity but also recognized the cultural heritage and innovative efforts of the Macodev Ogiek in the realm of apiculture.
Strengthening Geographical Indication and Economic Partnerships in Kenya
Ambassador from France, H.E. Excellency ARNAUD SUQUET, visited Mariashoni accompanied by different organizations, including CIRAD and ICIPE. The ambassador came to launch the honey project and to give value to the honey produced by the Mariashoni Community Development (Macodev) and the Ogiek Community.
The idea is to create value addition to the forest, particularly through a mechanism called "Geographical Indication," which enables branding of products based on their origin.
France is very keen to develop partnerships with Kenya and the community, potentially helping to create a market here in Kenya and in Europe. The ambassador spoke yesterday after visiting Kiptunga Forest for a demonstration on how to harvest honey.
Strengthening Geographical Indication and Economic Partnerships in Kenya
The chairman of Macodev, along with one of his members, demonstrates how the Ogiek community lights a fire by rubbing two sticks for smoking bees when harvesting honey in their culture, in the presence of His Excellency the French Ambassador (Arnaud Suquet), who visited them.
Macodev's Meeting with Gaporowo Beekeepers
Macodev officials met with Gaporowo beekeepers from Nessuit ward to plan for the upcoming GI Project. Together, they talked about how to make the project successful. Everyone was excited and had ideas to share. They worked together to make plans for the project. They wanted to make sure it helps the environment and makes money too. By working as a team, they hoped to achieve great things for Nessuit ward.
Sogoot FM Joins Global Call to End Impunity Against Journalists
On November 1, 2024, Sogoot FM's Manager, Mr. Steve Lelei, attended the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists event held at Sarova Woodlands Hotel, Nakuru. This significant gathering brought together media professionals, advocates, and policymakers to address the pressing need for protecting journalists and ensuring justice for crimes committed against them. Representing Sogoot FM, Mr. Lelei reaffirmed the station’s commitment to supporting a free, fair, and safe environment for journalism.