Kenya Association of Forest Users1 Kenya Association of Forest Users

Kenya Association of Forest Users2 What it is Kenya Association of Forest Users is an umbrella membership organization bringing together stakeholders working in sustainable production, utilization, certification and marketing of forest and tree products

Kenya Association of Forest Users3 KAFU’s History KAFU’s History –A Case study on the dynamics of non –timber forest products (NTFPs) in Kenya was carried out by Forest Action Network in 1996 –An inventory of NTFPs, conservation and organic products was carried out by FAN in April 1998 –A workshop on “Unlocking Trade Opportunities for NTFPs, Conservation and organic products in Kenya was held in June 1998 at Egerton University, Njoro –KAFU was registered under the Society’s Act of Kenya in March 2001

Kenya Association of Forest Users4 Why KAFU was Established Why KAFU was Established KAFU was established because of the absence, in Kenya, of an umbrella organization that could bring together all stakeholders working towards sustainable agriculture, land and forest use to address issues related to quality, pricing and marketing on a continuous basis

Kenya Association of Forest Users5 Vision Vision KAFU looks forward to an enlightened and prosperous society that manages its forest and tree resources sustainably

Kenya Association of Forest Users6 Mission Mission The mission of KAFU is to provide a forum for sustainable production, utilization, certification and marketing of forest and tree products in Kenya through capacity building, information and experience sharing, and policy advocacy

Kenya Association of Forest Users7 Core Programmes Core Programmes Information and experience sharing; Institutional Development; Policy advocacy

Kenya Association of Forest Users8 Objectives Objectives –To build and strengthen the institutional framework of KAFU to achieve its mission –To establish an information centre for sustainable production, utilization, certification and marketing of forest and tree products

Kenya Association of Forest Users9 Objectives Continues Objectives Continues –To establish a forum for information and experience sharing among stakeholders working towards sustainable production, utilization, certification and marketing of forest and tree products –To promote the formulation and implementation of policies and legislation that enable stakeholders to effectively participate in sustainable production, utilization, certification and marketing of forest and tree products

Kenya Association of Forest Users10 Activities – Awareness raising – Resource Mobilization (financial and human) – Capacity Building – Information Exchange – Policy Analysis and Lobbying

Kenya Association of Forest Users11 Governance and Management Structure Annual General Meeting Executive Board/Committee National Coordinator ProgrammesFinance/Administration

Kenya Association of Forest Users12 Key Accomplishments Key Accomplishments – KAFU has a legal mandate – Has a moderately equipped office – An Executive Committee Consisting of 10 members drawn from across the country – A Standard Committee – Has a secretariat consisting of the National Coordinator, a Project Officer and an Office Assistant

Kenya Association of Forest Users13 Key Accomplishments Continues… –Has members willing to participate in its activities ( 50 Registered members) –Has developed a five – year strategic plan (June 2002 – June 2007) –Has various collaborative and other relationships with various organisations including FAN, KFWG, ICRAF, IUCN and the government among others –KAFU is a member of the FAO’s mailing list on Non Wood Forest products (NWFP) – Digest L –Has a website –

Kenya Association of Forest Users14 Challenges/Constraints Challenges/Constraints A new initiative Only 3 staff! Low membership Dependency on donor funding Anticipated changes in Kenya’s political and government leadership

Kenya Association of Forest Users15 Future Plans –Establish field liaison offices so as to bring KAFU services closer to the target communities/stakeholders –Establishing Community Resource Centres –Promoting formation of producer groups/associations and strengthening the existing ones –Capacity Building Programmes in Enterprise Development, Marketing, tree planting and forest management, forest certification and policy advocacy

Kenya Association of Forest Users16 Welcome Aboard! You are most welcome to join our membership and especially if you subscribe to some or all of the aims of KAFU Categories & Annual Subscriptions –Individual Membership- kshs –Institutional Membership- kshs –Self - help group Membership- kshs –Associate Membership - kshs –Sponsor Membership- kshs. Open Note: Registration fee for all categories of Membership is Kshs

Kenya Association of Forest Users17 Welcome Aboard Continues…. MembershipBenefits A platform for information and experience sharing Skills/Knowledge development Establishing beneficial linkages Participation in KAFU’s Annual General Meetings

Kenya Association of Forest Users18 KAFU Secretariat operates from Langata Professional Centre Suite 1 Near Langata Shopping Centre Off Langata Road For further information contact:: The National Coordinator Kenya Association of Forest Users P.O Box , Nairobi Tel/Fax: Website: