EARTH MATTERS SUPPORTING RURAL LIVELIHOODS THE SPIKY PLANT MAKING AN IMPRESSION ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Aloe is well known for its medicinal properties. But in dry regions, such as northern Kenya, it is also the natural – and native – choice for a drought-resistant, succulent cash crop WORDS: PAUL UDOTO, @PAULUDOTO Following the revival of aloe growing and commercialisation in Kenya’s Baringo County, a sustainable nature-based community enterprise with immense potential to support rural livelihoods, enhance environmental conservation and nurture entrepreneurial skills is taking root.
Aloe exploitation in dry lands is an excellent entry point for rural livelihood support and biodiversity conservation. Initial efforts involving communities in aloe harvesting, processing, product development and marketing in Baringo about 15 years ago failed due to insufficient capital, poor pricing and mistrust among the parties…
