Communities in Kenya are engaged in a contentious battle with managers of the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project (NKRCP), highlighting the potential negative ramifications of international demands for carbon credits on local livelihoods, global news platform Semafor reported Tuesday.
The NKRCP, advertised as the world’s largest soil carbon removal initiative, has garnered support from major corporations like Meta, Netflix, and UK bank NatWest by selling carbon credits.
Operating across 4.7 million acres, the project restores grasslands to absorb carbon, offering credits for purchase to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the project faces firm opposition from affected Maasai pastoralist communities in Baringo, Narok, and Kajiado counties.
Locals argue that the project disrupts traditional lifestyles, restricts access to ancestral lands, and exposes women to hazardous working conditions.
Furthermore, community activists decry the lack of proper consultation and education regarding the project’s implications.
They allege that the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), which oversees the project, has not obtained informed consent as legally required, despite claiming otherwise.
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An activist working in Narok and Kajiado, who remained unnamed to protect her identity, highlights disruptions to grazing practices and land encroachment issues.
She stresses the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and ensuring adequate protection for female workers engaged in grassland regeneration efforts.
While the project channels proceeds to community projects and conservancies, concerns persist over its long-term impact, according to Martin K.N Siele, East Africa Correspondent at Semafor.
In a comment to Semafor Africa, Amos Wemanya of Power Shift Africa warns of conflicts over land use and suggests alternative climate finance solutions to mitigate adverse effects on African communities.
Despite assertions from NKRCP about increased income and social impact, dissent remains within affected communities.
The contentious dynamics underscore the necessity of prioritizing local perspectives and ensuring transparent engagement in carbon offset initiatives to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.
Read more: A New Report Shows Huge Issues With Carbon Credits Project In Kenya
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