The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), through the Mt. Elgon Project, has concluded a training for Agricultural Extension Workers and Community Development Officers in Manafwa District.

The training focused on strengthening the capacity of frontline officers to implement the Gender Action Plan and address barriers that limit women and men from equally participating in and benefiting from Integrated Land Management interventions.

At community level, limited practical skills in gender mainstreaming have often made it difficult for frontline officers to address issues such as unequal decision-making, intra-household power relations and other gender-related barriers affecting livelihoods, environmental stewardship and the adoption of sustainable land management practices.Using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology, participants developed SMART vision journeys that mapped their short-, medium- and long-term aspirations around coffee production, staple crops such as maize and Irish potatoes, improved housing and household livelihoods.

The exercise demonstrated an important lesson: sustainable development is interconnected. Improved agricultural production, increased household incomes, better living conditions and environmental restoration must progress together.

By equipping frontline officers with practical tools for gender-responsive engagement, communities can be better supported to ensure that both women and men participate meaningfully in planning, decision-making and access to opportunities.

This is critical to building inclusive, resilient and sustainable livelihoods and environments.