The National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA) is an umbrella organization of Community Forest Association in Kenya. It was established in 2002 to promote community participation in sustainable forest management through lobbying and advocacy for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. NACOFA envisions an empowered community that sustainably co-manages forest resources for improved livelihoods and social justice.
The National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA) is an umbrella organization of Community Forest Association in Kenya. It was established in 2002 to promote community participation in sustainable forest management through lobbying and advocacy for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. NACOFA envisions an empowered community that sustainably co-manages forest resources for improved livelihoods and social justice. In the period 2024 – 2028.
NACOFA focuses on three broad thematic areas-namely; organizational development, sustainable forest management and networking, lobbying and advocacy for sustainable forest management in Kenya. The thematic areas form the basis of our Strategic Goals and objectives below.
Goal 1: A strong, effective, and efficient NACOFA Secretariat with the capacity to implement and achieve the set goals. ü Build an effective staff, efficient management systems and a strong organizational culture. ü Maintain a functional and representative governance structure. ü Enhance NACOFA’s financial sustainability.
Goal 2: Improved governance and effective management of forest resources that deliver benefits to communities and nature. ü Facilitate the establishment and development of strong and effective. ü Train and equip communities and key stakeholders on sustainable management of forest resources.
Goal 3: National and county policies and strategies promote sustainable forest management and incentivise growth of sustainable community livelihoods. ü Lobby and advocate for the development and implementation of key policies with relevant policy makers, implementers, decision makers, and regulators. ü Inform, educate, and advise CFAs, regional networks and other stakeholders on the relevant policies, laws, and regulations.
The National Alliance of Community Forests Associations (NACOFA) is an umbrella of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya.
The network was established in 2002 and registered in 2005 with the aim of adopting a common approach to Participatory Forest Management (PFM) as stipulated in the then Forest Act 2005, and the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016. NACOFA acts as a link between CFAs, and with Government institutions, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and development partners.
The links, partnerships and networks has enabled NACOFA to access information, share experiences and develop joint actions on forest and forest related issues in Kenya. In addition, the network was formed to enable communities to exploit the opportunity provided for them in various forest and environment policies, laws, and regulations to effectively participate and access forest and forest related benefits.
NACOFA adopted the pro-poor approach, emphasizing the interests and rights of poor households, marginalized and vulnerable groups within the community, notably women, youth and peoples living with disabilities. The network intends through lobbying and advocacy to ensure that communities can assert their rights to PFM that exists and require government to take the necessary action, in contrast to the existing situation where government agencies determine when, where and how PFM will be implemented. Coming together has already given the network a formidable voice in engaging with the forest authorities through lobbying and advocacy to influence policy and change in support of responsible and community responsive forest management and utilization in Kenya.
With the assistance of development partners, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in close collaboration with the Kenya Forest Working Group (KFWG), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), NACOFA’s organizational capacity has been strengthened over the years. With this capacity, NACOFA has been able to mobilize its membership from 4 CFAs in 2002 to 200 CFAs across the country.
To promote community participation in sustainable forest management through lobbying and advocacy for sustainable development and improved community livelihoods.
An empowered community that sustainably co-manages forest resources, equitably sharing benefits for improved livelihoods and social justice.
To effectively discharge its mandate and realize the vision it has set forth, NACOFA will be guided by the following core values: -
NACOFA will ensure that there is equity in gender and resource utilization in implementation of this strategic plan at all levels, local, regional, and national.
NACOFA is committed to openness and accountability. NACOFA will avow to these values by making sure that all its operations and activities are conducted in a transparent manner and by ensuring that it is held responsible by all its constituents, allies, and partners.
Members of NACOFA affirm their commitment in time and resources in implementation of this strategic plan.
Unity among NACOFA members and partners is a key value in strengthening NACOFA so that it becomes a credible platform for all stakeholders in Kenya.
The principle of environmental stewardship among members of NACOFA is a value that will be advanced to ensure that the overall goal and strategic objectives of this strategic plan are achieved so that environmental integrity is maintained
NACOFA Secretary/CEO
Gerald Ngatia oversees operations at the NACOFA secretariat, acts as secretary to the NACOFA Board, and serves as the liaison between the Board and Secretariat. He coordinates NACOFA programs, projects, and partnerships with CFAs nationwide, as well as with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and other governmental and organizational partners.
A retired forester with 25 years of service in various locations, he has spent the last 30 years in community empowerment and environmental policy. He holds a Diploma in Forestry from the National Forestry College Londiani and a Higher Diploma in Theology from the Presbyterian University of East Africa. He has completed various short courses in M&E, project management, conflict management, social forestry, and environmental legal systems. His extensive experience includes community mobilization, policy development, lobbying, advocacy, and capacity building in environmental policies and project management.
Finance and Administration Officer
CPA Mary Mararo (MBA) is the Finance and Administration Officer at the National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA), with over 10 years of experience working closely with Community Forest Associations (CFAs) across the country. A specialist in accounting and financial management, she is a certified public accountant (CPA-K) and uses her expertise to build capacity and train CFAs on good governance, as well as establishing structures that promote sound financial management and accountability. Mary holds a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She possesses strong interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills, with a focus on driving the success of both the organization and CFAs.
Programs Officer
Asetto Jacobs is a Programs Officer at NACOFA. He supports landscape & ecosystems restoration programs, Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building & Fundraising & Resource Mobilization. He holds a BSc Degree in Environmental Planning & Management from Kenyatta University, MA in Environmental Planning & Management from the University of Nairobi & many short courses in landscapes & ecosystem restoration, Tax Justice & M&E. He has over 20 years’ international experience having worked in Kenya, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania & Zambia. He is an expert in Landscapes & Ecosystems Restoration, Technical Proposal Development, Tax Justice, Policy Advocacy, Leadership & Governance, Social Accountability, Civic Engagement & Monitoring and Evaluation.
Community Development Expert
Ms. Mwajuma Zuberi is a dedicated Community Development Expert with over 10 years of experience working with NGOs. Her expertise lies in empowering communities through tailored training programs on a wide range of topics, including capacity building, social development, and sustainable practices. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering positive change by equipping individuals and groups with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their lives. Her collaborative approach ensures effective engagement with stakeholders, enabling the creation of sustainable solutions that address community needs. With a passion for driving impactful development initiatives, she excels in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that contribute to social progress and community resilience.
The National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA) is the central organization uniting Community Forest Associations (CFAs) across Kenya. NACOFA promotes collaboration among CFAs, advocates for local community rights, and fosters sustainable forest management to ensure equitable sharing of resources and ecosystem preservation for future generations.