Saving Kenya's Environment Through Family Planning

When CHAT’s CORP Partner Agnes walks through the dry, dusty hills of Mchongoi in Baringo, she is reminded of the twin challenges every household faces: large families and a fragile environment. The Mid-Great Rift Valley has suffered years of deforestation, overgrazing, and erratic rainfall. Families here depend on the land, yet it can no longer sustain the growing population.

Agnes often thinks of Chebet, a woman she met four years ago, whose journey has become a symbol of hope. At 33, Chebet had nine children. Her husband struggled to provide, and their once fertile land was bare. Firewood and water were scarce, and meals were uncertain. Their homestead sat on degraded land that had once been a communal forest.

During one of Agnes’ visits, she explained how family size, women’s health, and environmental strain are deeply connected. Chebet listened and agreed to visit the local dispensary, where she received a three-year contraceptive method.

That decision marked the start of transformation. With fewer childcare demands, Chebet regained her strength. She joined Agnes’ group sessions, learning about family planning and sustainable practices. Inspired, she and her eldest daughter began planting drought-resistant trees and joined a communal kitchen garden project. They also started keeping goats, which provided milk and manure for their crops.

Two years later, their home was greener. Trees offered shade and fuel, reducing the need to cut down more. Goat milk added to the family income, and her children were healthier and able to attend school more regularly. Her husband, initially skeptical, saw the change—less conflict, more food, and a visibly healthier wife. He joined a men’s dialogue group to learn more about family planning and sustainable living.

Today, Chebet says, “I used to think having many children secured my place as a wife. Now I see that giving my children a better life and protecting our land is more important.”

For Agnes and CHAT, this is what their work is about—empowering families to make informed choices that benefit both their well-being and the environment.

Thanks to GlobalGiving donors, in just the last three months, CHAT has:

• Reached 3,844 individuals with behavior change communication (BCC),

•  Provided 1,098 clients with modern contraceptives,

• Supported 901 clients in choosing long-term methods lasting 3–5 years.

Chebet’s journey shows how family planning, health, and environmental conservation go hand in hand.