A bit about PMU
PMU is deeply committed to a vision of a world free from poverty, hunger, oppression, and violence. Rooted in these values, PMU’s strategy emphasizes peace, gender equality, and democracy. With a widespread presence encompassing approximately 440 congregations and nearly 90,000 dedicated members, along with collaborative relationships with over 50 second-hand shops, PMU holds a prominent position as one of Sweden’s major aid and rights organizations. This extensive network serves as the foundation for conducting 163 impactful initiatives, in partnership with local organizations around the world, towards achieving these humanitarian goals.
PMU as a Climate Champion
In addition to its focus on social justice and humanitarian causes, PMU extends its commitment to environmental sustainability and champions climate causes on a global scale. Collaborating with partners in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, PMU actively addresses the pressing challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These dedicated partners are at the forefront of combating these issues and, through their work, contribute to building resilient communities capable of adapting to a new ecological reality.
PMU’s support takes various forms, including sustainable reforestation efforts in regions like Burundi, where they work to restore and protect vital ecosystems. In countries such as Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, PMU promotes environmentally friendly farming practices to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture while improving food security. In Yemen, PMU is involved in creating solar solutions, harnessing clean energy sources to address energy needs sustainably. Similarly, in Uganda, they champion the adoption of more efficient stoves to mitigate deforestation and indoor air pollution, benefiting both the environment and public health. Furthermore, PMU plays a crucial role in Kenya by providing training to pastors and faith leaders in creation care, fostering an understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship within communities and promoting eco-friendly practices. PMU’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to making a positive impact on the planet while addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and social justice.
Empowering Kenyan Communities: PMU and FPFK’s Resilience Livelihoods Project
In the face of ongoing challenges stemming from climate change, the Swedish Pentecostal Development and Relief Organization (PMU) has joined forces with the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) to implement a transformative initiative. This collaboration represents the culmination of a longstanding partnership dedicated to addressing a wide spectrum of social issues. Amidst a prolonged period of drought and increasing environmental stressors in Kenya, the FPFK Resilience Livelihoods Project has emerged as a beacon of hope for communities residing in the Kisumu and Kericho counties.
The primary aim of this ambitious project is to bolster the resilience of communities whose livelihoods are intricately intertwined with natural resources. By fostering adaptive livelihood strategies and leveraging local knowledge networks, the project seeks to safeguard and enhance vital livelihood assets. Furthermore, it endeavors to create a diverse range of livelihood options, offering a lifeline to communities affected by environmental threats. In line with a forward-thinking approach, the project also envisions an environment conducive to informed decisions by policymakers and planners, setting the stage for a more resilient and shock-resistant future.
With the unwavering goal of enhancing the Soin and Nyakach Communities’ resilience to environmental threats associated with their livelihoods by the year 2024, PMU and FPFK are lighting the path towards a more sustainable and secure future for these communities in Kenya.
Sustainable Farming for Food Security
One of the project’s core objectives is to combat food scarcity by implementing sustainable farming methods. Conservation agriculture, in conjunction with the cultivation of drought-resistant/tolerant crops, offers a practical adaptive strategy for local farmers. Furthermore, the project has introduced integrated pest management practices throughout the production and post-harvest phases. Concurrently, the initiative strives to reduce practices contributing to environmental degradation, particularly deforestation and soil erosion.
Knowledge and Skills Empowerment
The project places great emphasis on equipping various community groups, including women, youths, children, religious leaders, local authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government agencies, with knowledge and skills in adaptive food production techniques and the sustainable use of natural resources. A key facet of this initiative involves engaging religious leaders in both FPFK and beyond in environmental management, using a Biblical Basis on Environmental Management Guide developed by the project. To date, over 200 church leaders, including youth, women, and Sunday school leaders, have received training.
Sustainable Land Use Management
Communities are provided with a comprehensive understanding of Sustainable Land Use Management (SANLUM), group dynamics management, environmental advocacy, and income-generating activities. SANLUM incorporates climate-smart agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture and agroforestry, to enhance sustainability. Farmers are encouraged to plant indigenous and fruit trees as part of diversifying their food sources and increasing income streams. Agroforestry trees, with their fast growth and deep roots, enrich soil fertility.
Community Engagement and Demonstration Sites
The project’s environmental awareness initiatives have resulted in five FPFK churches allocating land for use as demonstration sites. These sites showcase a range of technologies and comparative farming practices. Tree nurseries have been established on church grounds, with agroforestry and fruit trees, including a year-old Grevillea planted in March 2022. Sunday school children receive training at these sites, nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship. Other churches, influenced by FPFK’s work, have also begun planting trees around their worship centres to foster a more serene environment.
From the Project
The project has produced videos showcasing various activities, including tree planting, sustainable farming techniques, and more. These visuals offer a compelling insight into the tangible impact and progress achieved through this vital initiative.
Explore ground-level work bellow:
Sweet potatoes ready for harvest.
Sweet potatoes ready for harvest.
Ymas, a Ugandan variety, finds success in Kenyan Zai Pits, where it’s intercropped with amaranthus. Ash plays a crucial role in pest control, soil fertility enhancement, and neutralizing acidity, contributing to the thriving cultivation.
At the Segerek School demonstration field, the Acone Garden functions as an instructional space for teaching farmers alternative farming techniques.
Zai Pit Technology: Enhancing Vegetable Farming.
Zai Pit Technology: Enhancing Vegetable Farming.
A Training session in Group dynamics takes place inside Thessalia FPFK Church in Kisumu County, Kenya.
A Training session in Group dynamics takes place inside Thessalia FPFK Church in Kisumu County, Kenya.
A Training session in Group dynamics takes place inside Thessalia FPFK Church in Kisumu County, Kenya.
