Resource information
FAO Investment Centre environmental reports are directed to environment and natural resources specialists. They address environmental issues associated with the formulation of investment projects for the agricultural/rural sector. This report describes an environmental assessment that contributed to improvements in the project design for the Aberdares Natural Resources Development Project in Kenya. The objective of this six-year project was to conserve and develop the natural resources of the Aberdares region based on an integrated management approach involving local communities. Project preparation was done by the FAO Investment Centre in 1995 and appraisal took place in 1997 in parallel with the preparation of the environmental assessment by a multi-disciplinary team led by Centre staff. The major project investment consisted of the construction of some 360-km of fencing that would encircle the entire Aberdares park perimeter with the aim of reducing human-wildlife conflicts. The team examined three project scenarios: without project, with project and modified project. One of the key conclusions of the team was that as proposed the fence was not viable; a conclusion based on both economic and environmental considerations. Rather, replacing the fence with a mixed barrier and non-barrier system (e.g. game moats and topographic barriers) would improve the project. In addition, the mission recommended the completion of a comprehensive management plan prior to initiating any investment activities. The recommendations were accepted by the African Development Bank and the Government of Kenya and contributed to significant improvements in project design.
