Muliru FarmersEnhancing biodiversity conservation by using natural indigenous herbal products



This community-based initiative seeks to conserve the Kakamega forest through the promotion of alternative income generating activities and awareness among the local, poor communities. It is a partnership between several institutions and uses traditional knowledge and modern science to develop products on the basis of wild indigenous medicinal plants. The core business of the initiative is the commercial cultivation of Ocimum kilimandscharicum, processing the plant materials into essential oil, manufacturing, and subsequently marketing, the finished Naturub®products. The initiative is committed to meeting the growing global demand for environmentally-friendly natural products, offering added value in addition to contributing to biodiversity conservation. The initiative is the only enterprise in Kenya engaged in the commercial cultivation and processing of Ocimum kilimandscharicum and currently faces no competitors.
Partners
ICIPE provides backstopping in natural products chemistry, product development, production, quality control and entrepreneurship.
The University of Nairobi provides research through products development.
ICRAF promotes the application of best agricultural practices and protection of the environment through agro-forestry.
KEFRI provides information and technologies for sustainable development of natural resources.
KWS works together with the enterprise to enhance conservation and management of the Kakamega forest.