About African Agency for Arid Resources
The African Agency for Arid Resources, located on Haile Selassie Road in Nanyuki, Kenya, operates across arid lands in East Africa. From its Laikipia County base, the agency manages:
- A specialized cosmetic lab producing organic-certified products
- Natural resource development programs in Kenya and Uganda
- Support services for pastoral communities
- Sustainable harvesting of gum arabic, frankincense and myrrh
Working with Borana, Samburu, Turkana and other communities in regions receiving 0-600mm rainfall annually, the agency focuses on drought resilience and biodiversity conservation while maintaining Control Union organic certification standards.
Frequently asked questions
African Agency for Arid Resources processes these Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs):
- Essential oils and resins
- Gum arabic
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Natural products
- Honey
- Aloe
- Agave/sisal
All products undergo organic certification through Control Union Certifications (CUC) and follow UEBT ethical biotrade standards.
The agency addresses regional challenges through multiple initiatives:
| Focus Area | Activities |
|---|---|
| Environmental Management |
|
| Economic Development |
|
| Climate Resilience |
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The agency operates in East African arid and semi-arid regions:
- Kenya
- Areas with 0-300mm annual rainfall
- Semi-arid zones (300-600mm rainfall)
- Uganda
- Karamoja district
The operation areas include territories of seven pastoral communities:
- Borana
- Samburu
- Turkana
- Somali
- Rendille
- Gabra
- Pokot
More details about African Agency for Arid Resources
Empowering East African communities through sustainable resources
African Agency for Arid Resources, based in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Kenya, specializes in developing natural resources from arid regions while supporting local communities. Operating from Haile Selassie Road, the organization works across Kenya and Uganda’s Karamoja district.
Supporting pastoral communities in challenging environments
The agency serves diverse pastoral groups including Borana, Samburu, Turkana, and Somali communities. These populations face specific challenges in areas receiving minimal rainfall (0-600mm), where traditional agriculture presents significant limitations.
A modern cosmetic lab harnessing local resources
At the heart of its operations, the organization maintains specialized facilities in Nanyuki where it processes and develops various natural products. The lab works with locally-sourced materials including gum arabic, frankincense, myrrh, and aloe.
Services and certifications
- Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)
- Development of natural extracts
- Quality control and organic certification
- Community resource management support
Quality standards and ethical practices
All products undergo rigorous testing and hold Control Union Certifications (CUC) for organic status. The organization adheres to UEBT standards for ethical biotrade, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
Environmental impact and community development
In regions where charcoal production affects 70% of Kenya’s landscape, the agency implements programs for environmental conservation. It focuses on creating alternative income sources for communities traditionally dependent on livestock production.
Sustainable resource management
The organization develops strategies for drought resilience and land restoration, working directly with local communities to establish sustainable harvesting practices. This approach helps preserve biodiversity while generating income opportunities in challenging environmental conditions.
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