Description

NACOFA gathers community feedback on Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) challenges, such as degradation. It analyzes existing laws and policies to identify gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective solutions. To empower its CFA members, NACOFA builds their capacity in policy advocacy, teaching them to influence policymakers, secure inclusion in consultative forums, and impact policy planning and implementation. Collaboration with government bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Kenya Forest Service, and County NRM departments addresses these gaps through policy reviews, amendments, and new regulations. NACOFA also formed coalitions with stakeholders to tackle policy issues. When governments are slow or resistant to change, NACOFA engages in horizontal advocacy by working within government oversight structures, such as Technical Working Groups and Forest Conservation Committees, to influence policy from within.

Summary of the process
The building blocks interact synergistically to drive successful policy outcomes. Building Block 1 identifies local environmental challenges and gaps in existing laws, setting the stage for targeted intervention. Building Block 2 then maps stakeholders and reviews current policies, ensuring that all relevant interests are considered and gaps are identified. This informed mapping guides Building Block 3, where policy formulation and development are undertaken, integrating community needs with broader political and global commitments. Building Block 4 focuses on capacity building and awareness creation, empowering communities and stakeholders with knowledge and tools to engage effectively in the policy process. This education supports the successful implementation and monitoring of policies in Building Block 5, which tracks progress and ensures that advocacy efforts align with real-world outcomes. Each block builds on the previous one: identifying issues informs stakeholder engagement, which in turn guides policy development and capacity building, ultimately facilitating effective implementation and evaluation.