Regreening Childhoods: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Enhances Child Well-being in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract

Purpose: Climate-induced land degradation and resource scarcity threaten child well-being across Sub-Saharan Africa, undermining food security, health, education, and protection outcomes. As climate impacts intensify, there is a growing need for integrated approaches that restore ecosystems while safeguarding human development. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)—a low-cost, community-driven agroecological technique that promotes the regrowth of native vegetation from existing root systems—has emerged as a scalable and sustainable climate adaptation strategy.This paper investigates how FMNR contributes to child well-being in climate-affected regions of Kenya by enhancing environmental health, strengthening household resilience, and reinforcing community coping mechanisms. Methodology: Drawing on mixed evidence from World Vision Kenya’s FMNR programs (2018–2025), the study integrates program data, qualitative insights, and literature to identify key pathways through which FMNR influences child outcomes. Findings: Findings reveal three interrelated mechanisms: (1) Enhanced food and income security, which reduces malnutrition, child labor, and educational disruption; (2) Restored landscapes and ecological stability, which mitigate climate shocks and sustain caregiving systems; and (3) Inclusive community governance, which fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, child participation, and social cohesion. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate that FMNR contributes not only to ecological restoration but also to social resilience and protection of children’s rights.The analysis aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reinforcing FMNR’s relevance as a climate-responsive, child-centered development intervention. By bridging ecological regeneration and social development, FMNR emerges as an integrated, evidence-based solution to strengthen communityresilience and safeguard children’s well-being amid escalating climate challenges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:It is recommended that Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) be embedded in child-focused climate adaptation policies to ensure its full integration into development planning. Including FMNR indicators in national child well-being frameworks will enhance accountability and track its diverse impacts on children’s lives. Longitudinal and geospatial studies should be pursued to strengthen evidence on FMNR’s long-term ecological and social benefits. Continued involvement of children and caregivers as environmental stewards will promote intergenerational responsibility and sustain the positive outcomes of FMNR initiatives.