Palm Trees (Metti) and Sansevieria (Chake)

History.

The Gabra people, indigenous to northern Kenya, particularly the Marsabit County region, have a distinctive style of traditional hut architecture adapted to their arid environment. The traditional Gabra huts, known as “thasse,” are designed to provide comfort and protection in the harsh climatic conditions of the region. One critical resource for this shelter is the palm tree (Metti), which is traditionally used in the construction of roofing for Gabbra huts.

In the yester years, “thasse, the mats with which the Gabra roof their houses are made from the fibers of the long, stiff leaves of sansevieria (‘ch ake’). They are woven with great care in such a way that the long-fibered exterior has an inner layer of softer fibers, called ‘’algi’’, and an outer layer of thinner, firmer fibers called ‘’ch ‘ulu’’. This outer layer is smeared with fat to make it waterproof and keep it from cracking. The cord binding is braided in such a way as to be decorative as well as practical. The “thasse are so tightly woven that they provide excellent protection from the sun’s rays and are easily transportable when rolled up (often wrapped in old cloths for protection). “Thasse,” are an essential part of a girl’s dowry, new ones being made by her mother and female relatives for the roof of her nuptial house.

The community in Marsabit County, has long been a community deeply connected to its environment. The community’s women specifically have a rich tradition of crafting intricate woven items from palm tree fibers, which are both a cultural hallmark and a crucial source of livelihood.

Importance of the Chake and Metti

• Roofing
• Weaving
• Soil stabilization
• Wildlife habitat
• Water cycle support
• Enhance biodiversity
• Ecological balance

The Problem

Due to over harvesting, depletion over the years, the number of trees of sansevieria (‘ch ake’), ‘’algi’ ’and ‘’ch ‘ulu’’ in the region has dwindled to near extinct due to deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices and are threatening the very essence of their cultural heritage, their livelihood and the community’s economic stability. In the recent years the use of palm trees by the Gabbra people has been deeply rooted in their cultural practices in replacing of trees of sansevieria (‘ch ake’), ‘’algi’ ’and ‘’ch ‘ulu’’. However, overexploitation of these resources too and changing climatic conditions pose significant threats to their sustainability.

 The consequences of overharvesting palm trees in these arid regions, Overexploitation for construction materials, including roofing, leads to habitat degradation, reduced biodiversity, and increased soil erosion.

The Solution: The Planting Initiative

Once we begin the project, we intend to start with a series of community meetings to educate and rally support among local residents. The community’s’ women, particularly will be supported. Suitable areas for planting to be identified. Species of palm trees native to the region to be selected and, ensuring that the new planting would thrive in the local climate and soil conditions.

With funding and support from various partners we get, including environmental organizations and government agencies, we intend to begin the planting campaign. Also organizing planting days where members of the community, including school children and elders, will come together to plant the seedlings with the women imparting traditional knowledge on how to nurture these young trees.

 By focusing on the conservation of palm trees and promoting sustainable practices, as an NGO we aim to support the ecological balance and preserve the cultural heritage of the Gabbra community. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we seek to foster a resilient and sustainable future for this unique and resilient region.

Our intention is to advocate for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the long-term viability of palm tree resources. And develop methods that help mitigate the environmental impact while allowing communities to continue using palm trees.