摘要：Nature based Enterprises are ventures that can be exploited to support biodiversity utilization, conservation and equitable benefit sharing from derived resources. This paper highlights the potential of nature based enterprises in enhancing community livelihoods in Kenya, with specific emphasis on Matinyani Enterprise in Kitui, Kenya. The group with a membership of 60 received both theory and hands-on training by Kenya Forestry Research Institute scientistsin product development, setting up and registering an enterprise in 2010 with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts. The training included propagation, processing and value addition of Tamarindus indica fruit jam, juice and wine. Monitoring is frequently done by scientists to ensure adherence to Kenya Bureau of Standards regulations and to maintain the quality of products. There are various indicators of adoptability of the technologies and improved livelihood among these group members; increased awareness of sustainable utilization and conservation of indigenous fruit trees, value added indigenous fruit products being sold locally and a small saving scheme "merry go – round'. There is still a challenge in adoptability of the propagation techniques due to the long periods indigenous fruits take to mature. There is, therefore, need for research to be fast - tracked in this area.
关键词：Nature Based Enterprises; Livelihood; Kitui; Kenya
