Alternative Livelihoods Program
Over-dependency on fishing is one of the factors contributing to over-fishing and enhanced poverty in the fis
hing communities of the Kenyan coast. While there are other livelihood options for the communities, cultural factors as well as limited economic incentives amongst other factors have inhibited their development. The problem is magnified during the south-west monsoon winds season (April to September) when the sea is rough and effective fishing is nearly impossible. The micro-finance institutions have increased in number in the country but their requirements are still above the capacity of most fishing communities to meet. We have established a revolving fund scheme where these communities can get soft loans to diversify their livelihoods.
Some of the projects already supported by our revolving fund include:
Munje Greenhouse project
This project not only supplements the income 
from fishing but also helps to provide sufficient vegetables in this area where the changing climatic conditions no longer allow for proper rain fed agriculture. The greenhouse is constructed using locally available materials such as poles and rails. Only special greenhouse equipments such as net, paper and wires were bought from the shops. This greenhouse that measures 24m long by 8m wide and 12m high is the first greenhouse in the entire south coast of Kenya. It is managed by Munje fisher folk group and Bidii women group and was planted with nearly 1000 tomato seedlings. We assist the groups to access local markets such as the local beach hotels. The greenhouse produces nearly 100 kgs of tomatoes a week.
Makuti business
Makuti are roofing materials made of dry palm leaves. The women in the coast are known to be good makuti weavers. Eco-Ethics-Kenya is supporting the women from the fishing communities to enhance this business by constructing stores and workshops and establish stable markets especially with the local tourist hotels and villas. Currently, the active in the project include Mpaji ni Mungu Women Groups and Bidii Women Groups in Gazi and Muje fish landing sites respectively
Poultry farming 
Poultry farming is one of the popular fast moving business in the coast. In Likoni, Eco-Ethics –Kenya is supporting a youth group (Active Youth Community Initiative) to raise chicken as income generation. The project also serves as a demonstration project for other groups and individuals interested in poultry keeping. The project that started from a humble background is now gaining momentum with growing interest and motivation of the beneficiaries. The group promotes the zero waste concept by using the droppings of the poultry to produce compost manure and uses the manure to produce tree seedlings and raise vegetables through balcony farming.
Small scale-businesses
We are also supporting a number of small-businesses mainly run by women in Munje community. Such businesses included selling of fish, consumer products, and clothes amongst others. These women are able to contribute significantly in household income generation and consequently lead to poverty reduction.