Journalist Joseph Abuje discovers that the forest fragments remaining in the Tana River Delta provide important materials for local communities including firewood, timber and fibres from pheonix palms. The Patakicheko women's descrive how they use pheonix palms to weave products for export to Nairobi and beyond. The income generated is significant, but could be improved by better marketing. On top of that, I was struck by the joy taken in the singing and dancing that was associated with the weaving work. The sugar project would threaten the forests and the traditional way of life.