Planting trees for resilience in West Pokot, Kenya
In West Pokot County, Kenya, the scars of rampant deforestation for charcoal production run deep.
Trees like wild olive which were once lush and plentiful, have been stripped away, leaving behind a parched landscape. And vital ecosystems like Kapkanyar Forest Block are now vulnerable to soil erosion.
For local communities, the consequences are being felt far and wide. Local streams are drying up, making it difficult to access clean water. Food security is also a major concern, as crop productivity has dwindled.
And the recent catastrophic landslides in areas like Chesogon, Tamkal and Nyarkulian, destroyed homes and lives.
Harnessing the power of trees
Thanks to the wonderful support of people like you, we’ve partnered up with Perur Ray of Hope, a local women-led organisation to plant and grow transformational trees for resilience.
Once mature, these trees will help restore degraded landscapes by tackling soil erosion. And they’ll boost food security by helping crops to thrive.
Growing trees from seed
The first step of this transformational tree planting journey begins with the creation of tree nurseries. And starting this month, local women groups in the area will create three tree nurseries from scratch. Here, native tree saplings will be grown from locally sourced seeds.
Protecting threatened tree species
Through training on topics like seed collecting and seedling propagation, over exploited trees like wild olive will be nurtured to replenish degraded areas in Kapkanyar Forest Block.
Other species like grevillea robusta and dombeya torrid will find a home in local farms where they’ll help enrich the soil and shield crops from the scorching sun, boosting food security for the wider community.
And as Joshua Mutambuki, ITF’s Western Kenya Project Officer says, "In the symphony of sustainability, each tree planted is a note of hope composing a harmonious future for both communities and the forest ecosystem.”
Transforming landscapes and lives, one tree at a time
With time, these community tree nurseries will be more than just sources of trees; they’ll be avenues for self-sufficiency.
Here women from surrounding communities will gain the skills and knowledge to become environmental stewards, all while earning an income to sustain themselves and their families.
By supporting community groups like Perur Ray of Hope, you’ll not only be planting trees, you’ll be investing in a vibrant future where communities thrive and forests flourish.
“With solid commitment and resilience, we are collectively transforming the lives of rural women through ecosystem conservation fostering improved livelihoods.”
Donate today
Your generous gift today can support communities across Kenya to plant trees and grow a greener future.