Project for Mass tree production

Implemented since 2021 with support from ECOSIA, a search engine that plants trees through GLS Foundation for Future Development
The initiative aims at contributing to global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged
ecosystems and mitigating & adapting to climate change among communities.

The project is being implemented in 5counties: Kiambu, Nyandarua, Machakos, Nyeri and Laikipia in Kenya.

The project framework is based on 3 pillars/objectives
 Mass tree planting in public spaces and communal land – The objective targets planting diversified tree
species (indigenous and exotic) in public spaces and communal land such as in schools, degraded forests,
national parks and hills etc.
 On-farm agro-forestry and mass tree planting of diversified species– This aims at improving the
livelihoods of farmers through on-farm tree planting, adoption and integration of agro-ecological practices
in the farming and tree planting systems such as production and use of bio-fertilizers, soil and water
conservation, natural resource management in the agro-forestry systems. This will contribute to
improvement of soil structure and fertility, increasing crop diversity, productivity and creating income
generating opportunities through tree based value chain development.
 Engaging the next generation in environmental stewardship– this involves engaging school pupils and
students in environmental tree planting and management. The project will be based on the theme “Trees

and children – Growing up Together” Each child is to plant and nurture his or her trees at school and at
home.

The project annual target is to to plant and grow at least 200,000 trees of different indigenous species on-farm, in
public spaces and communal land . The set target is assured since we have already established systems and
structures for tree nursery management across the 5 counties.

The initiative is being driven by the spirit of growing trees, with a monitoring period of 3 years to ensure survival
rate of over 90%.

Since 2021, the initiative has supported growing of 720,000 tress in Machakos, Kiambu, Nyeri, Laikipia and
Nyandarua, with over 90% survival rate of trees achieved.

The following are the expected outcomes over the next years:
 Increased knowledge and skills in tree nursery and seedlings management -The participation of community
members and school community in the entire process will help them to gain knowledge and skills in
nursery management and indigenous knowledge in natural resource management, raise own on-farm
seedlings and utilise the trees for enhanced food production, income generation and environmental
conservation.

 Increased tree cover in communal and farmers’ land through mass tree planting and management- The
initiative will also go a long way in contributing towards achievement of the national 10% tree cover.

 A sustained culture of tree planting among the young generation- By targeting schools, the Initiative will
inspire children/pupils the foundation of current and future generations to improve their environment as
well as livelihoods. Project activities will nurture and promote interest in management of natural resources
and tree planting among children and their parents. The project will saw a seed  and a culture of tree
planting trees as an important aspect of environmental conservation. Teachers will also incorporate some of
the skills and knowledge in teaching and training, management of school gardens which is well integrated
to the competence  based  curriculum model of education. Using a Whole School Approach that RODI
promotes, the initiative will target the school community made up of pupils, teachers, parents and the
school ground. This way it will be easy to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among the school
community. As a result, school community will become aware of the role they can play in protecting the
environment through personal involvement.

 Increased revenue and income sources through tree based value chains- The initiative will focus to identify
and support development of tree-based value chains that motivate farmers to grow more trees on their
farms with emphasis on tree species that have multiple benefits and good for nature conservation. Such
value chains will include processing and value addition of Moringa and fruit tree products, bee products,
medicinal herbs and livestock feeds etc.

 Increased food production- To enhance ownership and sustainability in tree planting and maintenance,
emphasis will be put on community empowerment in terms of food production, income generation, energy
for cooking, fodder for livestock etc. Tree planting and management is one of the best ways of
environmental conservation, fighting poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. Any successful human
development is dependent on the environment and failure to acknowledge this relation ultimately reduces
the benefits communities receive from the environment, threatening their livelihoods.