Agroforestry for Rural Livelihood Improvements in Kenya — €1.20 per Tree

In semi-arid regions of Kenya, restoring trees is not only about the climate—it is about livelihoods. This agroforestry project supports smallholder farmers by planting beneficial indigenous, native, and fruit tree species directly on their land. So far, 5,764 trees have been donated, at just €1.20 per tree, across a project area of 1,078 hectares. With a planting density of approximately 300 trees per hectare, the initiative carefully integrates trees into agricultural systems where they provide firewood, livestock fodder, fruit for income generation, nitrogen fixation, soil fertility improvement, and increased biodiversity.

The region has suffered significant degradation over the past decade. Tea factories once consumed enormous quantities of firewood sourced from surrounding communities, accelerating deforestation. Charcoal production, timber harvesting, population growth, prolonged drought, and land clearing for agriculture further intensified soil erosion and ecosystem collapse. Low tree cover and extreme heat now threaten both productivity and resilience. Since restoration began on November 15, 2020, the project has worked to reverse this trend—despite limited funding and the challenges of unpredictable weather.

Agroforestry here goes beyond distributing seedlings. Farmers receive hands-on training in tree care, environmental stewardship, and climate awareness. Follow-up field visits monitor survival rates and assess tree health, providing technical advice where needed. Restoration takes place during the rainy seasons—March, April, October, and November—to maximize survival in this semi-arid climate. Inspected during a multi-day field review in February 2023, the project meets high quality standards and demonstrates that long-term change depends on community ownership. By combining environmental regeneration with income opportunities, agroforestry in Kenya strengthens both landscapes and lives—one tree at a time. Start planting: Plant-for-the-Planet