In a remarkable testament to the power of sustainable agriculture, over 1,300 farmers in Homa Bay, Kenya, have graduated from a transformative agroforestry program. This achievement, a culmination of four years of intensive training, marks a significant milestone in the fight against deforestation, land degradation, and food insecurity.
The program, a joint initiative of Trees for the Future (TREES) and Catona Climate, is recognized by the United Nations as a pioneering approach to agroforestry. The Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Project, as it is known, has partnered with over 15,000 local farmers to implement Forest Gardens – multi-tiered systems integrating trees, shrubs, and crops. This innovative approach not only boosts agricultural productivity but also fosters environmental resilience.
Through the program, participants learned sustainable agroforestry practices, Forest Garden planning and design, and techniques like composting, grafting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. They also participated in knowledge sharing, farmer-to-farmer learning, and collaborative entrepreneurial ventures. The impact of this comprehensive training is evident in the remarkable success stories emerging from the graduating farmers.
The graduation ceremony, held on September 14, 2024, brought together families, government leaders, and community members to celebrate this momentous occasion. The event highlighted the significant progress made by the farmers, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices and their contributions to their communities and the planet.
The positive impact of the program is already visible. A pilot bioacoustic study conducted across 70 Forest Garden sites identified over 100 different species of birds, amphibians, and insects, including the endangered grey crowned crane. This study supports the hypothesis that transitioning to agroforestry systems enhances biodiversity.
“These 1,300 graduates are proof that sustainable agriculture is not only possible but a pathway to prosperity,” said Mercy Karunditu, Director of Field Programs for Trees for the Future. “Their hard work and dedication, supported by the partnership with Catona Climate, have brought tangible improvements to their lives and their land.”
The graduates, many of whom are women and young farmers, are now equipped to build upon their achievements. They report increased crop yields, improved nutrition, and access to new income streams, such as selling surplus crops, harvesting seeds, and launching entrepreneurial ventures. This economic growth is further fueling development within their communities.
Dorothy Onyango, a graduate farmer, shared her experience at the ceremony. “I joined with my family when the land was not productive, leading to low harvest,” she said. “I have noticed changes in the soil through production since I joined. This is because I have been trained well on making and using compost, and now I have realized an increase in fertility and moisture of my soils as well as better production yield.”
Dorothy also highlighted the financial benefits of the program. “In my Forest Garden, I love the trees the most because of the seed production and supply I am currently doing which I sell. I have managed to pay school fees for two of my grandchildren.”
The graduation ceremony was a powerful testament to the transformative potential of agroforestry. The 1,303 graduates, 62% of whom are women, have restored 568 hectares of land and planted over 4.7 million trees. Their accomplishments are expected to benefit approximately 8,920 members of the surrounding community, either directly or indirectly.
“By adopting agroforestry techniques, these farmers are creating more resilient landscapes, securing their livelihoods, and contributing to the global climate solution,” said Tate Mill, CEO of Catona Climate. “Their accomplishments inspire hope, not only for their communities but for the future of our planet.”
TREES and Catona Climate are committed to expanding the Forest Garden Program across Kenya and beyond. Their goal is to restore 229,000 hectares of land and create 230,000 green jobs by 2030. The success of the Homa Bay graduates and the collaboration between local communities, government, and organizations like TREES and Catona Climate demonstrate the power of partnership in addressing critical issues like land degradation, food insecurity, and climate change.
About Trees for the Future:
Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to training farmers in sustainable agroforestry techniques that end hunger, poverty, and deforestation. Through its Forest Garden Program, TREES has helped over 300,000 people around the world to improve their livelihoods and restore their land. Visit trees.org to learn more.
About Catona Climate:
Catona Climate is a climate finance company that delivers high-quality carbon solutions to businesses everywhere, helping transform climate pledges into measurable action through rigorously vetted high-impact nature-based carbon projects around the world. Guided by an unwavering commitment to the planet, Catona Climate exists to combat the climate crisis by driving capital to nature and enabling a fair and equitable transition to a net-zero future. Catona Climate is a member of the Business Alliance to Scale Climate Solutions, IETA, and other critical industry groups dedicated to accelerating climate action. For more information, visit Catona.com.
