Young teams sowing the future in Kenya

Successful project establishment in several counties
The project has been able to establish a broad local base in its first year. Tree nurseries have been established in six counties in the country. The involvement of the local population was central from the outset: a high degree of transparency and local participation was achieved through public participation processes, visits to county governors and by involving farmers’ groups, youth and women’s networks. Broad community support is also reflected in the active cooperation and use of offers relating to tree nurseries.

Focusing on capacity building for young people
One particular focus of the project is on empowering marginalised groups – especially women and young people. The six nurseries are managed by a young, mainly female, team. These individuals have already taken part in a comprehensive range of further training courses. In various workshops and training sessions – conducted by AHA, the Kenyan National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), the Kenyan Forest Research Institute (KeFRI) and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF) , to name a few – participants have not only been trained in technical aspects such as site selection or operating tree nurseries, but were also introduced to topics such as leading a team, developing a business model and biodiversity. Exchange with established tree nurseries and development of KENAFF’s own training manual are helping to ensure that knowledge is retained over the long term and that new employees can be effectively integrated.

Concrete results and ecological impact
By the end of the reporting period, over 9,000 seedlings from 34 different tree species had already been used. Teams focused on local ecological conditions and market requirements. The high motivation of the employees is reflected in their active commitment to making the tree nurseries places of exchange and learning. Most tree nurseries are located on the grounds of educational institutions, such as secondary schools or agricultural training centres. This benefits both sides: schools gain access to practical learning opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture, while the project benefits from existing infrastructure. It is a successful example of sustainability in practice and synergies at local level.

Political tailwind for the project
Policy frameworks in Kenya are increasingly supporting the project’s objectives. The new national agroecology strategy (2024-2033), the introduction of monthly national planting days and the planned agroforestry policy are providing an environment conducive to reforestation and sustainable agriculture. KENAFF itself is actively involved in political processes, has played an advisory role in developing agroforestry strategies and is representing the agricultural perspective.

Outlook and thanks
With strong backing from the communities, committed young teams and increasing political support, the project has a solid footing. The vision of establishing tree nurseries not only as production facilities but also as centres for environmental education, local economic development and sustainable land use is increasingly becoming a reality.

Many thanks to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) for its financial support for this important project. We would particularly like to thank the dedicated project team at KENAFF, whose commitment, expertise and passion have been instrumental in the success of the project.

Together, we are planting the foundations today for a green, sustainable tomorrow in Kenya.