How we work

Africa Wood Grow has a bottom-up approach by involving the local community in every step we take. The local community is the driver of the process of restoring the degraded landscape. Local farmers choose to plant trees collectively on their own land. There are various indigenous tree species planted, such as Melia Volkensii, a native tree species to the East Kenyan region. By planting different trees that attract different animals the biodiversity of the region increases is taken into account. Additionally, indigenous vegetation stimulates the sustainability and productivity of agroforestry practices.

The trees are of the essence to increase the well-being of the community and the surrounding nature. They will hold any available water retained in their roots before slowly releasing the water into the Tiva River. Additionally, the canopy cover will protect the soil from direct precipitation. As a result, the restored soil can allow the water to reach deeper into the ground and further enhance the soil quality. In turn, the trees have prevented the washing away of fertile soil. Moreover, the fallen leaves of the trees mixed with the soil and some animal compost will enrich the soil significantly. Overall, the trees will lead to higher agricultural output in the long run, and thus food security. Therefore, all three entities together with the local community aim to widely implementing this method to reduce soil degradation and improve livelihoods, here is how:

Regional strategy

The overall strategy of Africa Wood Grow is to establish various example farms in the Tiva river catchment, where the agroforestry approach is applied. The example farms are meant to inspire local farmers to adopt the agroforestry approach and to support the local farmers in the process by providing the necessary resources such as seedlings and water. Hence, the main thought is that these various example farms consolidate a great amount of knowledge on agroforestry as a promising concept while also demonstrating, testing, and providing all necessary knowledge and materials so farmers can join the movement if they wish to do so. Therefore, the first step in the strategy is to build an example farm, which is done and managed by Africa Wood Grow Limited. The farmers, who join the movement are assisted by Africa Wood Grow as a whole through training, promotion, trust, education, and provision of materials such as seedlings and fencing. This is to ensure long-term progress.

After an example farm is completely established with grown trees, fencing, water resources, a nursery, and a Community Based Organization are established, the local community can start joining and copying the agroforestry practices of the example farm on their own said land.

Lastly, the process of setting up an example farm and engaging with the local community will be copied as a whole in the region, when a sufficient amount of donations are collected and more local farmers want to join. This strategy is adopted partly because Africa Wood Grow prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of the local community. The farmers are the main operators of the process, as without their support and involvement the practice of agroforestry would not be spread. Therefore, mutual trust and honest cooperation are the main values that maintain the work of Africa Wood Grow as a whole.

The agroforestry farmers

Once a farmer becomes an official member of the local Community Based Organization all aspects are prepared to apply agroforestry on the farm. The process of adoption is as follows:

1. First, the field, appointed by the farmer, is fenced with local material to support the local economy. The fencing is important to prevent any wandering animals, such as goats, from eating or destroying the small trees that will be planted.

2. The next step is to make sow pits, these are meant to capture rainwater for the new trees. Additionally, alternative pathways are established to hinder the development of any erosion occurring in the future. Then, utilities are installed for access to water and electricity.

3. In the third step, trees are planted. This takes place just before the ‘long’ rainy season in November.

4. In the next phase, the trees are monitored closely on their growth progress to see if they will become healthy trees. Shortly before the ‘short’ rainy season in April, trees that did not survive are replaced by new trees. Now the appointed field of the member farmer is fully planted with healthy trees.

After a few months when the trees have grown, the farmer can start pruning the trees. Pruning is cutting away the excess or dying branches, it is another method to keep the tree healthy. So they can develop their full potential. The pruned trees also allow let more light through, which is essential for successful growth of crops growing under the trees. Another advantage is that the prunings are used as firewood for cooking which prevents people from cutting other trees that grow around the field. Therefore, the rate of trees that were cut in the area Africa Wood Grow is active has decreased in the past years.

Support us

Support us with a private or business donation. Transfer your donation to
NL65 TRIO 0197 9433 73, citing Stichting Africa Wood Grow in The Hague.

We desperately need your financial contribution. The Africa Wood Grow foundation has ANBI status, making donations tax deductible.