AWG wants to develop sustainably. Setting priorities is also important here. To effectively plant trees and other measures to improve the soil, it is important to know how the landscape works on a larger scale. How does the soil and the water system function in relation to the vegetation, but also the cultural and socio-economic aspects. The local farmers play an important role in restoring this system.

Africa Wood Grow has had an area vision (concept) drawn up by H+N+S Landscape Architects and Witteveen+Bos. Both organizations support AWG’s mission. This page shows the first result. Additional investments are required to achieve a complete area vision.

The basin of the Tiva

AWG does not only want to limit itself to the local scale, but also wants to see what it can mean on a regional scale. The area in which AWG is active is very dry and is becoming drier due to climate change, among other things. It receives only 300-700 mm of rain per two seasons (April and November). In most watercourses there is no water for most of the year. One of these seasonal rivers is the Tiva River. The locals collect water from this river for their household. The Tiva River also supplies the Tsavo National Park with water, which is located downstream. The elephants and other animals also benefit from the water here.

AWG’s mission is to provide the landscape with a canopy of leaves that improves soil quality and increases water availability. That is why AWG is currently focusing on converting conventional agriculture (goats and local crops) to agroforestry. By planting more trees, the water is retained longer and released more gradually to the Tiva River. The local population and the animals in Tsavo National Park benefit from this.

Tiva river catchment

Our area of impact

In the Kawongo area, AWG has been operating for 7 years. There are 61 local AWG farmers, a nursery and several shops that sell products from the farms. An additional 39 farmers are expected to be added in 2021. Each farmer has approximately 0.25 HA of trees.

Africa Wood Grow now hopes to start a movement further south (about 60 km away). This area is higher and is very dry, the groundwater is deep. Therefore, one of the goals is to increase water availability for the local population. AWG wants to do this, for example, by collecting rain and surface water by means of a dam.

The map shows the 60km2 that AWG is currently focusing on. The idea is to become active in the entire area.

Tiva river catchment

Tiva river catchment

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.