Long-Term Food Security for 4000 Samburus in Kenya

It’s been a whirlwind few months, but now that the drought and elections are behind us, we can happily report positive growth at Sadhana Forest Kenya.

The drought took a hefty toll, but we have recently had plenty of heavy rainfalls.  Our water catchment ponds are full and we’re seeing lots of green!  We continue our water management efforts to make best use of the rainwater. Our main focus over the last few months has been monitoring trees planted around people's homes. This has given us the opportunity to provide supplementary personally-targeted training; emphasizing the importance of protection and mulch for the trees.  We have observed a great improvement in quality of fences built and tree care given by recipients.  Strong fences ensure animals won’t nibble away the young trees, while mulch protects the soil from drying out in the hard, hot sun.

Since our last report, we have planted 55 trees, mostly in an area called ‘Naibor Keju’.  Here, we have recently held an intensive training for the school children and the local community.  We worked with their grade 7 and 8 classes’ Environmental Club to have an educational conversation about climate change, the importance of trees, and an inclusive discussion on environmental issues in general.  Afterwards, together, we planted 4 trees on the school compound.  Our efforts were welcomed with enthusiasm and we are eager to return there to plant more trees.

We are so grateful for our volunteers and the support from the GlobalGiving community.  If you are interested in providing us further feedback concerning our project, finding out more about our activities or area of operation, or would like to volunteer with us, please contact us here or email us directly kenya@sadhanaforest.org.  We also strongly encourage you to provide feedback at the end of this report.

Ashe Oleng! (Thank you very much in Kisamburu)

The drought is done!  The rains have returned!   During our first big shower at the start of each rainy season, we walk the land to observe where the water runs, drains, and pools in relation to current (and visualized) infrastructure, gardens, and trees.  This way, we best plan our water conservation improvements such as digging down for water catchment or building up for water rerouting.  Water will always tell the truth about the earth’s contours!

We have some very exciting news!  As many of you may know, Sadhana Forest Kenya is “off-grid”, powering everything through our own solar and wind energy system.  After many months of our original wind turbine being out of service, we now have a brand new one up and spinning!  While we mainly rely on our solar energy, having the wind turbine is a perfect complement to this system.  There is nearly always some level of wind blowing through our land, so even on the least sunny days, we can be certain that we will still generate power to pump water and power our free phone-charging station for the community.  Additionally, we have installed a water filtration system for our free community water station.  While our water source is already safe, this filter ensures a proper mineral balance.

As we have continued to plant trees, offer training sessions to our neighbours, and maintain the Sadhana Forest Kenya land, we recently had a special visit from a local youth group called Kikora.  Here, they experienced a different way of life; living vegan and zero-waste, cooking meals together, and helping to take care of the land.  And, of course, they learned all about trees and planted some themselves.  They said they loved it and they want to come back every day!

Sadhana Forest Kenya faced some challenges during the drought, but, we’ve made it through and we continue to look towards a green future!  We are so grateful for our volunteers and the support from the GlobalGiving community.  If you are interested in providing us further feedback concerning our project, finding out more about our activities or area of operation, or would like to volunteer with us, please contact us here or email us directly at kenya@sadhanaforest.org.  We also strongly encourage you to provide feedback at the end of this report.