Long-Term Food Security for 4000 Samburus in Kenya

We are so happy to report plenty of recent rainfall! We’ve been taking advantage of these wet times that provide better growing conditions, by focusing on getting lots of trees planted. After an exceptionally dry year, it’s almost shocking to now see so much green. The feelings of unease and despair during the drought has turned into an even stronger confidence in our choice of tree species to plant, as they are proving to truly be hardy and drought resistant; Moringa stenopetala in particular. We’ve found that they really thrive when planted close together, so in individuals’ home gardens we have been creating mini plantations of Moringas. Everyone has continued to use their leaves in cooking and some schools are now forming environmental clubs to plant and care for trees on their own. It’s heartwarming and so encouraging how eager the children are to engage and learn about the trees and how to care for them. When they see us in the area they come running from their homes to get involved!

Another recent focus of ours has been in tree protection. For those who lack the resources to build a secure enough barrier to keep out the animals, we help by training on how to construct a better fence; providing supplies and labor whenever we can. We’re really seeing particularly inspiring development at the homes that have plenty of trees planted in safe enclosures. The families are encouraged by their trees’ growth and they are now seeing that tree-planting is so much more than just getting the tree in the ground. They are looking forward to the months and years to come, committing to their trees’ care and protection for a future of food-security in their own backyard.

Thank you to everyone who donated on #GivingTuesday! Although that matching campaign is over now, there is still an opportunity during this giving season to reinforce your donation dollars. If you begin monthly giving before December 31^st, 2019, your first donation will be matched at 100%! Monthly recurring donations provide us a sense of stability and confidence going forward.

Thank you to our volunteers and 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.

Ashe Oleng! (Thank you very much in Kisamburu)