Long-Term Food Security for 4000 Samburus in Kenya

Admittedly, many times in my life, when told to expect rain, feelings of disappointment would arise; “Everything will be wet and muddy… laundry won’t dry… plans are ruined”.  But now, at Sadhana Forest Kenya, I love the rain.  I appreciate the rain.  I welcome the rain.   Only weeks ago, the land was struggling to produce.  Stepping off a path meant a likely demise to any vegetation that ended up under foot.  ‘Dust devils’ would stir up, tossing around everything in its path, blowing away the mulch and drying out the soil.  Starting mid-October, we have been very fortunate with generous rains; the most since we landed here in April 2014.  In order to manage it, we have given a huge push to plant more trees and implement additional water diversion and catchment areas on the land.  The recent rains were finally able to soak into the ground.  Trenches and ponds filled, swales were saturated, trees drank, and Sadhana Forest Kenya is now green!  It is lush and teaming with plants and animals we are seeing for the first time.  The difference is inspiring.  We are eager to show the Sadhana campus to our Samburu neighbours and let them see what is possible in their own backyard.  This rainy season is expected to extend into January and so now I say “The rain, the welcome rain!”

Since April of 2014 we have trained well over 1200 people, both young and old.  We've planted over 700 trees within our campus, around schools and churches, and within local homesteads.  We have welcomed 110 volunteers, staying with us for varying lengths of time, and over 1100 visitors have toured our project campus.  We would like to give a warm welcome to local youth, Felix, as our newest volunteer.  He is a beneficiary of two trees and lives with his family in the neighbouring village of L’kisheki.  Felix comes to Sadhana Forest three days a week to lend a hand with a variety of projects.  He is such great help and we are thankful for him volunteering his time and efforts with us.  Thank you Felix!

As the holiday season is in full swing for many, perhaps you are in need a great gift idea.  How about a donation in honour or in memory of someone, or a GlobalGiving Gift card?  It’s the perfect time for it!  Sadhana Forest Keya is taking part in Global Giving’s Year-End Campaign and needs to raise a minimum of $3000 from at least 30 donors before December 31^st.  After reaching this goal, we will be eligible for one of nine bonus awards!  You can make your donation go even further; if you set up a monthly recurring donation (for a minimum of four months) during the month of December, 100% of your initial donation (up to $200) will be matched!  No matter the size, every donation is helpful to us.  Monthly recurring donations provide us with security and sustainability and allow us to plan and move forward most effectively.

Sadhana Forest Kenya truly appreciates the support from the Global Giving 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.

Ashe Oleng! (Thank you very much in Kisamburu)

Links:

• Sadhana Forest Kenya