Africa Wood Grow makes a difference for people and biodiversity in Kenya

ARTICLE

Heidi Peters, Monday 24 February 2025

175 sec

Large-scale tree planting in Kenya

With support from NWST Publishing, Dutch green manager Roeland Lelieveld is leading a major reforestation project in Kitui County, Kenya. The project aims not only to improve biodiversity and nature in the area but also to achieve social goals. Journalist Heidi Peters visited Kenya at the request of editor-in-chief Hein van Iersel to witness the initiative firsthand. "A fantastic experience," says Heidi, "but also a culture shock."

Victor Otieno (left) from Africa Wood Grow and Alex Kituku, a member of the Kamiti CBO, on his land now filled with trees

"Please check your shoes for scorpions in the morning before putting them on." That was the moment I watched my taxi drive away, leaving me standing in the dust. I was really here—deep in Kenya, at Africa Wood Grow. And I would be staying for three nights. Those turned out to be the best days of my month-long trip to Kenya, during which I visited the Dutch-Kenyan foundation committed to greening 600 hectares over thirty years.

After a domestic flight to Nairobi and a four-hour drive, I arrived at Kathome Farm, a place I later often described as "the middle of nowhere." But in reality, it's not so isolated—there are several farms within walking distance. I was in Kenya, more precisely, in Kitui County, at one of Africa Wood Grow's model farms. Initially, I wanted to leave after just five minutes, but the days at Kathome turned out to be the most rewarding of my trip. Thanks to Victor Otieno, one of the project leaders, I saw and understood much more than I would have on my own.

From private forest to community-based organization (CBO)

Africa Wood Grow was founded in 2010 by Dutchman Roeland Lelieveld and Kenyan Daniel Muvali. They initially started with a private forest. Today, Africa Wood Grow (AWG) has seven restored sites covering nearly 100 hectares, serving as examples. The organization's long-term goal is to restore and green 600 square kilometers in the Tiva River basin over thirty years. This part of Kenya has a hot semi-arid climate.
In addition to Kathome Farm, AWG operates Umu Farm, Kamutei Farm, Maomokiani Farm, Mang'elete Farm, and Mugumo Farm. The foundation, which has ANBI status, has also established a community-based organization (CBO) with 230 farming families. Involving the local population is crucial, as they play a key role in restoring the natural ecosystem. But first, let's start with the nursery.

"As the forests recover, monkeys and other wildlife return."

At Kathome Farm, I was welcomed by Victor Otieno, who manages the tree nursery behind the farm. As we walked toward it, we saw monkeys swinging through the trees. "Kathome was Africa Wood Grow's first forest," Otieno explained. "Now that it's fully regrown after several years, wildlife is naturally returning, which is fantastic to see."
The nursery grows about twenty tree species, all native (see list below). When AWG began in 2010, they primarily focused on *Melia volkensii*, whose seeds produce medicinal oil. Seedlings are grown in tubes and remain in the nursery for three months. To prepare them for the sun, they are initially shaded with a cloth that gradually reduces coverage from 95% to 30% over two months. Once hardened, the seedlings are transferred to planting beds before being planted on AWG's own sites or distributed to Kamiti CBO members.

Each bed contains around 2,500 seedlings destined for AWG plots, Kamiti CBO members, and other buyers

For *Melia* cultivation, mature fruits are harvested from trees. The pulp is removed to extract the nuts, which are then dried. After cracking the nuts, the seeds are collected.

84,500 trees and three water kiosks

Over the past fourteen years, AWG has planted more than 84,000 trees. Farmers who join the CBO (similar to a local cooperative) receive training on the benefits of trees for the climate, livestock, and crops. Each new member starts with 150 trees, and those who demonstrate commitment receive more each year. The organization regularly monitors the trees and records progress. Not everyone manages to keep all their trees alive, but some farmers have doubled their tree count on their own.

Long-term vision

The next morning, we visited Margareth Kisangao. Kenyan English sounds different from Dutch English, so communication was challenging. Victor Otieno translated my questions into Swahili, Kenya's second national language. Kisangao runs a 5-hectare farm with vegetables and livestock. She had observed AWG's efforts and requested to join Kamiti CBO when it was founded. The organization trained her and provided trees.
These trees will eventually provide her with wood, securing her family's future. "Trees improve the soil and protect my home from wind," she explains. "Water was a challenge, so not all trees survived. If I can get better water access, I'd like to plant three more hectares of trees. Trees are the best solution to climate change."

Significant impact

Looking back on my three days in Kitui County, I saw the impact of Africa Wood Grow. A self-sufficient CBO providing jobs, a thriving nursery, and extensive reforested land. Locals are increasingly aware of the importance of trees for the climate, their livelihoods, and their crops. Yet, much remains to be done. If you'd like to contribute, visit www.africawoodgrow.org.

NWST and NewTrees

Since 2019, NWST and some of its partners have been sponsoring Africa Wood Grow. These partners contribute 1% extra, which NWST doubles and donates to AWG. This initiative, called NewTrees, allows businesses to support AWG's mission of reforestation and climate action. Interested in contributing? Contact Hein van Iersel.

Stichting Africa Wood Gro...

COMMENTS

There are no comments yet.

Tip the editors