Trees for Kenya

Why this project matters

Smallholder farmers in Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Tharaki Nithi counties rely on rain‑fed agriculture to survive, yet many remain trapped in poverty amid rising input costs, volatile crop prices, and limited market access. Across Kenya, roughly 40–45% of people live near or below poverty lines, with rural households especially dependent on smallholder farming for both food and income. As population growth puts increasing pressure on land and climate change drives soil degradation and erratic rainfall, farmers are finding it harder each year to sustain yields and meet basic needs.  

Our agroforestry-carbon project with Trees for Kenya creates dual income streams for local farmers from both tree products and carbon credits, while agroforestry systems help reduce erosion, improve biodiversity, and boost resilience—with farmers in eastern Kenya already reporting higher productivity and improved land conditions. Through inclusive farmer-led structures, the model ensures that even the most vulnerable households can participate and benefit.  

Project impact

The project has already undertaken the following activities: 

• Tree seedling planting & distribution 

• Implementation of a farmer & region specific agroforestry design that included native species 

• A selection of the trees (according to traditional knowledge and farmer desires) 

• Training sessions by lead farmers for their local community 

• Established nurseries  

• Farmer onboarding 

• Farmer payouts from CRU generation  

• Stakeholder engagement