Greening Kilifi: A Million Trees, One Community, Infinite Impact

In the heart of Kilifi County, Kenya, a profound transformation is unfolding—one that I’ve been privileged to witness and contribute to. My journey with “OneMillionTrees4Kilifi” has been nothing short of inspiring, as we strive to address malnutrition and cultivate a greener, more vibrant environment. As someone deeply passionate about community development, joining the cause of “OneMillionTrees4Kilifi” was a natural fit. The vision was bold yet simple: plant a million fruit trees in 400 schools. Little did I know that this initiative would not only combat malnutrition but also sow the seeds of environmental consciousness in the hearts of our community’s youngest members.

Madam Claudia Director Pamoja Girls

Beyond the compounds, our mission extends to the bustling heart of Malindi-Kilifi, a town that yearns for more green spaces. The Green City Initiative became a rallying cry, urging everyone to turn urban expanses into havens of biodiversity. One project, in particular, captures the essence of our commitment—a park adorned with over 250 trees since November 2022. This once-overlooked park started gaining life in November 2022 when we mobilized the community to start planting trees at the park. In the future this is going to become a symbol of community pride, attracting families to enjoy its shade, relish fresh fruits, and witness the lively dance of butterflies, bees, and birds.

November 13th marked a historic celebration in Kenya—a Green Holiday, where every citizen was expected to engage in tree planting. In Kilifi Kenya, we celebrated it at Buntwani Park, with collaborative efforts with other Community-Based Organizations, over 500 community members, spanning generations and representing various service organizations, gathered to fully green the park. Witnessing the community’s transformation—once passive, now actively involved in matters of environmental stewardship—was truly exhilarating. Mr Juma Mtana, a representative from the national youth office in Malindi, traveled to flag of the tree-planting ceremony, infusing the event with enthusiasm and purpose. Children from the community and students from Malindi Little Angels, adorned in white T-shirts, joined hands to plant a tree each. The symbolism of their act resonated—their commitment to nurturing the environment for generations to come.

Our journey was not without challenges. Initially, the call to plant trees echoed with only a handful responding. But we persisted, educating the community about the pivotal role trees play in the health of our planet. Gradually, the community embraced the vision, and on Green Holiday, everyone came together to plant a tree, naming it after themselves—a symbol of personal commitment to its care. The #Pandarafiki initiative, planting trees for friends and naming them, added a personal touch to our greening endeavor. This initiative emphasized that caring for a friend meant caring for the tree planted in their name. Over 400 trees found a home in the park, transforming its landscape and the community’s perception of their shared space.

An essential aspect of this green revolution was collaboration. “OneMillionTrees4Kilifi” joined forces with other community-based organizations, recognizing that the collective impact far exceeds individual efforts. Together, we mobilized resources, planned community projects, advocated for change, and engaged members from state corporations, local government, and community leaders. The collaborative approach has shifted the community’s mindset. No longer reliant solely on local leaders and governments, the community now embraces its responsibility to make a difference. By actively participating in greening initiatives, they’ve become stewards of their environment, taking ownership of matters that directly impact their lives.

To ensure the survival of our green legacy, “OneMillionTrees4Kilifi” didn’t stop at planting. We instituted a weekly follow-up routine—an act of love for the trees we planted. Every Sunday, community-created teams conduct “tree check-ups,” nurturing the growth of each tree through watering, weeding, and replacing any struggling saplings. This commitment guarantees a 100% survival rate, an investment in the future of Kilifi’s beautiful park.

What started as a mission to address malnutrition has blossomed into a full-fledged community movement. “OneMillionTrees4Kilifi” has not just planted trees; we’ve sowed the seeds of unity, environmental consciousness, and community pride. The story of Kilifi is an inspiring narrative of a community that dared to dream big, embraced collaboration, and is now witnessing the flourishing results—one million trees at a time. As we continue to nurture our green haven, Kilifi is not just greening its landscape; it’s shaping a sustainable, vibrant future for generations to come. I am proud to be a part of this journey, where every tree planted symbolizes a dream, a commitment, and a step toward a brighter tomorrow.

Unveiling the Kilifi Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue: A Beacon of Local Climate Action

In the heart of Kilifi County, Kenya, where the impacts of climate change reverberate through the community, a transformative initiative emerged — the Kilifi Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue (KICCD) 2023. Born out of a desire to bridge the gap between high-level climate discussions and grassroots communities, this groundbreaking event showcased the power of collaboration, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions.

The story began with a vision to localize climate action. Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, Onemilliontrees4kilifi conceived the idea of KICCD. Understanding the importance of collective effort, the local organization joined hands with fellow thirty community-based organizations at Maono, forging a united front against climate challenges. Gaining insights from the African Climate Summit in Nairobi, the organizers honed their strategy, drawing inspiration from global initiatives while keeping a keen eye on the unique challenges faced by Kilifi. With shared knowledge, a theme emerged: “Bridging Generations for Climate Action from Local Insights to Global Impact.”

Consultations between the Panelists and Moderator.

Pooling resources, we engaged over 30 Community Organizations situated at Maono Space, a meeting space for the community where different groups meet to strategize and implement their ideas. Together, they formulated a comprehensive concept for the dialogue, covering crucial topics like carbon markets, waste management, natural resources, and energy. Committees were formed, each playing to its strengths. Advocacy groups reached out to local government officials, emphasizing the historic significance of KICCD. Those working with youth and women mobilized communities from the deep corners of Kilifi County like Garashi, Ganze, Rabai, and so on, bringing together a diverse group of over 300 participants, spanning all ages.

The lead-up to KICCD was a whirlwind of activity. Digital-savvy organizations crafted online registration links and documented environmental degradation caused by over-mining and ocean pollution. Areas like Adu where deforestation is top-notch were documented, and the pollution at the sea level was not left behind. Meanwhile, those skilled in inventions and crafting adorned the event with decorations, banners, and tents, creating an immersive atmosphere. In a remarkable show of unity, committees coordinated seamlessly, with everyone contributing their unique strengths. The event, organized in a mere two and a half weeks, became a testament to what a community can achieve when driven by a common purpose.

On the day of the dialogue, the community poured in, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a shared commitment to combat climate change. Elders reminisced about traditional environmental practices, emphasizing the need to learn from the past. Women from Garashi discovered the impact of carbon markets on their lives, unveiling a previously unknown connection to global initiatives.

KICCD exceeded all expectations. The community’s enthusiastic response, coupled with the insightful discussions led by local leaders and environmental experts, left an indelible mark on Kilifi. Dr. Tunje Pole addressed waste management, Md Rael Nyanchama delved into natural resources, and Julie Wahome shed light on energy. Madam Cate from Pwam emphasized the importance of waste management.

As the dialogue concluded, the resounding sentiment was clear — Kilifi is ready for more. A call for additional dialogues echoed through the community, with the collective voice demanding extended timelines and more opportunities for impactful discussions. Kilifi Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue proved that from collaboration to execution, every step forward is a step toward a sustainable and resilient future. The first chapter has been written, but the story of Kilifi’s climate action is far from over.

HURRAY! PANDA RAFIKI DID IT!

In the beginning of the previous month, we introduced a challenge called “Pandarafiki.” The term “Panda Rafiki” is derived from Swahili, where “Panda” means to plant, and “Rafiki” translates to a friend in English.

This challenge held great significance for our organization. Its primary goal was to increase the number of trees planted and nurtured to reach one million trees in Kilifi County. The initiative aimed to foster a stronger sense of love and friendship among those who planted these trees.

Given the pressing issue of climate change, we recognize the critical importance of planting trees as a means to mitigate its effects. Now, as we commemorate one month since the launch of the Pandarafiki challenge, we wish to evaluate whether it has fulfilled its intended purpose.

Progress so far,

The intended purpose of this initiative was twofold. Firstly, it sought to align with the shared goal of the “onemilliontrees4kilifi” project, which aims to make Kilifi County greener and ensure sustainable rainforest coverage by planting one million trees across 400 schools in the region.

Secondly, the concept expanded to encompass the idea of maintaining connections and friendships with new acquaintances made during my visit to Nairobi for the African Climate Summit. These friends and partners, who returned to their respective countries, could maintain their bonds by planting a tree and naming it after themselves.

This idea was extended to anyone who wished to plant a tree in memory of their loved ones. These trees serve a dual purpose, contributing to our environmental goals and creating enduring symbols of love and friendship.

Our Expectations

The Pandarafiki Challenge has exceeded our initial expectations. What began as an initiative in Kilifi County, Kenya, has now resonated with people worldwide. The first country to embrace the idea was India, where Class to Class Ambassador Madam Jhansi Ravikumar and her students planted a number of trees. It was heartwarming to witness Indian students learning Kiswahili while participating in this tree-planting activity.

We were also fortunate to be joined by Madam Rahmeni Jmalia from Tunisia, who led our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Pandarafiki Challenge. Hamunant Deshmukh from Green Sunrise Hill in Wagholi, India, planted ten trees on his farm. Gise from Brazil enthusiastically engaged her family members in tree planting, including her mother and son.

South Africa was represented by Swantini, while the United States had Nasim, Japan had Kanako Sugai, and Kenya, particularly Kilifi, had numerous participants, including Al Kags, Chris, Loise, Elphic, Vincent, Jeff, Simon, Angel, Zainab, Katana, Lincoln, Pande, Panda, Jmars, and many more.

Over the course of the past month, Pandarafiki has successfully nurtured the love for tree planting and care. The challenge has impacted an impressive 56,000 individuals through on-site visits and online engagement, resulting in the planting of 16,000 trees so far. It’s truly exciting to note that the challenge has inspired five farmers to establish tree farms, spanning from Nyahururu and Kitale to Magarini.

Schools have also actively participated, with Kakuyuni boys’ students greening their premises and planting fruit trees in their school farm. The same level of enthusiasm was mirrored by Shomani girls, who planted passion fruits along their school fence and several trees within the school grounds.

We firmly believe that the Pandarafiki project is poised to revolutionize the way people perceive tree planting in our county. Often, we’ve witnessed individuals planting trees and then neglecting them, leaving us uncertain about their chances of survival.

However, with the Pandarafiki challenge, the act of planting a tree takes on a moral responsibility for the person, as it symbolizes their friendship. Just as a good friend wouldn’t let their friend wither away or perish, individuals feel compelled to take care of the tree they’ve planted. As a result, we have witnessed an increase in the number of trees that thrive after being planted.

Moreover, the challenge has fostered a healthy competition among friends, as everyone strives to plant as many trees as possible. This sense of camaraderie and the desire to contribute to a greener environment has motivated individuals to plant trees with even greater enthusiasm.

Given the tremendous impact we’ve witnessed, it wouldn’t be fair to conclude the challenge without a grand finale, aptly named the “Ultimate Pandarafiki Challenge.” This culmination will take place on November 13, 2023, which coincides with an official holiday in Kenya dedicated to nationwide tree planting.

We’ve organized a special event at Buntwani Park in Malindi, designed to provide an opportunity for those who may not have had the chance to participate during the past month. This event promises to be truly unique and unforgettable. If you happen to be in Malindi or its surrounding areas, we extend a warm invitation to join us in the spirit of Pandarafiki and make a lasting contribution to this important cause.

Sowing Resilience: Planting One Million Fruit Trees for Kilifi’s Future

Kilifi County, situated along the Kenyan coastline, grapples with several challenges, including malnutrition among school children and unpredictable rainfall patterns that hinder agriculture and livestock keeping. The issue of malnutrition stems from limited access to nutritious fruits in the diets of school-going children in Kilifi. Additionally, rampant deforestation has significantly affected the region’s agricultural sector and water resources, leading to irregular rainfall patterns.

According to the World Forest Watch, Kilifi had 173kha of tree cover in 2010, covering 14% of its land area. However, by 2022, it lost 590 ha of tree cover, equivalent to 180 kt of CO2 emissions. This alarming trend indicates that none of the 400 schools in Kilifi county have a tree cover exceeding 10%.

Reports from the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlight Kilifi County’s high rates of undernutrition, with one in five under-5 children being underweight. The increasing unpredictability of rainfall over the past four years has further impacted household milk production, a key indicator of nutrition security.

Media publications emphasize the rising levels of malnutrition in Kilifi, with approximately 70% of households facing food insecurity. The potential consequences include starvation and long-term effects such as slower brain development and weakened immunity in surviving children.

These challenges deeply affect Kilifi County, which boasts over 400 primary and secondary schools. To address these issues, Onemilliontrees4kilifi has initiated a project to plant one million trees in these schools. Schools in the Kilifi region offer vast land, water supply, and a young generation eager to engage in tree planting activities. By educating students, the project simultaneously reaches the surrounding communities, impacting approximately 350 families for each school with a population of 400 learners.

The innovative solution involves planting grafted fruit trees, including Mango, Passion, Oranges, and Pixies. These fruit trees not only provide a sustainable source of nutrition but also contribute to the region’s environmental resilience by enhancing local tree.

Shomani Girls Principal, preparing a place to plant a passion fruit.

Planting 2500 fruit trees on four acres of land in each of the 400 schools will significantly contribute to the county’s fruit production. Excess fruits will be utilized in the construction of a juice processing plant in Magarini, creating employment and establishing a market for the surplus fruits.

The benefits of this initiative extend to improved nutrition for school children, restoration of Kilifi County’s lost weather patterns, increased awareness of tree planting and environmental conservation, and enhanced local climate resilience through a substantial increase in tree cover.

By planting one million fruit trees in Kilifi County, we can address a myriad of problems afflicting the region. Join us in making this noble idea a reality.

Kenya Welcomes the Tree Planting Holiday.

A “Tree Holiday Planting Day” is a special occasion set aside for the purpose of planting trees, often organized as a community or environmental initiative. These events are typically scheduled during specific times of the year when tree planting is most favorable, such as the rainy season. The primary objective of these events is to contribute to environmental improvement, combat deforestation, enhance urban green spaces, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

In this context, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the President of Kenya for establishing November 13th as Kenya’s inaugural Tree Planting Holiday. We anticipate that November 13th will become a widely celebrated tree planting holiday in Kenya and across Africa, much like Arbor Day in the United States. Arbor Day is a holiday that has been traditionally dedicated to planting and nurturing trees, with its roots tracing back to 19th-century America. Over time, it has expanded its influence to numerous countries around the world, with each adapting the date to align with their local climate and tree-planting needs. We are enthusiastic about embracing our own tree planting holiday on November 13, 2023.

Friends of Onemilliontrees4kilifi in Action

Why tree planting holiday?

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) 2020 statistics, Kenya’s forest cover is a mere 7.2%, which equates to approximately 3,467,000 hectares, a stark contrast to the global forest cover of 31%. Additionally, data from the Global Forest Watch reveals an alarming trend: Kenya lost 6.29 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2022, resulting in the emission of 3.29 million tons of CO₂. Such extensive deforestation has exposed Kenya to the adverse effects of climate change, leading to:

Disturbances in rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts in various regions, which disrupt agriculture, water supply, and food security.

Escalating temperatures, with Kenya experiencing a temperature increase of 1.9°C, surpassing pre-industrial levels.

Scarcity of water due to shifting precipitation patterns and increased evaporation, affecting both domestic water supply and agricultural irrigation.

Significant declines in crop and livestock yields, contributing to food shortages and surging food prices.

Ongoing deforestation and land degradation, which result in soil erosion, diminished agricultural productivity, and a loss of biodiversity.

These ramifications are intrinsically linked to the persistent decline in the country’s forest cover. To effectively combat the climate change crisis, it is imperative to restore and expand Kenya’s forest cover. The introduction of a Tree Planting Holiday by the President presents a promising avenue for addressing these pressing issues.

Benefits of Tree Planting Holiday:

The tree planting holiday promises to offer a myriad of advantages:

Environmental Benefits:

Carbon sequestration, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels.

Enhanced air quality, with trees releasing oxygen and filtering pollutants, resulting in cleaner and healthier air.

Erosion control through the stabilization of soil by tree roots, preventing erosion.
Support for biodiversity by providing habitat and sustenance for a wide array of wildlife species.

Watershed protection by preserving water quality and safeguarding watersheds.

Community Benefits:

Cultivating community engagement, uniting people in pursuit of a common environmental cause.

Creating educational opportunities and raising awareness about the significance of trees and the environment.

Elevating the aesthetic appeal of urban and rural areas, making communities more visually pleasing and habitable.

Economic Benefits:

Augmenting economic value by elevating property values and fostering local economies through activities such as eco-tourism and sustainable timber production.

Encouraging a long-term, sustainable approach to land use.

Food Security:
Planting fruit and nut trees on tree planting holidays can serve as a source of fresh, locally grown produce, thereby contributing to enhanced food security.

Way forward.

For the successful realization of this initiative, several strategic measures should be considered, encompassing rainwater harvesting, collaborative efforts between local governments and community organizations, subsidizing tree seedlings, and prioritizing the planting of fruit trees to bolster food security. The Tree Planting Holiday represents a laudable step toward environmental conservation and a sustainable future. It embraces a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, fostering community involvement, and enhancing the well-being of both current and future generations. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to going green, thinking green, and taking green action. Congratulations Mr. President for talking this bold step.