In the picturesque coastal region of Kenya lies Kilifi County, a landscape grappling with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. The unique blend of vast land and minimal rainfall has created hurdles for local farmers and livestock keepers, hindering year-round agricultural activities. Kilifi, designated as an arid and semi-arid area, is gradually transforming into a fully arid region due to human activities, intensifying the environmental crisis. This transformation has significantly impacted the community’s ability to maintain a balanced diet, particularly affecting school-going children. In response to these challenges, the visionary project “One Million Trees 4 Kilifi” was born, aiming to not only combat under nutrition but also promote sustainable environmental

The Genesis of the Initiative

The genesis of this transformative initiative can be traced to the heartfelt realization that school children in Kilifi were facing dire nutritional challenges. Visiting over 100 schools in the region, the project’s visionary discovered that a significant number of children were going to bed on empty stomachs or relying on meager sustenance like porridge and cassava. Despite the availability of water in most schools and expansive land that could support fruit trees, the nutritional needs of the community remained unmet. This stark reality became the driving force behind the project’s

The Vision: One Million Fruit Trees for 400 Schools

The project’s ambitious vision crystallized into the goal of planting one million fruit trees across 400 schools in Kilifi County. The idea was not just about addressing under nutrition but also fostering sustainable environmental practices. The connection between climate change and the adverse impact on nutrition became increasingly apparent, with Kilifi County grappling with one of the highest rates of under nutrition in Kenya. The adverse effects of climate change, marked by unpredictable rainfall over the last four years, had further exacerbated the issue, leading to reduced household different food production—a key indicator of nutrition security. The initiative to plant fruit trees not only addresses nutritional deficiencies but also aligns with sustainable environmental practices, offering a multifaceted solution to the challenges facing the community.

Mobilizing the Community

Addressing the complex challenges facing Kilifi County required a united front, involving every stakeholder from grassroots figures to government officials. Recognizing this, the project prioritized collaboration with local leaders, starting from the grassroots with figures like “Mzee wa Nyuma Kumi” and extending up to the County government. Community Barazas, crucial community engagement platforms, played a pivotal role in disseminating information about the project and outlining the mutual benefits of the initiative.

Engaging with local leaders was not just about gaining support but also about creating a holistic approach to community development. The collaboration extended to key figures such as Honorable Dama Masha from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, providing technical assistance, and Honorable Omar, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) of Environment, whose involvement was vital for mobilization efforts and resource allocation.

Overcoming Startup Challenges

Being a startup in the realm of environmental initiatives posed its own set of challenges. Authorities often viewed new projects with skepticism, perceiving them as transient endeavors that would fizzle out over time. The journey to gain recognition and support required six months of persistent efforts. Demonstrating the tangible impact and sustainability of the initiative became crucial in convincing authorities of its distinctiveness. A significant turning point was the completion of Buntwani Park in Malindi, a project that showcased the commitment of the initiative by ensuring the park’s functionality with a borehole and running water to support the planted trees.

Watch tree planting at Buntwani Park Malindi

Community Mobilization and Achievements

To substantiate their commitment to environmental sustainability, the project engaged in extensive community mobilization efforts. The initiative’s office at Maono Space became a central hub where more than 30 community leaders convened to collaboratively address local challenges. Partnerships with community groups like Thelesi Trust, Vision Magnet Theater, Green Hallo, Kilifi Youth Assembly and Pamoja Girls strengthened the outreach efforts. The online campaign, PandaRafiki challenge, initiated by Onemilliontrees in collaboration with Thelesi Trust, reached over 10,000 members, emphasizing the need for sustained care of planted trees.

Collaboration with Pamoja Girls, a group dedicated to empowering and enlightening the girl child, extended beyond individual initiatives. As Pamoja Girls visited various schools, the project simultaneously planted trees within those school premises. This comprehensive approach underlined the commitment to holistic community development, addressing environmental sustainability alongside social and educational initiatives.

The journey of “One Million Trees 4 Kilifi” encapsulates the transformative power of grassroots activism, collaboration, and community engagement in addressing pressing environmental and societal issues. From the inception of a visionary idea to the realization of impactful initiatives, the project stands as an inspiration for aspiring environmentalists. It emphasizes the importance of strategic collaboration, community engagement, and perseverance in driving meaningful change. As the project continues to cultivate change in Kilifi and beyond, it serves as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

Recognizing that environmental projects have multifaceted impacts on various sectors, the project prioritized partnerships with stakeholders across health, environment, education, and youth and women’s well-being. Dialogues with Chiefs of 35 different areas in Kilifi County played a significant role in identifying schools that lacked tree cover, highlighting areas that needed immediate attention. The engagement extended to community Barazas, where the project shared its vision with the local community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in combating climate change and addressing malnutrition.

 The Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue

Acknowledging the gap in climate change summits that often lack grassroots representation, the project spearheaded the Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue in November 2023. This transformative initiative brought together individuals from diverse age groups, field experts, and members of local villages for a full-day dialogue. The goal was to exchange ideas on the immediate impacts of climate change and identify best practices. By actively involving elders, women, youth, indigenous persons, and experts, the project fostered a comprehensive and inclusive discussion leading to practical solutions. This dialogue became a platform to bridge the gap between high-level environmental discussions and the lived experiences of communities, ensuring solutions were deeply rooted in the needs and perspectives of those directly affected.

Success Stories as Models for Climate Meetings

The success stories of the project have become models for wider adoption in climate meetings. By initiating inclusive dialogues and promoting community-driven initiatives, the project showcases the importance of incorporating grassroots environmentalists and change-makers from areas directly affected by climate change. The Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue serves as an exemplar for how real climate meetings can better incorporate diverse voices, ensuring that solutions are not only expert-driven but also resonate with the experiences of communities on the front lines of climate impacts.

Promoting Sustainability in Schools and Green City Initiatives

The project’s impact extends beyond the immediate region, offering examples of successful community-driven environmental projects that could serve as models for wider adoption. Initiatives such as promoting sustainability in schools by planting fruit trees within their premises represent a dual-purpose strategy. This not only serves as a climate change mitigation strategy but also addresses the nutritional needs of school-going children, providing them with a balanced diet. The vision of each school dedicating one acre to fruit plantations, supplying raw materials for fruit juice processing plants in every county, offers a ripple effect that extends beyond environmental benefits, fostering local economies and promoting healthier lifestyles among the youth.

Furthermore, the Green City Initiative, exemplified by projects like Buntwani Park in Malindi, signifies a commitment to integrating nature into urban landscapes. By planting 300 trees, the initiative creates green spaces for town dwellers, offering a pleasant area to sit and countering the heat from the nearby ocean. The initiative strives to enhance the overall well-being of city residents, providing cleaner air, shade for pedestrians, and contributing to carbon dioxide sequestration.

Grassroots Activism and Formalized Climate Initiatives

Balancing grassroots activism with engagement in larger, more formalized climate initiatives requires a strategic and collaborative approach. The essence lies in the aspiration to contribute positively to the community, driven by a clear vision, well-defined goals, and a journey toward realization. Navigating this balance involves envisioning a verdant county adorned with green spaces across 400 schools, each nurturing an abundance of fruits to sustain all learners. The project recognizes the indispensable role of grassroots individuals in materializing this dream while also securing the necessary resources to equip the community with tools, knowledge, and means to embark on this transformative endeavor.

Serving as a liaison between the community and significant organizations, the project functions as a bridge, facilitating connections that empower the community. Engaging with these organizations involves articulating the community’s needs and proposing environmentally sustainable initiatives that align with their goals. This collaborative effort ensures that the community is not only connected with requisite resources but also armed with the knowledge to execute impactful environmental initiatives.

By Ephic Tossi

Happy new year.