By Erick Otieno
Narok, Kenya – In a bold step to combat climate change and restore degraded lands, Restore Africa, a flagship initiative under the Global EverGreening Alliance, has embarked on training journalists from Migori and Narok counties. The training, conducted in Narok County, sought to enhance media capacity in reporting climate change and sustainability, while underscoring the role of carbon credit as a new economic frontier for smallholder farmers.
What is Restore Africa?
Restore Africa is one of the world’s largest community-led, nature-based carbon removal initiatives, led globally by the Global EverGreening Alliance. In Kenya, it is spearheaded by World Vision Kenya in collaboration with implementing partners including World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation, JustDiggit, the Green Belt Movement, and Self Help Africa. The program aims to restore 250,000 hectares of land and directly benefit 250,000 smallholder farmers across five counties: Narok, Migori, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kilifi, and Kwale.
Where and How is the Project Being Implemented?
The project, spanning from 2022 to 2052, is being implemented through farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) and tree planting activities. It is currently active in targeted areas across the counties. In Migori County, the intervention focuses on Kachieng and North Kadem wards in Nyatike Constituency, where 14,009 households are set to benefit. The project aims to restore 6,416 hectares of degraded land by growing 840,000 trees, including avocado, mango, indigenous species, and promoting agricultural activities like bee-keeping, poultry, and sorghum cultivation.
In Narok County, the project covers Narok North, South, and Transmara West sub-counties, aiming to impact 50,206 farmers and restore 77,508 hectares through planting 3,012,360 trees, focusing on avocado and indigenous species.
Who is Benefiting and Why?
So far, 3,265 farmers in Nyatike have signed consent forms to join the program, with 210,000 trees already planted. In Narok, 9,000 farmers have been recruited and 375,000 trees planted. Farmers like Mr. Amos in Narok North have already dedicated parts of their farms to the project. “I received 176 seedlings and have seen significant transformation on my land,” he said, expressing hope for increased support in future planting seasons.
Why is this Important?
The Restore Africa project is not only a climate action strategy but also an economic empowerment program. With the growing global market for carbon credits, smallholder farmers stand to earn additional income by reducing atmospheric carbon through afforestation and agroforestry. According to Dr. Faith Muniale, Director of World Vision Kenya, “Our mission is to restore degraded lands and ensure that farmers benefit both from increased agricultural productivity and access to carbon markets. The carbon credit system will create a sustainable source of income for participating communities.”
The Role of Journalists
Recognizing the power of the media, the project has prioritized training journalists to shape public understanding of climate resilience. “Journalists are vital in raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and translating technical information into actionable knowledge,” said Dr. Muniale during the training.
Looking Ahead
With $2.4 million earmarked for Migori and Narok counties between 2023 and 2027, Restore Africa is setting a precedent for large-scale, sustainable land restoration. As the effects of climate change intensify, such interventions offer hope for food security, environmental recovery, and economic empowerment for thousands of Kenyan families.
