As the rains bless the Kenyan soil, Regenerative Farms is thrilled to introduce two new Trees for Climate Health projects initiated by our esteemed Hub partners: the Maasai Center for Regenerative Pastoralism and the Drylands Natural Resources Centre. In 2023, these projects aim to plant a remarkable 20,000 and 50,000 trees this rainy season, marking a significant step towards regenerating degraded lands and securing the future of local Maasai and Meru tribal communities.
1. Maasai Center for Regenerative Pastoralism: Nurturing Resilience in the Face of Drought
The Maasai Center for Regenerative Pastoralism, founded in 2013 by klan leader Dalmas Tiampati, emerged as a response to a devastating drought that nearly wiped out the livestock of Maasai communities in Kajiado County, including Dalmas’s own herd. The organization’s mission goes beyond addressing the symptoms of drought; it seeks to empower Maasai communities to become more resilient and adapt to the changing world while preserving their cultural heritage.
Living in harmony with the natural environment is at the core of the Maasai Center’s objectives. The threat of desertification, loss of vegetation and grass, soil degradation, and diminishing water resources looms large, leading to famine and dependency on external aid. The risk of migration to cities, with the potential loss of the rich Maasai culture, is a reality that the organization is determined to avert.
Regenerative Farms, in collaboration with the Maasai Center, is supporting the implementation of Regenerative Farming techniques. The goal is to help communities live and prosper on their land and create sustainable livelihoods that empower, protect, and preserve the unique Maasai way of life. The Trees for Climate Health initiative is a beacon of hope, symbolizing the collective effort to combat environmental challenges and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. The rains came just in time for Dalmas and his team, were abruptly cut off from their only water source, as the truck that brought in gallons of water to fill their water tank was hindered by major repairs, and the only other option demanded triple the going price.
Discover more about the Maasai Center for Regenerative Pastoralism’s inspiring work at www.maasaiactionfordevelopment.org.
2. Drylands Natural Resources Centre: Planting Seeds of Change
In the eastern drylands of Kenya, the Drylands Natural Resources Centre is taking monumental strides in reforesting their landscape. Having planted 1 million trees, founder Nicholas Syano continues to seed additional funds to expand their work. This year, thanks to Jonas Philanthropy’s donation, they grew and are now distributing 50,000 high-value trees starting in November to their mostly female farmers who grow the bulk of the food consumed by families in this region. This project is not just about planting saplings; it’s a commitment to revitalizing natural resources and supporting communities that depend on these lands for their livelihoods.
The Drylands Natural Resources Centre recognizes the intricate balance between environmental conservation and community well-being. Their initiative aligns with Regenerative Farms’ mission to foster sustainable practices that simultaneously regenerate degraded lands and uplift local populations. With RF’s support in 2022, they imported their first seed oil press, and successfully processed their first batches of sunflower and moringa oil from their community crops. The oils will be consumed locally and once additional investments are made into a fully finished processing center, certified and sold through export channels to increase local incomes.
As we witness these projects unfold, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of environmental health and community prosperity. The rains in Kenya signal not just the rejuvenation of the land but also the beginning of a journey towards resilience, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Nicholas, too, experienced firsthand the need for holistic solutions as the local river they depend on to water their extensive collection of seedlings in their nursery ran completely dry this year, something that never happened in Nicholas’s youth. RF is helping raise funds to install a solar-powered borehole to secure a more dependable and resilient water source for the nursery while the trees get planted and other repairs are done to restore the degraded watershed to rehydrate the landscape and refill the rivers.
How You Can Contribute: Support our Partners and Help Fund Their Solar-Powered Borehole Projects
The journey towards regeneration is not without challenges, and water scarcity is a significant obstacle. To address this, Regenerative Farms aims to fund two solar-powered borehole projects at the Maasai Centre for Regenerative Pastoralism, and Drylands Natural Resources Centres, ensuring each a sustainable water supply for their tree nurseries for decades to come.
You can be a part of this transformative journey. Visit Regenerative Farms’s donation portal to learn more and make a difference by contributing to these vital projects. Each water project is estimated to cost ~$25,000USD. Or share our stories on your social media and introduce our work to your favorite companies. We are a proud member of 1% for the planet and welcome corporate sponsorships from ethical companies who share our vision.
As we embark on this journey of growth and renewal, let’s stand together in nurturing the earth and empowering communities for a sustainable and harmonious future. Stay tuned for more updates as we introduce you to our partners, continuing the mission of Trees for Climate Health in Kenya and beyond.
