Long-Term Food Security for 4000 Samburus in Kenya

Since our last update we have mostly focused on monitoring and tree care.  That means visiting each tree we planted within the last three years, while they are still so young and vulnerable, to see how they progress.  We take measurements, assist with their care and maintenance, and offer additional guidance and training.  We've planted many dozens of thousands of trees over the last three years, so once we've completed our site visits, we'll process all that data and calculate the current tree survival rates.  Some off-season rains have really helped grow the seedlings as well as the natural savanna grasses.  Some overgrowth needed to be cleared to give the trees more space, but the trimmed vegetation provided the trees with mulch.  The Moringa trees, as always, do especially well and their leaves continue to provide locals an excellent source of nutrients.  The pomegranate trees planted from clippings are already producing fruit, and at the schools where we installed shaded tree nurseries, papayas and bananas have been harvested for their fruit.  It is wonderful to see the literal "fruits of our labor" providing nutritious food to Samburu school children and their families.

Just before local schools went on break, we implemented a small permaculture design project at a school with nothing growing on its compound.  With the help of 30 volunteers from Greece, we designed and built a plot containing a series of water catchments and, of course, filled it with food-bearing tree species.  Soon afterward, the rains came steadily and filled the catchments, so this project has had a great start, and once school resumes, the students will have a lush green space awaiting them.  These trees will provide a very nutritious supplement to the school's lunches and give the children a shaded place to play while also improving the overall environment.

Thank you very much to all of our donors, volunteers, and the GlobalGiving community.  If you would like to provide feedback, learn more about our projects, or volunteer with us, please email us at kenya@sadhanaforest.org.  You can also leave a note at the end of this report.

Ashe Oleng! ("Thank you very much!" in Kisamburu)