Project Report
| Feb 10, 2021
Return to our African Tree friends
By Jennifer Smith | Project Leader
![Planting trees with families in Kenya]()
Planting trees with families in Kenya
We remain hopeful to return to Kenya, the village of Enkutoto Nahala to reunite with our Maasai Tree friends. Meanwhile, it is dry season there, and the land is parched and thirsty. So are the trees we have already planting. Therefore, on the advice of our local leader, we are modifying our planting style to work directly with more individual families within the space around and close to their homes so that the women can water the trees during the drought periods.
We always knew this particular replication to Kenya would require us to be flexible and respond to both the local culture and the changing climate. Given that many families want avocado and mango and morgina trees, plus other fruit bearing trees for family consumption, we believe this adaptation best responds to current needs and limitations in funding. Until we have enough funds to go big in a large area, we want to address local food supplies and the need of families for some extra income. And the extra attention for the trees by families will insure they survive and thrive together in an interdependent way.
We remain committed to this project having laid the groundwork for good communication and cooperation. We appreciate our local leader Dalmas, who is tireless and dependable. We hope to be planting more trees this April during the long rains. Using this new modified planting style will be critical for continued community motivation and participation. We are glad to be able to forward funds and depend on Dalmas for good reporting and distribution and adminsitration, Team work is the Dream work.
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Oct 13, 2020
Massai Family Farmers in Kenya
By Jennifer Smith | Project Leader
![Social work is KEY to growing trees!]()
Social work is KEY to growing trees!
We are continuing to support our Massai Farmers with the advice and leadership of our local leader Dalmas. As the drought conditions in Eastern Kenya continue, the care and follow up for the trees we plant is complicated. We listen intently to the advice based on local knowledge which insures success. Our plan has evolved to work with local families within their family pasture lands.
Dalmas has advised us to plant the trees within the household fences to insure they are not trampled by the grazing goats and cows. Plus, the families can water the trees more easily since all water has to be carried from the central water pump.
Using the concepts of sociocracy is a pillar of our organization's success. It requires developing trust ibnformed by local knowledgte and experience. Real empowerment and change takes time and listening to the signs and signals of participationg local partners. We are confident that pivoting to more family farm planting projects will grow more food. Planting in common areas is important and we continue to care for the trees we planted along a river bed in community. Yet, in all transparency many of these trees have died due to the grazing animals and the drought conditions despite best efforts to water the trees and protect them.
By paying local people to plant fruit trees within the fences that surround their clan settlements, we can more effectively grow real food trees that will in turn generate cloud and rain formation. Together, wer can all m ake a diffrerence in this challenged AND BEAUTIFUL part of Africa with such special people.
![We love our Massai Family]()
We love our Massai Family
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Jun 16, 2020
Planting Trees is Planting Hope
By Jennifer Smith | Project Director
![Tree Jenny Sitting in Acacia Tree Enkutoto Nalala]()
Tree Jenny Sitting in Acacia Tree Enkutoto Nalala
We are so proud of our Partners The Massai Center for Regenerative Pastoralism for handling the difficult situation in Kenya right now. So far, Covid 19 has not affected our African Tree friends but they are quarantined in the village of Enkutoto Nalala. Thank goodness everyone is ok. On top of Covid, you might have heard that Africa has been plagued lately by a form of locust that i sliterrally wreaking havoc on communities. Hundreds of millions of locusts. Imagine the apocalyptic scene playing out right now. It's downright scary like from a horror movie. Once again, luckily, the indigenous people with whom we are working have not had any issues with this wierd and destructive problem affecting a large portion of Africa.
Now more than ever, we must keep planting and maintaing the trees in this fragile and important Equatorial region of our planet. So many iconic people and animals are depending on regenerating the local ecosystems. We beleive the people with whom we are working are capable of turning the tide in favor of survival and can thrive in time as they grow in more sustainable ways and begin to enjoy the positive benefits of the trees we are planting. Health goes hand in hand with how we treat our Mother Earth. We are honored to keep working and striving to make a difference with every tree you sponsor. Stay tuned for more pictures and updates on the conidtion of the trees next report.
Thank you for your continued support.
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