MAASAI COMMUNITY CARBON TREES AFRICA

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. 

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. 

• Protecting baby trees from grazing animals (PDF)
  
• MASSAI COMMUNITY LEADER (PDF)