Samburu, Kenya
Fairtree is supporting pastoralist communities in the arid bushlands of Northern Kenya to regenerate acacia trees from stumps and shrubs
Roots Without Borders (RWB) in partnership with Fairtree has supported the regeneration of over 10,000 new Acacia trees in Samburu, Kenya. Another 41,000 are already funded for 2021 through a generous grant from Jonas Philanthropies and LIFT Economy. Our growers are being paid to regenerate the trees from existing stumps and shrubby acacias. These techniques, known as farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) are gaining in popularity around the world as a low-cost, yet highly effective strategy for growing new trees.
In Samburu, the Acacia tortilis tree (aka Vachelia tortilis, or Ltepes in Kisamburu) is a native, keystone species that is essential for wildlife, livestock and humans alike in this arid landscape. While it is threatened by overuse for firewood and charcoal production, this species is valued as a critical source of forage by herders during the dry season. At its driest, some of Samburu’s only greenery available for livestock is the acacia’s leaves and protein-rich seedpods. As the climate changes, and droughts become more unpredictable, herders are turning more and more to this critical resource as a lifeline in maintaining their semi-nomadic way of life.
We’ve employed over a dozen growers during our pilot stage, all of whom earn income by regenerating and maintaining trees in and around their own communities. The growers have already found several creative ways to educate and involve their neighbors in their efforts. Some of the most productive growers have regenerated more than 200 trees a day, earning more than they otherwise could with other types of work in the area. Moreover, they set their own pace and schedule, meaning they never have to choose reforestation over family, furthering their education or other work opportunities. With their earnings they are paying rent, buying food and clothes for their families, paying their children’s school fees and investing in their own education - all while greening their communities.
$0.34 grows a new tree
For 2021 we hope to grow over 100,000 new Acacia trees in Northern Kenya. The Fairtree model guarantees fair compensation for the work that is done, with over 80% of all funds transferred directly to growers and crew leaders on the ground. The high survival rate of regenerated trees means we can track less frequently, with a high degree of confidence that our trees are still thriving between visits. When growers do return to the trees track, they are also paid to conduct additional pruning and care.
Project costs over time
Most of project funds are directed to growers and crew leaders on the ground over the course of three trackings. Growers and crew leaders receive more on their first tracking (35.4% of the total) to help cover up front material costs. Admin costs cover the work of validating and mapping tree images, making payments and fundraising/overhead for Fairtree.
2 year tracking schedule
Growers are incentivized to return to their trees periodically, to provide care and to track each tree’s survival. Growers and crew leaders are paid a certain amount per tree for every image they upload.
