All Projects

Sustainable land management for better livelihoods

Micro-farming / Kenya

In the Msorongo village of Kenya’s Taita-Tavesta county, people mostly live off subsistence farming. Traditional agricultural and water management methods, coupled with the negative impact of climate change, generate low yields and have resulted in deforestation and high soil erosion. A significant part of the rural community live below the poverty line. 

our Impact

veg2.png

3,790

kg of vegetables harvested and sold

water-tower2.png

1

borehole and water tower built

icon-beneficiaries2.png

260

direct beneficiaries

icon-trees2.png

4,400

trees planted

Our work

The program led by the Foundation, in partnership with Friends of Tsavo, promoted the adoption of agro-farming techniques to enhance productivity levels through land use management and reforestation. The program focused on irrigation techniques, the adoption of climate-resilient crops with high economic value, and mixing of commercial and subsistence crops to improve both income and food security. In addition, intercropping and the planting of nine species of trees as buffers and protective shade on the perimeter of individual farms, helped to improve production and yields. Training sessions were also provided to facilitate the empowerment and self-reliance of local farmers. 

Impacts

The program mitigated the alteration of forest cover and woodlands which host a wide variety of wildlife. Their preservation greatly limited crop raiding by wildlife, which was previously a major issue for local farmers, with dire consequences on yields and incomes. Intercropping resulted in yield and income increases, while protecting the environment and creating conditions for sustainable livelihoods. The combination of commercial and subsistence crops – and associated additional activities to transform productivity – also resulted in higher incomes for smallholders and their families. The construction of a water tower allowed for better irrigation of crops and improved soil management, with a positive impact on both productivity and the environment. 

About our partners

Friends Of Tsavo is a registered charitable Trust founded in 1998, committed to the preservation of Tsavo conservation area.

Project Duration

2015 to 2016

The project gave us better access to water for farming and daily use. We now get a lot of shade on our plots thanks to tree planting and this will contribute to water preservation and the prevention of soil erosion. Previously, we only used to plant maize, which we used to feed our family. Thanks to the project, we started planting vegetables that we will sell, and afford our children’s education.

Christine Msorongo village