‍Introduction:

The Kuza Miti Agroforestry Project aims to support planting and growing trees in Kenya. ‘Kuza Miti’ is Swahili for 'growing trees'. Our focus is not only to plant the trees but also to care for the trees to give them the right start while they grow. This project aims to bring together into a single framework the Kenyan horticulture and agriculture communities, farmers and forestry organisations, in order to drive sustainable development.This initiative will improve and inspire sustainability in (and related to) agriculture and forestry, the planet, people, and society; in particular, to promote carbon sequestration and storage through regenerative agriculture practices and forestry, together with the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in an economically-sustainable way.

By implementing tree-growing and regenerative management practices, Kenyan farmers, horticulture, agriculture, and forestry organisations can voluntarily retire carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by locking it into the soils and/or reducing GHG emissions. Every ton of CO2 that is sequestered or its emission avoided is equal to one carbon credit that, after being verified with the help of earth observation and the EU’s Copernicus Programme, turns into a green asset for many organisations that wish to reduce, inset, and offset their unavoidable emissions in line with regional, national, and global net-zero targets.

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Goals & Objectives 

• To implement afforestation and reforestation activities to sequester carbon back in soils 
• To drive sustainable development by uniting Kenyan horticulture, agriculture communities, farmers and forestry organisations. 
• Promote carbon sequestration and storage for effective climate change mitigation.

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Area Characterization - Timau Kenya:

Initially located in Timau, Kenya, the Kuza Miti Agroforestry Project is setting the 'green' print to expand across the globe. Situated amidst the captivating landscapes of Kenya, Timau is designed to meet and overcome water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. In this context, the project becomes not only a beacon of environmental conservation but also a vital contributor to the socioeconomic fabric of Timau. Environmental resilience is positively impacted by the successes of initiatives like Kuza Miti, as sustainable practices become imperative to safeguard the region's natural resources and combat the concerns of climate change.

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Actions

The Kuza Miti Project is strategically designed to achieve the following objectives:

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Afforestation and Reforestation‍

Focuses on planting and growing native species to sequester carbon effectively. 

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Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Removals

Kuza Miti aligns seamlessly with global net zero strategies, emphasising the reduction of emissions while identifying and verifying  green assets and increasing carbon removals. This project plays a crucial role in achieving net zero goals by actively contributing to carbon removal through afforestation activities. 

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Regenerative Agriculture

At a later project stage, incorporate regenerative agriculture practices as part of the carbon sequestration strategy.

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Water Management

Improving water management practices core to tree care in the region, guided by local expert panels.

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Native Species Cultivation

Emphasising the growth of native tree species, promoting biodiversity and reducing soil erosion.

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Food Tree Cultivation

Fostering food security through the cultivation of native fruit trees, providing higher yields and income sources for farmers.

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Benefits 

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Carbon Sequestration: Afforestation activities capture and store carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.

Biodiversity Enhancement:The project promotes biodiversity by providing habitats for various plant and animal species, contributing to overall ecosystem health.

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Community Opportunities: Creating job opportunities for local communities in planting, maintenance, and monitoring activities, fostering economic sustainability.

Improved Water Quality:Trees play a crucial role in filtering and improving water quality, benefiting local communities dependent on these water sources.

Enriched Soil Health: Preventing soil erosion and degradation, promoting soil fertility and sustainable agriculture.

Improved Air Quality:Trees contribute to air quality improvement through oxygen production and air pollutant removal

Food Security: Native food trees contribute to local food security, ensuring reliable sources of food for communities.

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This project will not only help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Kenya and bring overall environmental benefits associated with the net reduction of carbon emissions but also provide financial rewards for Kenyan farmers, landowners, and organisations who apply these sustainable practices in a transparent and trustworthy way. 

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SDG’s