A report published by international NGO Farm Africa on the International Day of Forests highlights how smallholder farmers in eastern Kenya are benefiting financially and environmentally from an agroforestry initiative that integrates carbon finance with sustainable agriculture.
A Growing Green Future
The report, Growing Green – How Agroforestry and Carbon Markets are Transforming Farming in Eastern Kenya, tracks the progress of over 21,500 farmers in Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties. These farmers have planted trees and adopted climate-smart farming techniques, reducing carbon emissions by a total of 24,945 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This reduction has enabled them to earn income through the sale of an equivalent number of Carbon Removal Units (CRUs), all while contributing to climate change mitigation and soil restoration across 14,175 hectares of land.
Launched in 2020 by Farm Africa in partnership with Acorn, Rabobank, and AGRA, the initiative allows farmers to generate revenue from carbon credits while improving biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Farmers receive 80% of the revenue from carbon credit sales, which many have used to pay school fees, expand their farms, and invest in alternative income sources. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable Agroforestry for Economic and Environmental Gains
The project combines afforestation and reforestation with strategically selected tree species such as avocado, mango, and nitrogen-fixing plants. These trees not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also provide economic benefits through fruit production and soil enrichment. In addition, farmers receive training in sustainable agricultural practices, financial literacy, and carbon credit mechanisms, empowering them for long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
The initiative has led to notable improvements in soil health, water retention, and biodiversity conservation. Farmers have reported increased yields, a 20-40% reduction in fertilizer use, and a 30-50% rise in soil organic matter, demonstrating the project’s positive impact on agricultural sustainability.
Empowering Communities and Strengthening Livelihoods
Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative has significantly improved local livelihoods. Women’s participation in agroforestry has increased, fostering economic independence and leadership within the community. According to Mary Nyale, Country Director of Farm Africa Kenya, “The initiative has provided a financial lifeline for local communities, strengthening both climate resilience and economic stability.”
Success stories from farmers like Peter Kabuthe, Rosebeth Karauki, and Simon Mwangangi demonstrate the project’s transformative potential. From expanding tree nurseries to adopting sustainable farming methods, these individuals are at the forefront of climate-smart agriculture, driving local employment and food security.
Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future
Farm Africa’s partnership with AGRA under the Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya (STRAK) project, supported by the IKEA Foundation, has been instrumental in promoting agroforestry as a key component of regenerative agriculture. According to Abednego Kiwia, PhD, Systems Agronomist – Regenerative & Sustainable Farming at AGRA, “These interventions, including home gardens, alley cropping, and fruit trees on croplands, are vital for increasing farmers’ livelihoods and climate resilience.”
As Farm Africa continues to scale up the project, it calls for greater investment in sustainable agricultural initiatives and climate action frameworks that benefit both people and the planet. With the integration of agroforestry and carbon markets, eastern Kenya’s smallholder farmers are setting an example of how environmentally friendly farming can lead to economic prosperity and climate resilience.