How Eastern farmers are reaping financial, environmental benefits from agroforestry - report

Simeon Kanampiu at his farm in Tharaka Nithi. Photo: Farm Africa

More than 21,000 farmers in Eastern Kenya are generating income from agroforestry and reaping environmental benefits by adopting climate-smart farming practices.

A new report by Farm Africa, an NGO, reveals how farmers in Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties are profiting from an agroforestry project that integrates carbon finance with sustainable agriculture.

The report, Growing Green: How Agroforestry and Carbon Markets Are Transforming Farming In Eastern Kenya, charts the progress of 21,500 farmers from the two counties who have planted trees and adopted climate-smart farming techniques.

The farmers earn extra income by planting agroforestry seedlings. The trees capture carbon, which the farmers monetise through the sale of an equivalent number of Carbon Removal Units (CRUs) while contributing to climate change mitigation and soil restoration.

Each CRU represents one tonne of carbon removed, which the farmers sell to corporations for emission offsetting.

Photo: Farm Africa

Currently, the projects cover more than 14,175 hectares of land across the two counties.

“This project combines traditional farming with modern carbon markets, benefiting both the environment and local communities. It enhances soil fertility, boosts biodiversity, provides extra income, and helps mitigate climate change,” the report states.

The report was launched during International Forest Day, last Friday. Farm Africa launched the project in 2020 in partnership with Acorn, Rabobank and AGRA to empower farmers to generate revenue from carbon credits while improving biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

The report shows that 80 per cent of the revenue from carbon credits goes directly to farmers, many of whom have used the earnings to pay school fees, expand farms, and invest in alternative income sources.

The Farm Africa agroforestry initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.

The project integrates strategic afforestation and reforestation efforts with carefully selected tree species such as avocado, mango and nitrogen-fixing plants, enhancing both economic and environmental benefits.

“The project aims to mitigate climate change through sustainable agroforestry, integrating trees and crops for environmental and agricultural benefits,” the report states.

Farmers in Embu County participating in a tree-distribution exercise. The exercise that took place in Embu and Tharaka Nithi Counties saw more than 5,000 farmers receive fruit, ornamental, and agroforestry tree seedlings. Photo: Bertha Lutome

Farmers are also trained in sustainable farming practices, financial literacy and carbon credit mechanisms, enabling their long-term self-sufficiency and resilience.

The impact has been profound, with improvements recorded in soil health, water retention and biodiversity conservation.

Notably, farmers report increased yields, reduced fertiliser uses by between 20 and 40 per cent and between 30 and 50 per cent boost in soil organic matter.

“Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative has provided a financial lifeline for local communities,” the report states.

Agroforestry systems improve water infiltration, reduce runoff, recharge groundwater, and increase water availability for agriculture. Tree roots access water from deeper soil layers, reducing crop competition.

"Additionally, women’s participation in agroforestry has increased significantly, strengthening economic independence and leadership roles within the community,” Farm Africa country director Mary Nyale said.

Success stories from farmers, including Peter Kabuthe, Rosebeth Karauki and Simon Mwangangi highlight the project’s transformative potential.

From expanding tree nurseries to scaling up sustainable farming methods, these individuals are leading the way in climate-smart agriculture while creating jobs and improving livelihoods. Furthermore, Farm Africa’s partnership with AGRA has played a key role in promoting agroforestry as part of regenerative agriculture.

Through this collaboration, farmers are adopting sustainable practices that enhance both their livelihoods and climate resilience.

“Under the Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya (STRAK) project, supported by AGRA through financial assistance from the IKEA Foundation, AGRA has partnered with Farm Africa in Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties and with CGA in Makueni and Kitui counties to promote regenerative agriculture interventions that increase farmers’ livelihood and climate resilience."

These interventions include diverse agroforestry practices that include but are not limited to home gardens, alley cropping and fruit trees on croplands,” says Abednego Kiwia PhD, Systems Agronomist - Regenerative & Sustainable farming, AGRA.

As Farm Africa continues to scale up the project, the organisation calls for greater investment in sustainable agricultural initiatives and climate action frameworks that benefit both people and the planet.