Following a controversial Kenyan election in December, 2007, a disputed vote sparked violent riots and destruction of property across the country. Tribal affiliation, unequal access to resources and existing social problems and tensions, compounded the destruction and brutality that took place in some areas. In Maragua District, 90 kilometres from outside the capital of Nairobi, crops were burned, and terrible atrocities were committed between neighbours. In-country partner, Charles Njoroge, held meetings with residents in his village to come up with strategies to help the community heal from these deep wounds. It was decided that the planting of short-term crops would be a good first step in moving forward.

Through discussions with Charles, we recognized that in order to address the emotional and physical devastation spurred by elections, and restore and improve unity, we needed an approach that would tackle the root causes that fuelled such violence. We came up with tree planting and community gardens, as a means of combating the effects of deforestation and soil erosion, cultivating young people’s leadership skills, promoting healthy eating, and providing sustainable income generation for the people of Maragua. 

Maragua District is a population primarily dependent on casual and contract labour, due to its proximity to producers of cash crops such as coffee and tea. Workers are vulnerable to unfair wages, and erratic pay cycles, leading to a sense of hopelessness, particularly among youth. Lacking purpose, creative expression for their talents and the necessary skills to find employment, young people often become idle and apathetic. Under these circumstances, they pose a security threat to the community, as they are susceptible to the influences of negative leadership, corruption, and crime.

H4H made an initial small donation of seeds early in 2008 and all members of the community were to make a small contribution to build on this capital. Young people helped plant the seeds, rebuild pit latrines and the homes that had been destroyed. The short term crops served to feed the families until long-term crops could be replanted. All community members shared in the harvest, and in the profits from crop sales.

Funds from tree sales (both native and fruit) will continue to fund the tree planting project and feed local families. Tree planting will also serve as a means to share vital information about conservation and the sustainable use of land and water resources. A portion of the profits will be put towards funding youth initiatives, including education, and the construction of a community centre that will focus on culture and the arts, as well as provide young people with access to and training in different technologies.

Farmers in the area are beginning to donate tree seedlings in exchange for labour. They are also teaching the youth how to plant, when and where to plant to capitalize on growing seasons and to ensure proper soil replenishment by moving away from single crop farms in order to plant multiple crop species. Families are being encouraged to grow a variety of foods that will provide the nutrients necessary for healthy development.

Charles and other local leaders have formed a collective called the L.O.P.E. Foundation. They have made visits to our sister project in Ewaso Ngiro, a town located four hours from their village, to bring trees and to share their development model, based on the principles that successful and sustainable initiatives  are led, operated, and at least partly financed by the community benefitting from the project.