Project description
Schools become the starting point for tree planting, agroforestry and environmental learning. Community nurseries, banana-fiber sanitary pads and energy-saving cookstoves link healthier landscapes with girls’ dignity, household savings and local enterprise.
Explore the community context, existing work and development plans described by the project.
More project details
- Traditional Authority
- Chief Abby Wambui
Community Context
Together4trees Kenya operates in Nyeri Town within Nyeri County, a region characterised by significant environmental pressure and emerging social needs. The community of approximately 18,700 people faces ongoing challenges including deforestation, soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, compounded by irregular rainfall and prolonged dry seasons linked to shifting climate patterns.
Local livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture, livestock, forestry, and local trade, with fertile agricultural land and forest resources forming the backbone of the regional economy. Community priorities centre on restoring tree cover, improving access to eco-friendly sanitary products for girls, reducing household fuel costs, and building environmental skills and awareness among young people.
The concept note sets a long-term ambition to reach 40,000-60,000 people over five to ten years through schools, community groups and wider expansion.
Back to sections ↑Ecological Landscape
The project area sits within a forest and agricultural landscape ecosystem under significant environmental pressure. Primary ecosystem types include forest, agricultural landscape, and watershed systems. Key environmental conditions include deforestation, soil degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and flooding driven by unsustainable land use and climate variability.
Restoration priorities include:
- Increasing tree cover to address deforestation and loss of biodiversity
- Restoring soil fertility through agroforestry and sustainable land management
- Reducing pressure on natural forests by promoting energy-saving cooking solutions
- Improving waste and resource management in schools and households
- Strengthening climate resilience against irregular rainfall and prolonged dry seasons
- Promoting environmental education and behaviour change among students and communities
Regional Economic Context
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, forestry, fishing, tourism, and local trade. The region holds significant natural resources including forests, rivers and watersheds, fertile agricultural land, and wildlife habitats. No active mining or mineral extraction has been identified in the immediate project area.
Back to sections ↑Core Project Systems
Together4trees Kenya develops an integrated set of systems designed to restore ecological function while strengthening community resilience and creating green livelihoods.
Primary Project Components
- School agroforestry and tree planting system
- Eco-friendly banana fiber sanitary products system
- Clean energy and cooking system (energy-saving jikos)
- Environmental education system
Additional Systems
- Community tree nurseries
- Women and youth enterprise support
- Monitoring and survival tracking system
- Community awareness and outreach campaigns
- Partnership and stakeholder engagement
Three Pillars of Sustainability
Environmental
The project restores ecosystem function through school-based tree planting and agroforestry, community nurseries supplying seedlings for wider reforestation, and energy-saving jikos that reduce pressure on natural forests. Climate education builds long-term environmental stewardship among students and families, while improved waste and resource management strengthens community sustainability practices.
Social
The project improves community well-being in Nyeri County by strengthening education, health, and empowerment. Access to eco-friendly banana fiber sanitary pads keeps girls in school and protects their dignity and health. Energy-saving jikos reduce household fuel costs and indoor air pollution. Youth and women's engagement in green enterprises builds practical skills, dignity, and community resilience across generations.
Economic
The project strengthens economic resilience through tree nurseries, banana fiber sanitary pad production, and youth- and women-led environmental enterprises that generate income and green employment. Households save on daily fuel costs through energy-saving jikos, increasing financial stability. The project links environmental restoration directly to livelihood creation and long-term community economic empowerment.
Back to sections ↑Role Within the Country Platform
Together4trees Kenya serves as a scalable model for national climate action in Kenya, demonstrating how schools and communities can drive environmental restoration and green livelihoods in Nyeri County. It supports broader national development goals by supplying seedlings for reforestation, promoting climate-smart education, and showcasing practical eco-solutions including banana fiber sanitary products and energy-saving cooking systems.
As a replicable model, the project is designed for county-wide expansion, strengthening Kenya's environmental resilience, youth empowerment, and community-led sustainable development.
Back to sections ↑Potential Synergies With Other Projects
The project builds strong collaboration opportunities with national initiatives across environmental restoration, agriculture, and clean energy. In Nyeri County it can align with seedling distribution and forestry programs to scale reforestation, and partner with agricultural training networks to strengthen climate-smart farming and agroforestry skills. It also complements clean energy and women-led enterprise initiatives through its jiko and sanitary pad value chains, enhancing coordination, reducing duplication, and amplifying impact across communities and sectors.
Back to sections ↑Collaboration Needs
The project requires strong partnerships to scale impact, particularly in seedling supply, technical training, and agroforestry expertise. Key needs include:
- Quality seedlings for reforestation
- Capacity building for youth and women in green enterprises
- Technical support for eco-friendly sanitary product systems and clean energy solutions
- Logistics and outreach support across schools and communities
- Strategic collaboration with development partners and technical institutions
Community Leadership & Governance
- Project Lead: Together4trees Kenya - Justus Wanjohi
- Local Partner Organizations
- Schools
- Community-based groups
- Local environmental stakeholders
Community Groups Involved
- Environmental clubs
- Youth groups
- Women's groups
- Relevant Training Completed
- Earth Awareness