Fighting Hunger; building stronger communities

Our approach begins with engaging communities to understand their agricultural challenges. We identify suitable native tree species that can enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity while providing additional benefits such as fruits, timber, and medicinal resources. In collaboration with botanists and local experts, we’ve established a community nursery where these trees are propagated and grown.

Alongside tree-based farming systems, we have introduced greenhouse cultivation to further enhance agricultural productivity. In these greenhouses, farmers grow high-value crops like tomatoes and kales, protected from harsh weather conditions. This controlled environment allows for better management of pests and diseases, resulting in higher yields and year-round production. Greenhouse farming also reduces water usage through efficient irrigation systems, including water sourced from a newly drilled borehole at the village center.

Training programs empower farmers with agroforestry techniques like alley cropping, where trees are planted alongside crops to enrich the soil, and silvopasture, which integrates trees with livestock grazing areas. Additionally, workshops provide guidance on sustainable tree care, pruning, pest management, and soil conservation. For greenhouse operations, farmers are trained in crop rotation, pest control, and optimal irrigation methods to maximize productivity.

We also emphasize value addition by training farmers to sustainably harvest and process tree-based products such as fruits, seeds, and medicinal plants. Meanwhile, tomatoes and kales grown in greenhouses are marketed locally, improving access to fresh, healthy produce. Partnerships with local businesses, cooperatives, and government agencies help facilitate market access and create a strong support system for farmers.

Monitoring and evaluation are central to the project’s success. We track tree growth, soil improvements, and crop performance in both open fields and greenhouses. Soil tests help us measure increases in organic matter and nutrient levels, while crop yield data highlights the impact of sustainable practices on productivity and income. Farmer feedback informs ongoing adjustments, ensuring the approach remains effective and adaptable to local needs.

To sustain this progress, we promote community ownership through farmer cooperatives and continuous mentorship. Profits from both tree-based products and greenhouse crops are reinvested into nurseries and agroforestry programs. We are also exploring carbon credit initiatives and ecosystem service payments to provide additional long-term financial support.

The outcomes we envision are far-reaching. As agroforestry practices take root, soil fertility will improve, erosion will decrease, and biodiversity will flourish. Farmers will benefit from increased yields, stable incomes, and better food security. The integration of greenhouse farming will provide a consistent supply of vegetables, reducing vulnerability to climate impacts. By enhancing carbon sequestration and promoting sustainable agriculture, we are also making a meaningful contribution to global climate change mitigation.
We are pleased to share that our daycare project is currently benefiting from the use of greenhouse-grown products to supplement the children’s meals. This initiative not only enhances the nutritional value of the meals but also reduces food costs, promoting a healthier, more sustainable environment for the children.

In addition, we are planning to install beehives in the project’s small forest area. This will attract bees for honey production, which will serve as both an additional source of nutrition and a revenue stream. The honey produced will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project by generating income, which can be reinvested to support the daycare’s ongoing operations and initiatives. This project exemplifies our commitment to self-reliance, sustainability, and improved well-being for the children and the wider community.