Women leading the charge in landscape restoration in Africa
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women in Africa who are at the forefront of environmental conservation.
A group of women transporting saplings for planting in Kakamega Rainforest.
Across the continent, women are planting trees to restore precious landscapes and vital ecosystems. And they’re empowering themselves and their communities in the process.
Planting seeds of transformation
In Western Kenya, our partner Women in Water and Natural Resource Conservation (WWANC) is supporting women to restore and protect Kakamega Rainforest, one native tree at a time.
“We’ve trained women on fruit-tree grafting, nurturing indigenous trees and even leadership skills. This empowers them to not only plant trees, but to become voices for conservation in their communities.”
And today, women like Caroline Chisiai are building a brighter, more sustainable future. Through her work as a project scout, where she and many others in her community, monitor and care for newly planted trees, Caroline has gained newly found confidence and financial security.
Rosemary Wamalwa, founder of WWANC, and Caroline Chisiai walking through Kakamega Rainforest.
“I didn’t have trees here. It’s them who gave me trees, 100! They also gave me a jiko [fuel-efficient stove]. Right now, when the kids go to school, water and tea is all prepared. And now I’m an empowered woman!”
Saving Mount Kenya’s forests
Across the country in Meru County, people like Priscilla Mukundi are planting trees to revitalise Mount Kenya’s vast forest ecosystem.
Priscilla Mukundi
“We need the trees so that the forest can come back,” Priscilla explains. “We experienced long drought. We feared for our lives, our cows and goats were dying. The wild animals were coming to the farms.”
Led by our partner, Meru Forest Environmental and Protection Community Association (MEFECAP), a women-led community forest association, community members like Priscilla are planting and nurturing native trees in Upper and Lower Imenti forests.
And over the past six years, they’ve restored over 400 hectares of degraded forest land through the Tree Establishment for Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS).
TELIS is a holistic system that gives people like Priscilla access to land in degraded forests where they can grow crops like beans, potatoes and kale for self-sustenance alongside trees to promote restoration.
“With good rains we get a bumper harvest. Like me I got very good yields. I used the dry bean leaves to feed the cows.”
Mercy Kimani, ITF’s Kenya Programme Manager, watering a newly planted tree in Kakamega Rainforest.
Wider impact
The positive impact of these community-led tree planting projects extends far beyond local communities.
Both Kakamega Rainforest and Mount Kenya are vital water catchment areas in Kenya. And each tree planted will help capture rainwater, providing freshwater for millions across the country.
These stories highlight the crucial role women play in environmental conservation. Their dedication and leadership continue to inspire us to plant more trees for a healthier planet and future for us all.
Donate today
This International Women’s Day, you can support women across Africa to plant trees and grow a greener future.