How Garissa Villagers Restored Degraded Land Through Tree Planting
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How Garissa Villagers Restored Degraded Land Through Tree Planting

How Garissa Villagers Restored Degraded Land Through Tree Planting
By Amina Hassan May 30, 2025 5 minute read

In the arid region of Garissa, a community-led tree-planting initiative backed by EcoHAI has transformed barren land into a vibrant ecosystem. Over 25,000 indigenous trees, including acacia and neem, have been planted to combat desertification.

The project began three years ago when Garissa residents, facing severe droughts, partnered with EcoHAI to address land degradation. What started as a small effort in one village has grown into a county-wide movement.

The initiative has not only restored the landscape but also created income opportunities through beekeeping and agroforestry. The planted trees provide shade, improve soil fertility, and support water retention, benefiting both farmers and pastoralists.

By combining traditional knowledge from Garissa elders with modern conservation techniques, the project selected drought-resistant species suited to the region’s harsh climate. This success story is now a model for other arid regions in Kenya.

Tags

tree planting community-led desertification agroforestry