Makueni County, November 2025

Ahadi Achievers Empowerment CBO, in partnership with CIFOR/ICRAF, successfully hosted a three-day Tree Planting and Agroforestry Training at Utuneni Chief’s Camp, Kiteta/Kisau Ward. The initiative was part of the Quality Tree Seed for Africa Project under TerraFund for AFR100, aimed at strengthening expertise in quality tree seed systems and accelerating landscape restoration.

Highlights of the Event

• Sites: Ngiluni Chief’s Camp and Utuneni Forest were selected as demonstration sites for community-led restoration and agroforestry.
• Participation: Over 100 stakeholders attended, including government agencies (NGAOs, Kenya Forest Service, KEFRI, Judiciary, County Government, Police) and restoration champions from Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, West Pokot, and Baringo.
• Community Impact:
  • 1,117 seedlings planted in Utuneni Forest.
  • 305 seedlings planted at the chief’s camp.
  • 1,200+ seedlings distributed to community homes (fruit and indigenous species).
  • 600+ community members trained on agroforestry best practices.

Key Challenges Identified

• Limited availability of indigenous seedlings.
• Poor seed handling and planting techniques.
• High seedling costs.
• Pest and disease infestations.

Action Points

• Build capacity of community nurseries to propagate indigenous species.
• Train farmers on proper pitting, handling, and agroforestry practices.
• Collaborate with partners to make seedlings affordable.
• Strengthen pest management through Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Sustainability Plan

• Continuous stakeholder engagement forums.
• Training of Community Agriculture Champions (CACs).
• Strengthening Community Forest Associations (CFAs).
• Reviving forest station bases with resident foresters.
• Promoting tree growing under the shamba system model.

This collaboration showcased how community-driven restoration, backed by strong partnerships, can deliver tangible environmental and socio-economic impact. Ahadi Achievers looks forward to scaling this model across Makueni and beyond