Nairobi: Players in the environmental space from Kenya and Australia inaugurated the ‘Re-Greening for the Future’ project-an initiative aimed at integrating climate change adaptation pathways into community-led re-greening efforts across Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and brings together a coalition of partners, including World Vision Kenya and Australia, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), the United Nations University, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and the University of Nairobi. The launch event in Nairobi was attended by high-ranking officials, including KEFRI Director Dr. Jane Njuguna and Deputy Australian High Commissioner Mr. Christopher Ellinger, highlighting the partnership between Kenya and Australia in addressing climate-related challenges.
Kenya’s landmass of 58 million hectares faces degradation, with 61 percent degraded and 21 percent extremely degraded. The initiative aims to restore 12.6 million hectares of lost land. Ambassador Christopher Ellinger emphasized Australia’s commitment to climate-responsive agriculture, noting the project is part of a broader partnership with Africa to enhance food security and sustainable land management.
Dr. Jane Njuguna credited the county government for prioritizing adaptation action plans and strategies. She called for accountability and adaptability in restoring Kenya’s green landscape and highlighted adaptation interventions like green value chains and landscape restoration.
Professor Dan Olago from the University of Nairobi emphasized the project’s alignment with Kenya’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. The initiative will initially focus on implementing climate-smart agroforestry practices in two counties, with plans to expand further.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of community involvement, with Sarah McKenzie from World Vision stating that communities will lead the way in re-greening efforts. Dr. Werners Saskia from the United Nations University highlighted the importance of collaboration, emphasizing friendship and trust in building resilient landscapes.
The ‘Re-Greening for the Future’ project aims to blend science, innovation, and community-driven action to address climate change, promising hope for Kenya and the broader East African region.