A new Australian Government-funded initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes in Kenya has been launched with a Ksh 287 million (AUD 3.5 million) commitment. The project, known as Regreening for the Future, was unveiled in Nairobi by Dr. Jane Njuguna, Director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and seeks to enhance community-driven land restoration efforts across the country.
The primary objective of the project is to explore and implement effective adaptation strategies that accelerate regreening efforts while equipping farmers and researchers with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop sustainable land restoration solutions. By addressing climate change-induced land degradation, the initiative aims to improve food security, enhance resilience, and support policies that foster long-term environmental sustainability.
“Climate change is having a global impact, and Kenya is no exception, with its effects being felt across all sectors of social and economic development. The Regreening for the Future initiative builds on long-standing partnerships with institutions and researchers in both Australia and Eastern Africa. This project will empower farmers and researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary for developing sustainable regreening strategies that are adaptable to the evolving climate,” Dr. Jane Njuguna stated during the launch event.
The project aligns with Kenya’s national goals of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded land and increasing tree cover to 32% by 2032. This commitment is part of broader regional and global restoration initiatives, including the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) and the Bonn Challenge, which seek to reverse deforestation and land degradation across Africa and beyond.
Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), emphasized the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. “Agricultural challenges in Africa and Australia are often shared, and Australia’s agricultural innovation system has valuable expertise that can benefit the African context. We also recognize the immense knowledge that Africa offers in this space. The Regreening for the Future project is a direct investment in the people farmers, scientists, and policymakers who are key to driving these changes,” she said.
The initiative brings together key partners, including the Australian Government, World Vision Australia, CIFOR-ICRAF, and KEFRI, working collectively to empower communities with the necessary tools, knowledge, and policy support. Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya, described the project as a transformative step toward achieving a sustainable and resilient future. “At World Vision Kenya, we are committed to restoring landscapes and building resilient communities to ensure a sustainable future for children, families, and communities,” he remarked.
This strategic partnership underscores the growing global recognition of the importance of community-led environmental restoration efforts. By leveraging expertise from both Australia and Kenya, the Regreening for the Future project seeks to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s landscapes, ensuring that future generations inherit a greener and more sustainable environment.
