This quarter, our LWF team commenced the onboarding of farmers in Mukogodo West ward, Laikipia North, to the ‘My Geo Farm’ application. This initiative is part of our project titled “Restoration Challenge Grant Platform for Smallholders and Communities with Blockchain-Enabled Crowdfunding (My Farm Trees),” supported by our development partners; Alliance Bioversity & CIAT.
This initiative aims to integrate project beneficiaries into a digital platform that rewards their commitment to tree-planting and nurturing.
LWF’s John Kiongo guides teachers through the My Geo Farm application.
The primary goal of this activity was to familiarize beneficiaries with the ‘My Geo Farm’ app, ensuring they can effectively use it to receive incentives for their tree-planting efforts. This digital integration is a significant step towards leveraging technology for restoration efforts.
Our team conducted visits to phone-holders within the community and local schools to ensure the devices were functioning correctly and the app was operational. Comprehensive training sessions were held to guide the farmers on onboarding their peers and registering their trees through the app.
An additional highlight was the presence of Shamba Shape Up, who filmed an interview with our team members and members of the Chui Mamas Women Group; beneficiaries of the project. The filming focused on documenting the stages of seed collection, nursery site preparation, establishment, management, and seedling transplant at Lewaso Cottages, amplifying our project’s visibility.
Prior to the onboarding exercise, LWF and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) carried out a tree-distribution exercise. This effort targeted 10 community groups and 5 public schools, distributing a total of 10,850 tree seedlings and 4,200 fruit seedlings. Key species included Olea africana, Croton megalocarpus, Callistemon latifolius, and various fruit trees such as loquats, white sapote, guava, and avocado.
The onboarding mission in Mukogodo West marks a pivotal step in integrating technology with traditional restoration practices. By empowering communities with the ‘My Geo Farm’ app, the project not only enhances their capacity for sustainable restoration practices but also fosters a community-driven approach to environmental restoration. Despite the challenges, the dedication and adaptability of the communities, coupled with continued support from Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, and other stakeholders, promise a more sustainable future for Mukogodo West.
