Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

During this reporting period, The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust (TMT) has collaborated with other partners to ensure the implementation of various projects that includes:

1. Food security and Climate Mitigation

The organization's focus on economic resilience is twofold: identifying and utilizing local resources to address community needs, while also being mindful of environmental sustainability. By empowering families with stable, local income streams, The Mango Tree Orphan Trust is helping to build economic self-sufficiency and strengthen the entire community. All of this is done with a deep respect for the natural resources that sustain us all through:

a) Promoting the growing of Forest Trees

The Mango Tree Orphan Trust has taken steps to improve soil coverage and environmental sustainability by promoting the planting of forest trees. This effort has a positive ripple effect on other agricultural activities, as the trees attract rain and support ecosystem health. The organization has distributed 50,000 forest trees to families and public institutions across the county. Additionally, TMT has been working to raise awareness in the community about the environmental impact of burning and cutting down indigenous trees for fuel, in alignment with global efforts to combat climate change.

 The Mango Tree Orphan Trust has been working diligently on a project aimed at advocating for the reclamation of sand mines through tree planting in areas where poor sand harvesting has occurred. The organization has been collaborating closely with local community-based organizations to drive this important cause forward, all with the goal of promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.

 TMT's advocacy efforts have extended beyond just tree planting, with the organization also actively participating in local administration gatherings and educational institutions to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation. This has helped to drive a positive change in the community, with more people becoming aware of the need to take action to protect our planet for future generations.

To support this activity, The Mango Tree Orphan Trust continues to raise seedlings and distribute them to identified groups and communities. By doing so, the organization is providing critical resources and support to those who are most in need, while also helping to build a more sustainable future for us all.

b) Planting of Fruit trees (Paw paw, grafted mango and grafted oranges)

The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust Kenya recognizes the significant role that fruits play in promoting human health and wellness. With their numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits, fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet, and their cultivation can also help support household economies.

To encourage the cultivation of fruit trees, TMT has been working closely with communities to improve fruit production and consumption. The organization has identified gaps in production and has taken steps to address them. While growing fruit trees may seem simple, research has shown that without proper management, farmers may not yield anything. To avoid losses and maximize production, TMT has trained 120 farmers on topics such as planting fruit trees, harvest control, and value addition. The farmers were also taken to the TMT model farm to learn about the practical side of fruit farming, ensuring that they are compensated for their efforts.

During the reporting period, The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust Kenya provided paw seedlings to 80 families for planting purposes, enabling them to eat a more balanced diet while also improving their economic situation. Additionally, the organization distributed 500 pawpaw seedlings various boarding schools, enriching the students' meals. TMT has also been involved in the process of providing certified grafted mango seedlings to the community, which have been tested and proven to perform well in the area. By distributing 400 grafted seedlings to farmers, TMT is helping them increase their income by selling excess produce.

Fruits are not only beneficial to human health but are also an excellent source of environmental conservation. In addition to providing nutritional value, fruits can also be processed into value-added products. TMT has trained farmers in juice processing to reduce waste that could result from an excess of mango juice production. By adding value to their products, TMT is helping farmers improve their livelihoods while promoting environmental conservation.

Overall, The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust Kenya is making a positive impact by promoting the cultivation of fruit trees and empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills to improve their production and income. By doing so, the organization is not only contributing to improved health and nutrition but is also supporting sustainable development in the region.

2. Apiculture (Bee keeping)

In the project area, bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and boosting food security and nutrition. The Mango Tree recognizes the importance of beekeeping in supporting the bee population, which in turn, leads to better crop yields. Honey is not only a delicious food but also has medicinal properties that can aid in managing several health issues, including the coronavirus.

During the reporting period, 50 farmers benefited from beekeeping, harvesting an average of 350 kg of honey. The venture brought in direct income and helped improve the economic status of the target households. To ensure the sustainability of the beekeeping project, TMT trained 36 bee farmers in various skills, including apiary management, types of hives, beekeeping equipment, and marketing strategies. These skills equipped them to become effective beekeepers and to manage their apiaries more efficiently.

The beekeeping project has had a positive impact on the community. There has been a consistent increase in honey consumption at the household level, and market demand for honey has risen due to TMT's training and awareness-raising initiatives. To expand the beekeeping project, TMT distributed 100 beehives to farmers and organized them into small saving groups, allowing them to increase their numbers and their productivity.

In collaboration with Savan Honey, TMT is exploring new methods of using bee’s by-products, such as propolis, wax, bee venom, and bee jelly. This initiative will increase the economic benefits for farmers and provide new products to the market.

3. Goat Rearing

The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust Kenya, in collaboration with other partners, is helping communities’ combat poverty, food insecurity, and climate change through goat rearing skills training. The project promotes the passing on of gifts methodology, which encourages farmers to share resources and knowledge. The Famers Field and Business School approach is used, treating farmers as active participants in their learning process. During the reporting period, 30 farmers were trained in goat rearing skills, and 15 farmers passed on a goat to another member of the community, promoting sustainability. The project also distributed hybrid breeding bucks, does, and built pens to ensure the goats' safety and health. Goat rearing helps improve soil fertility, increase vegetable production, and provide a source of income for farmers through the sale of mature goats, goat milk, and African leafy vegetables.

The project areas across the region are facing difficulties due to the strain caused by global warming. Erratic and unreliable rain patterns have resulted in poor goat health, slow stock growth, and reduced meat and milk production due to changes in their diets. To combat these challenges, farmers have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt climate-smart agriculture techniques in fodder cultivation. They are also being trained in the Tumbukiza method of farming and fodder preservation, which will serve as effective mitigation measures against the impact of global warming.

4. Partnerships

At The Mango Tree, we strongly believe in the power of partnerships as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of our commitment to creating a sustainable impact in the dairy goat upgrading program, we have actively formed partnerships with key service providers. Through these collaborations, we aim to enhance our capacity building, information sharing, and research efforts, thereby increasing productivity. Our partners include the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, who provide veterinary and extension services. Additionally, we work closely with the County Government to ensure proper licensing. Agro vets assist us with agrochemicals and livestock drugs. We also collaborate with other CSOs to provide extension, marketing, and information services. Most importantly, we partner with the local community, who are our primary project recipients and key stakeholders in the implementation process.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust Kenya has made significant strides in empowering the community through various projects that promote sustainable development. The organization's focus on building community resilience through livelihood projects has also improved household income and family nutrition, leading to a healthier community. Going forward, TMT aims to build on its proven success and continue to make a positive impact in the community through its participatory approach and partnerships with key stakeholders.