Senegalese Farmers Plant Their Way to Sustainable Livelihoods with Half a Million Trees

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Senegalese Farmers Plant Their Way to Sustainable Livelihoods with Half a Million Trees

Trees for the Future graduates 265 farmers from Forest Garden program

Dakar, Senegal (November 28, 2018) – In a remarkable achievement, 265 farming families have successfully restored their degraded lands using sustainable farming techniques and the Forest Garden Approach. As a result, their incomes have increased by an average of 400%.

This month, Trees for the Future (TREES) celebrated a significant milestone by graduating the first two groups of farmers from its four-year regenerative agriculture program. This initiative equips farmers with agroforestry practices, enabling them to drastically improve their crop yields and earnings.

Farmers Share Their Success Stories

“[Trees for the Future] has given me knowledge, encouragement and also advice,” said Ibrahim Sall, a graduating farmer in Kaffrine. “[Trees for the Future] never gave up. I earned something here because of you, so really I am happy to be graduated.”

The impact of this program is evident. Farmers like Ibrahim have planted over 2,500 trees per acre, along with more than 12 types of vegetables. Consequently, they are now experiencing consistent yields and reliable income. Altogether, the participating farmers have successfully planted half a million trees.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for these farmers and for sustainable farming methods,” says TREES Executive Director John Leary. “In 2013, we made a conscious decision to go beyond reforestation efforts and implement efficient and effective practices capable of changing lives. Graduating these 250 farmers this week is proof that what we’re doing is working.”

Celebrating a Bright Future

The graduations were community-wide celebrations in Kaffrine and Koungheul. These joyous events featured speeches from local leaders, theatrical performances, music, and dancing, making the moment even more memorable.

Since its founding in 1989, Trees for the Future has planted more than 158 million trees. Moreover, in just the past five years, TREES has partnered with thousands of farming families, positively impacting more than 40,000 people across six countries in East and West Africa.

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Trees for the Future is working to end hunger and poverty for smallholder farmers through revitalizing degraded lands. Learn more about Trees for the Future and see their latest data in the TREES 2018 Impact Report.