Boreka Group and NCBA Surpass 340,000 Trees as Farmer-Led Climate Action Gains Momentum
Advertisement Boreka Group and NCBA Surpass 340,000 Trees as Farmer-Led Climate Action Gains MomentumBoreka Group and NCBA Bank have planted more than 340,000 trees across Kenya over the past three years, underscoring the growing role of public-private partnerships in advancing climate action while creating economic opportunities for farmers.The milestone was marked during World Environment Day 2026 celebrations at Kamwaki Estate in Kiambu County, where Boreka Group Founder and CEO Esther Mutuma highlighted the impact of the partnership in restoring ecosystems, raising climate awareness, and supporting communities to participate in the emerging carbon economy.The initiative, which spans Kiambu, Kwale and Kitui counties, has directly engaged more than 1,500 farmers through climate education programmes and tree-growing projects designed to increase carbon sequestration while improving livelihoods.We are happy to be here today because we are taking action and walking the talk, said Mutuma. This partnership with NCBA has enabled us to scale climate action while empowering farmers to become active participants in environmental conservation.From Tree Planting to Climate AwarenessBoreka, a social enterprise focused on climate-smart agriculture and carbon projects, works with both large-scale and smallholder farmers. Through its programmes, farmers receive training on climate change, sustainable land management and tree-growing practices, while also learning how carbon markets work and how they can benefit from them.According to Mutuma, one of the biggest challenges is simplifying the concept of carbon credits for communities.For many people, carbon credits sound complicated, but the science is actually simple. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. By planting and maintaining trees, farmers help clean the air, remove emissions and contribute to climate action while creating future economic value, she explained.The organization believes that education is a critical tool in helping communities understand the increasing frequency of climate-related events such as droughts, floods, El Nio and La Nia conditions.When people understand what climate change is and how it affects them, they are more empowered to take action. Awareness helps communities understand why weather patterns are changing and what they can do to adapt, she said.The impact of the programme is already becoming visible in the counties where Boreka operates. Mutuma said communities are beginning to see new forest cover emerge in areas that previously had limited tree growth, demonstrating the long-term value of sustained conservation efforts.Beyond the NCBA partnership, Boreka also works with communities in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties, supporting community-led conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods.Boreka Group and NCBA Surpass 340,000 Trees as Farmer-Led Climate Action Gains MomentumMonitoring Makes the DifferenceBeyond awareness creation, Boreka places significant emphasis on monitoring and supporting farmers long after trees have been planted.Mutuma noted that one of the reasons the programme has recorded high survival rates is its rigorous monitoring framework. Field officers regularly visit farms to assess tree growth, provide technical advice and address challenges before they become major setbacks.Planting a tree is only the beginning. If a tree is struggling, our field officers are there to advise the farmer on what needs to be done. Monitoring allows us to identify problems early and improve outcomes, she said.The organisations field teams work closely with farmers, offering guidance on tree management, spacing and maintenance. This hands-on support has contributed significantly to the success of the programme.In some of Kenyas drier regions, including Kinango in Kwale County, trees planted only a year ago have grown to more than two metres in height.Mutuma attributed this success to continuous farmer training and the adoption of proper silvicultural practices, including correct spacing, species selection and tree maintenance.Many people traditionally believed trees would simply grow on their own. What we have demonstrated is that trees need care, just like raising a child. The more attention you give them, the better they grow, she said.The monitoring model has also strengthened accountability for partners and investors supporting the programme. According to Mutuma, NCBA receives real-time data on tree survival rates and project performance, while also conducting independent audits and engaging directly with participating farmers.Not monitoring is not an option for us. Our partners can see the actual work on the ground, speak to farmers and verify the impact for themselves. That level of transparency has been critical to the programmes success, she added.A Farmer-First Approach to Carbon RevenueThe initiative comes at a time when Kenya is implementing provisions under the amended Climate Change Act, which introduced a minimum 40 per cent benefit-sharing requirement for land-based carbon projects.Mutuma welcomed the reforms but revealed that Boreka has gone beyond the legal requirement by committing 60 per cent of carbon revenue directly to participating farmers.The farmer provides the land, the labour and the long-term care of the trees. We believe they should be the primary beneficiaries, she said.Under Borekas model, 60 per cent of carbon revenues generated from projects are allocated to farmers, while the remaining share is distributed between the company and project financiers.Mutuma argued that fair compensation is essential to encouraging more communities to embrace conservation and tree-growing initiatives.If farmers can clearly see the benefits, we will never have to force anyone to plant trees. They will do it because it makes environmental and economic sense, she said.She added that the approach is helping build trust within communities while demonstrating that climate action can create tangible economic opportunities.As Kenya pushes towards its climate commitments and national tree-growing targets, initiatives that combine environmental restoration with community empowerment are increasingly being viewed as critical to building climate resilience while creating sustainable livelihoods.For Boreka and its partners, the goal extends beyond planting trees. It is about creating a sustainable model where communities, businesses and the environment all benefit, ensuring that climate action delivers lasting impact for future generations.The post Boreka Group and NCBA Surpass 340,000 Trees as Farmer-Led Climate Action Gains Momentum appeared first on Africa Business News.
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