GBM Blog

Using tree planting as an entry point in all our programmes, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) effectively addresses climate change at the grassroots level.  This has brought to the fore GBM’s work in protecting and restoring the most critically degraded watersheds in Kenya.

GBM continuously seeks new ways of highlighting the critical and central role the environment plays in changing the lives of the communities we work with.

One of the notable benefits to the grassroots communities has been improved livelihoods from financial compensation received for tree seedlings planted and surviving. Community groups use these funds to re-invest in livelihood improving income-generating activities (IGAs). Examples of successful IGAs among our communities include: fish farming, selling baked goods, dairy goat farming, bee keeping and making/selling improved cook stoves.

This month alone, the Green Belt Movement has compensated a total of 4,353,560 Kenya shillings to community tree nursery groups in Cherangany and Mt. Elgon for their efforts towards restoring different sites in Suam and Kapolet Forests both in Trans Nzoia County and Kaboiywo Forest in Bungoma County.