ENCO distributing trees fromthe nursery bed to community members

In the semi-arid plains of Engaruka, northern Tanzania, where drought and environmental degradation threaten livelihoods, a transformative initiative is taking root. Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO), a grassroots organization, is turning the tide by by planting the seeds of hope—one tree at a time—to nurture a greener, more resilient Engaruka for generations to come.

At the heart of this effort lies ENCO’s community-centered tree planting initiative, which aims to restore Engaruka’s fragile ecosystem while fostering community ownership of environmental conservation while empowering local communities to take ownership of environmental conservation.. Through collaborative efforts with local schools and residents, this initiative is planting and nurturing trees to enhance biodiversity, provide shade, improve soil health, and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Designed to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the community, the initiative blends practical solutions with a vision for environmental preservation. By tackling challenges such as deforestation, food insecurity, and livestock sustainability, ENCO is fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

This is the story of how thoughtful, community-centered action is laying the roots of change in Engaruka.

Establisgment of a Nursery Bed : A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a meticulously planned tree nursery bed, featuring a variety of drought-resistant tree species tailored to the specific needs of the community. The selection process was intentional, ensuring the chosen species serve multiple purposes:

  • Construction and Fencing: By planting trees suited for harvesting timber and fence posts, ENCO has provided an alternative to cutting down indigenous trees. This thoughtful move helps protect the region’s natural forests while meeting essential community needs.
  • Fruit Trees for Nutrition and Income: Recognizing the importance of food security, ENCO introduced fruit-bearing trees, which will soon offer sustenance and additional income for families.
  • Fodder Trees for Livestock: As a pastoralist community, livestock is central to life in Engaruka. The inclusion of fodder trees ensures a sustainable source of feed, even in challenging conditions, protecting livelihoods and reducing pressure on grazing land.
  • Medicinal Trees: Introduction trees with traditional medicinal benefits to support community health.

To date, over 15,000 trees have been distributed to community members, schools, churches, hospitals, mosques, and households.These actions are helping to establish a vital green cover in a region that currently lacks significant vegetation.

Some of the community members receiving trees from the nursery bed

Building a Foundation for the Future
Although the trees are still growing, their impact is already visible in the hope they bring to the community. The initiative aims to multiply the green cover in Engaruka over time, transforming the stark, bare plains into a thriving ecosystem. The introduction of fruit trees and medicinal species highlights ENCO’s vision of creating holistic solutions that go beyond environmental benefits to directly improve health and livelihoods.

Martha, the Executive Director of ENCO, finds renewed motivation as she witnesses the transformation brought by tree planting at Engaruka English Medium Primary School (EEMP), a charity institution run by the organization.

Many years ago, our school was so bare with no tree around, today, it’s a different story. She said with a smile. Seeing this progress give me hope that Engaruka as a whole can be the same.

Part of the ENCO team attendinga training under the tree shade provided by trees that were planted years ago.

Looking ahead, ENCO envisions a future where the need to cut down indigenous trees is eliminated, thanks to viable, sustainable alternatives provided by the initiative. This forward-thinking effort is not only planting trees but also hope and resilience, demonstrating that even in the most challenging environments, the seeds of change can take root and flourish.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Get the latest

Do you have questions?

+256-414698684

program@wipc.org

Visit us

Plot 1467, Church Road, Bulindo,

Kira, Wakiso

© 2020 WIPC All rights reserved.