Empowering farmers through sustainable agriculture
In this project, farmers gain valuable knowledge about sustainable agriculture land management (SALM). They then apply these practices on their own farms, using methods such as tree planting and composting. These techniques return organic matter to the soil, leading to higher crop yields, which in turn boosts family incomes.
Improving resilience and combating climate change
The benefits go beyond larger harvests. These sustainable practices improve the soil’s ability to retain water and protect nutrient-rich soil from erosion. This helps farms better withstand the effects of climate change, such as droughts and heavy rainfall. Additionally, by storing more carbon in the soil than conventional farming methods, these practices also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon credits: a bonus for farmers
Farmers who adopt these methods help capture carbon dioxide in both trees and the soil, through sustainable techniques like agroforestry (growing trees alongside crops), cover crops, and compost. The carbon captured is converted into carbon credits — each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent equals one carbon credit.
These carbon credits are sold to companies and individuals, and the income goes directly to the participating farmers. However, the real value for the farmers is the improved productivity of their farms. Higher yields mean more food on the table and extra income from selling surplus crops.
Social, environmental, and financial benefits
This project not only brings environmental benefits but also supports the financial and social well-being of tens of thousands of families living around Lake Victoria.
Project scope and history
The project spans around 22,000 hectares in Kenya’s Nyanza and Western Provinces, near the cities of Kisumu and Kitale. Launched in partnership with the World Bank’s BioCarbon Fund in 2009, it was the first project in Africa to store carbon dioxide in both trees and soil. It also pioneered a model where smallholder farmers are compensated for the environmental services they provide through sustainable farming.
A globally recognized methodology
Vi Agroforestry, in collaboration with the World Bank’s BioCarbon Fund and UNIQUE forestry and land use, developed the project’s methodology, known as VM0017 Sustainable Agricultural Land Management. This approach, tailored for smallholder farmers, aims to build resilience to climate change, enhance food security through better farm productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The methodology is certified by Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and is globally recognized.
Ongoing monitoring and verification
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, the project is verified by an independent third party every two to three years. Annual follow-ups also monitor various aspects, such as pest control, farmers’ livelihoods, and the activities carried out on their farms.
