This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Matthew Cleaver. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
This project was to assist community leaders in remediation of the causes of deforestation, erosion, soil infertility, and desertification, all of which directly impact on the availability of safe water.
The project was designed to support the local economy by providing financial compensation to local tree nurseries for the trees planted.
Matthew reports:
The project was implemented by six local tree nurseries, which produced 1,620 trees for 24 community groups. Upon receipt of the trees, these groups out-planted and commenced care for them.
The project combined the leadership and organizational skills of community leaders from groups such as schools, churches, and mosques, with technical knowledge of local tree nurseries.
The goal of the project was to improve environmental conditions and community practices in the area. Additional objectives were to support local tree nurseries (directly through financial compensation for the trees planted an extension of additional technical expertise, and indirectly by developing a local marketplace for trees), to improve the community development skills of local leaders, and to educate local communities about the environment and the importance of trees.
The project successfully achieved two objectives. First, local tree nurseries benefited: they received technical support and consequently strengthened the technical expertise. They produced 1,620 trees and were financially compensated at the market rate. The local marketplace for trees became more developed as leadership skills of community leaders were enhanced through project planning, meetings, and community organization for project implementation.
Tree nursery managers have acquired knowledge and skills in tree production, marketing, and income generating activities. Their capacity to independently produce and sell trees has been increased.
Secondly, community leaders received some education on the environment and the importance of trees. However, the extension of this information to the respective communities has been only minimally effective thus far.
Community leaders have acquired knowledge and skills in project planning and implementation as well as leadership and organizational skills. Their capacity to design and manage projects effectively has been increased. They have also acquired extended skills in tree transplanting and care. Their capacity to manage trees and pursue further reforestation efforts has been increased.
It is estimated that 1,000 people directly benefited from this project.
We again wish to thank The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding for the Water Charity’s participation in this project.