On Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) distributed 30,000 tree seedlings to households in Kalivu sub-location, Athi Ward, Kitui South constituency, Kitui County, as part of a major effort to rehabilitate degraded areas and strengthen community food systems.

The initiative is part of the Nature Positive Food Systems project, funded by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) in partnership with the United Church of Canada. The project promotes landscape restoration through nature-based solutions that integrate tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and improved water management.

The seedlings consisting of indigenous, exotic, and fruit tree species have been planted in homes, churches, and around critical water points such as earth dams. This strategy is intended not only to restore the environment but also to enhance water conservation and build climate resilience among the residents.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, NCCK Officer Christopher Mutia urged residents to stop unnecessary tree cutting to prevent environmental degradation, noting the importance of preserving the gains made through tree planting. “Today we have distributed seedlings comprising various indigenous, exotic, and fruit trees. I want to urge residents to stop unnecessary cutting down of trees so we can conserve our environment,” he emphasized.

Mutia also reaffirmed NCCK’s commitment to continuing tree distribution to support environmental transformation both in homes and in local forests.

READ ALSO: Desilted Manzee Earth Dam Now Harvesting Millions of Litres of Rainwater

Beneficiaries praised NCCK for its continued support, noting that the tree-planting efforts have already brought visible improvements to the local environment. Many reported enhanced rainfall patterns and greener landscapes, and they encouraged the organization to continue offering civic education on environmental conservation. “We have seen great changes since we started planting trees. The amount of rainfall has greatly improved,” Mwende Susan a  beneficiary lauded the initiative.

The Nature Positive Food Systems project continues to play a key role in promoting sustainable environmental practices by blending tree planting with climate-smart farming and water management techniques offering communities long-term ecological and economic benefits.

Ends///