Youth, soil and sustainability: Regreening Kaani, Kenya

Kaani, a rural community in Eastern Kenya, was once a place where the soil provided abundantly for its people. However, years of unsustainable farming practices, prolonged droughts and the changing climate have left the land dry and unproductive. 

The once-fertile soils are now cracked and exhausted, struggling to support crops. Farmers, particularly young women, face immense challenges in sustaining their families as water scarcity and land degradation threaten their livelihoods.

Yet, amidst these struggles, a movement is rising –led by young people determined to heal the land and secure a future for generations to come. This is our story of regreening Kaani.

A struggling cornfield in Kaani, where poor soil health and water scarcity hinder crop growth. Credit:Photo by Sydner Kemunto

The birth of Kijana na Ardhi

Our journey began with a realization that land restoration is not just an environmental issue –it’s a social and economic one, too. Many young women in Kaani, especially small-scale farmers, lack access to fertile land and climate-resilient farming techniques. Furthermore, while older generations still dominate farming, youth are often excluded from decision-making and ownership, limiting their ability to adapt to climate challenges.

Kijani Mtaani members demonstrating practical water conservation techniques to enhance resilience in dryland farming.Credit:Photo by Sydner Kemunto

In response, Kijani Mtaani’s project, Kijana na Ardhi, is working to change this narrative. We focus on working with young people, especially women, to reclaim and restore the land while promoting sustainable livelihoods. 

Healing the soil, restoring hope

Our restoration efforts involve hands-on, nature-based solutions that work with the land rather than against it. Agroecology, the practice of farming in harmony with nature, is at the heart of what we do.

We are developing organic compost systems to improve soil fertility and retain moisture, which helps reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, we are integrating trees with crops to enrich the soil, prevent erosion and provide additional food sources through fruit and nut trees.

Our young farmers actively building carbon beds—an essential technique for improving soil fertility and moisture retention. Credit: Photo by Sydner Kemunto

To further improve water retention and ensure reliable harvests in dry conditions, we are using mulching, contour farming and drought-resistant crops. These methods not only restore the land but also strengthen food security, ensuring that families have access to fresh and nutritious food.

Applying high-density mulching—a key strategy in our restoration efforts to conserve soil moisture and improve land health. Credit: Photo by Sydner Kemunto

At the core of this movement are the young women and small-scale farmers who are taking ownership of their land’s future. Many of them are single mothers, family farmers or young married women who have long been marginalized in agricultural decision-making. Through our project, they are learning regenerative farming, advocating for land rights and challenging the perception that farming is only for older generations.

Our work in schools facilitating the creation of kitchen gardens—ensuring food security while teaching young learners sustainable farming practices. Credit: Photo by Sydner Kemunto

We also work with local leaders, schools and farming cooperatives to spread awareness about climate resilience and the importance of sustainable farming. We are keen on bridging generational gaps and fostering community-led solutions to ensure that knowledge is passed down and shared widely.

Older women farmers play a vital role in passing down traditional farming knowledge to the next generation in Kaani. Credit:Photo by Sydner Kemunto

A greener future for Kaani

We strive for a greener Kaani. Through our efforts , soil that was once lifeless is beginning to regenerate, trees are taking root and young women are leading conversations on climate resilience. Through this project, we also restore hope, dignity and economic opportunities to our community.

A glimpse of the diverse, organically grown food from Kaani—nurtured through regenerative agricultural practices. Credit:Photo by Sydner Kemunto

This is just the beginning. We envision a future where every young person in Kaani sees land restoration as an opportunity, not a burden. We are building toward a future where climate justice is not just a concept, but a lived reality. Through our collective efforts, we hope to redefine land restoration as a web where the efforts of young people, healthy soil and sustainability are deeply connected.