SAF-Africa Highlights a Great Crop for Avoiding Deforestation

On the 2025, International Day of Forests, SAF-Africa and IDH hosted an event in Nakuru County, Kenya. The theme was “Forests and Food“. The event highlighted the success of the local Potato for Livelihoods Project (PLP), part of IDH’s Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes. The initiative provides smallholders with farming options that help avoid deforestation. Potatoes are an excellent example.

The event attracted some 250 participants. They included farmers, local leaders, and other key stakeholders. A demonstration farm showcased drip irrigation for water-saving, as well as innovative potato-growing techniques. These include Apical Rooted Cuttings for seed propagation. As SAF-Africa’s Executive Director, Lucy Kioko, says: “Demos like this are crucial for enabling farmers to strengthen both productivity and conservation.”

SAF-Africa further underlined its commitment to environmentally friendly farming by distributing seedlings for important tree crops. Participants had the opportunity to plant fruit trees at the demo farm to learn proper planting techniques and how to integrate these trees with other crops. A total of 1,900 fruit trees seedlings including pears, avocado and tree tomatoes were distributed to the smallholder farmers to replicate the practice on their farms.

Farmers’ Hubs lie at the heart of SAF-Africa’s agri-entrepreneurship model. The Hubs are rural businesses that provide “last-mile” services to smallholders. These one-stop shops ensure access to good inputs, mechanization, finance, advice, and new market opportunities. Network Managers guide groups of Hubs, aggregating resources to benefit farmers. The Hubs in Nakuru and Kericho now help over 3000 smallholders to farm more profitably and sustainably.

Lucy Kioko emphasized at the event: “Empowering farmers with sustainable alternatives is key to protecting forest ecosystems and securing livelihoods.” She encouraged women and youth to grow potatoes. There are few formal jobs available for Nakuru’s farmers. But as Lucy points out: “Potatoes bring great business opportunities!”

SAF-Africa is very grateful to the partners who helped make the event a success. As well as IDH, these include the Nakuru County Ministry of Agriculture, Ndoinet Community Forest Association, local government representatives, and Farmers’ Hub agri-entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the International Day of Forests, Lucy Kioko comments: “The Potato for Livelihoods Project is testimony to how sustainable agriculture can both drive conservation and improve African livelihoods. PLP is one step among many towards our vision: a world where smallholders, communities, and nature thrive together.”