Decarbonize Initiative

🌱 Fieldwork Highlights of 2023 - 2024: Empowering Local Farmers with Decarbonization Strategies 🌱 This past year has been an incredible journey for our team at the Decarbonization Initiative as we visited multiple farms across the region, educating local farmers on various decarbonization strategies they can incorporate on their farms. Our mission to reduce carbon emissions and empower rural communities has never felt more impactful. One of our biggest highlights was visiting Dr. Wanjugu's farm, which boasts over 4,000 trees! 🌳🌳🌳 The experience was truly inspiring as Dr. Wanjugu has been a pioneer in decarbonization since 2012, actively practicing afforestation. His commitment to environmental sustainability has set a remarkable example for others to follow. Our consultation with Dr. Wanjugu has been transformative, leading us to define a Project Design Documentation (PDD) that details how his forest can transition into a certified carbon reduction project. This certification will not only recognize his efforts but also open up new opportunities for carbon credits and financial benefits for sustainable practices. We are proud of the progress we've made and the partnerships we've forged with passionate farmers like Dr. Wanjugu. Together, we are making strides toward a more sustainable future, one farm at a time. Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and initiatives. Let's continue to support and uplift our local farmers in their journey toward sustainability! 🌍💚 #Decarbonization #Sustainability #CarbonReduction #Afforestation #LocalFarms #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalSustainability #CommunityEmpowerment #GreenFuture

Happy Mazingira Day! 💚 “ One planet, One purpose : To protect our Earth “ 🌳🌳

We are continuously working towards creating sustainable solutions for the environment, and this weekend was no exception. We successfully produced biochar, an incredible tool in the fight against climate change! Why Biochar Matters: Biochar is a form of carbonized plant material produced through pyrolysis, a process that captures carbon and prevents it from being released back into the atmosphere. Here’s why it’s so important: 🌿 Carbon Sequestration: Biochar locks in carbon, preventing it from contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By using biochar, we are actively reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 🌾 Soil Health: Biochar not only sequesters carbon but also enhances soil fertility by adding nutrients and improving water retention, promoting healthier crops and sustainable farming practices. ♻️ Sustainability: It provides a sustainable solution to agricultural waste by converting it into something that benefits both the soil and the environment. This step is crucial as we work toward mitigating climate change and improving agricultural practices. Biochar serves as both an organic fertilizer and a carbon sink – a true win-win for our planet! 🌍 #ClimateAction #Biochar #CarbonSequestration #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #DecarbonizeInitiative #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GreenFarming

🌾 Team Visit to Wheat Plantations in Laikipia County 🌾 Our team recently had the opportunity to visit wheat farmers in Laikipia County, where we learned about the unique challenges they face in cultivating their crops. These farmers source their wheat seeds from #KenyaSeeds and typically plant between June and September, using around 55-60 kilograms of wheat per acre. While the farmers are dedicated and resilient, they encounter several significant challenges: Lack of Mechanization or Automation: Farmers rely on a limited number of tractors from local service providers. This often causes delays in their farming workflows as they compete with others for machinery. Sourcing Seeds from State Agencies: When they can't obtain seeds directly from state agencies, they depend on fellow farmers, which can lead to further delays in planting. Cash Crop Diseases: Leaf rust is a persistent threat to wheat crops, forcing farmers to regularly spray herbicides to protect their harvest. High Costs of Herbicides and Fertilizers: The rising prices of herbicides and fertilizers add an economic burden, making it difficult for farmers to maintain profitability. These challenges highlight the need for better access to resources, affordable inputs, and mechanization to support farmers in improving productivity and sustainability. It was inspiring to witness their dedication, and we look forward to exploring solutions that can empower them to overcome these obstacles. #Agriculture #Sustainability #FarmingChallenges #LaikipiaCounty #WheatFarming #Mechanization #ClimateResilience #FoodSecurity #KenyaSeeds

🌱 A Weekend of Growth and Sustainability at Mama Irene's Farm 💚 This weekend, we had the privilege of visiting Mama Irene’s farm to demonstrate the application of biochar as a powerful method of carbon sequestration and as an organic fertilizer for soil restoration and healthier produce. Seeing how biochar can truly transform soil health is inspiring, and it reminds me of the incredible potential we have to combat climate change, one farm at a time. We also planted blue gum trees around their farm, symbolizing both resilience and a hopeful future. These trees will not only contribute to carbon capture but also provide long-term environmental and economic benefits for her farm. 🌍🌳 #Sustainability #Biochar #CarbonSequestration #SoilHealth #ClimateAction #TreePlanting #Agriculture #Farmers #GreenFuture

🌍 Decarbonize Initiative Series 1: Carbon Chronicles - Unveiling Emissions Across Industries 🌍 We're excited to release Part 3 of our series, focusing on Manufacturing! 🏭 Manufacturing: Economic Driver and Major Polluter This slide summarizes important information with regards to the manufacturing sector. 🔜 Next Up: Emissions in the Agriculture Sector #DecarbonizeInitiative #CarbonChronicles #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ManufacturingEmissions Follow us for updates!

Projects that issue Gold Standard credits operate right across Africa, from Morocco in the North to South Africa. Independent shared value calculations show that these projects have led to $16bn worth of co-benefit when considering factors like biodiversity, employment, livelihood and health impacts. Yet Africa has scope for so many more emission reductions, and so much more sustainable development. Out of the total credits issued worldwide between 2016 and 2021, only about 11 percent stem from African countries. It is estimated that Africa currently generates only around 2 percent of its annual potential of carbon credits. By introducing well-designed regulations and frameworks, governments in Africa and around the world can help communities benefit from the finance that comes from carbon markets and the sustainable development outcomes it can bring. The Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, supported by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), is an Africa-led endeavour to support Africa’s leadership in the global carbon marketplace in ways that promote justice, equity and inclusiveness. Click below to read the article in full on LinkedIn.

Reflections on the Africa Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Carbon Markets It was a privilege to address the Africa Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Carbon Markets, held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. This gathering was a crucial step in shaping Africa’s stance on carbon markets and their role in our continent’s sustainable development journey. During the conference, I emphasized the critical role Africa’s natural capital plays in driving sustainable development and poverty reduction. Our rich natural resources present immense opportunities, but we must ensure that the mechanisms we put in place, such as carbon markets, align with the principles of climate justice. Key Points from My Presentation: 1. Strategic Approach: We need to carefully define Africa’s strategic approach to carbon markets, ensuring that these investments prioritize our continent’s development needs and avoid compromising our future aspirations. 2. Balancing Act: Carbon markets have the potential to accelerate global decarbonization, but we must avoid creating a loophole for carbon-intensive economies to continue their harmful practices. It’s essential to balance the benefits with the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Community Impact: Carbon investments should not lead to the displacement or disenfranchisement of our communities. We must safeguard their land rights and ensure that they benefit from carbon market opportunities rather than being excluded or exploited. 4. Fair Share: The current financial returns from carbon markets to African communities are insufficient. We must advocate for a fairer distribution of benefits, ensuring that those on the frontlines of conservation receive adequate support. 5. Human Rights: At the heart of our approach must be a commitment to human rights. We need to steer clear of practices that commodify Africa’s natural assets and instead focus on mechanisms that promote real climate justice and sustainable development. Call to Action: As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to actively engage in these discussions and work towards a carbon market framework that respects our continent’s needs and rights. Let’s advocate for policies that ensure equitable benefits for our communities and uphold our commitment to climate justice. #carbonmarket AfricanUnion Pan African Climate Justice Alliance