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Nurseries for Youth Development Project (NYDP)

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Project Summary

The Nurseries for Youth Development Project (NYDP) is a 3-year initiative spanning from January 01, 2024, to December 31, 2026, dedicated to transitioning tree nurseries into Farm Forestry, Afforestation, and Biodiversity Conservation practices across six target counties in Kenya. The project aims to address urgent environmental challenges caused by climate change, such as deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. By establishing and nurturing youth-led tree nurseries, the initiative seeks to ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality planting materials while promoting inclusive youth engagement and gender balance in agro-forestry practices. Leveraging a business-oriented approach and market demand, the project endeavors to achieve financial viability for the nurseries, contributing to the socioeconomic transformation and environmental sustainability of Kenya's agricultural landscapes. The project aligns with the national goal of 30% tree cover by 2032, contributes to climate adaptation and resilience.

Project Goals

•        Establishment and growth of youth-led and managed tree nurseries in six target counties in Kenya.
•        Ensuring the financial sustainability of the established nurseries.
•        Contributing to the government's re-greening and climate action agenda.
•        Creating employment opportunities for young people in rural Kenya.
•        Promoting climate action, soil health improvement, and biodiversity conservation.
  

Outcome

Young farmers and KENAFF are key agents in the regreening of Kenya as well as contributing to sustainable tree value chains.
1.     KENAFF young farmers (at least 50 % female) manage nurseries successfully.
2.     KENAFF has solidified long term partnerships for their FF&AP.  


Output I: Nurseries are established across 6 counties (3-4/county).

1.     6 main nurseries are established and running by end of year one (2024).
2.     Up to 14 satellite nurseries are established and running in 6 counties by the end of year two (2025).


Output II: 20 nursery managers and up to 5 KENAFF staff are capacitated on key aspects such as management, agrobiodiversity and leadership.

1.     Up to 20 nurseries are managed according to KENAFF rules and regulations (FF&AP)
2.     The nursery managers and designated KENAFF staff have taken part in 7 workshops on various topics.


Output III: Tree nurseries are running businesses.

 1.     At least 100,000 seedlings sold by the end of the project.
2.     Nurseries have been included in the KENAFF county association audits by the end of the project.
3.     The 6 main tree nurseries achieve a positive profit margin by the end of the project.

Project Counties

  • Kwale
  • Murang’a
  • Meru
  • Nakuru
  • Bomet
  • Migori. 

Activities and timeline

Start-up Phase (Months 1-8)
  1. Participatory identification of nursery sites and recruitment (Months 1-2).
  2. Capacity building workshops and additional training (Months 3-4).
  3. Negotiation of land-use agreements and setting up main nurseries (Months 5-6).
  4. Infrastructure construction, procurement, and unified accounting system establishment (Months 7-8).
Operational Phase (Months 9-24)
  1. Commencement of main nursery operations and seedling production (Months 9-12).
  2. Collaboration with stakeholders, marketing strategy development (Months 13-16).
  3. Business model development, promotion, and workshops (Months 17-20).
  4. Implementation of efficient practices, transition to financial independence (Months 21-24).
Optimization Phase (Months 24-36)
  1. Establishment of working routines and mechanisms (Months 25-28).
  2. Follow-up workshops and adjustment of business plan (Months 29-32).
  3. Certification acquisition and final optimization (Months 33-36).

Partnerships/Collaborations:

  • · Andreas Hermes Academy – AHA 
  •   The International Climate Initiative (IKI)

Get Involved

 
  1. Investment and Partnership.
  2. Advocate for policies that promote gender inclusivity in agriculture and environmental conservation.
  3. Advocate for policies and investments that prioritize climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management in Kenya.
  4. Provide platforms for young Kenyans to actively participate in environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.


KENAFF Programmes Manager

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