Githima, Kenya

Naru Moru

A learning center for future generations in Githima

For about 2 years we researched the Miyawaki method but did not have the necessary funds or skills to execute it. In 2020, we met SUGi who trained and equipped us to bring this project to completion. SUGi made it a reality. We are truly grateful for them believing in us and the work we are doing here. We believe it's partnerships such as these that will enable us to transform our world for the better. We cannot wait to see how the forest will do in the next few years. Our hope is that others can come here, learn from it and go home to replicate the same.

Forest Maker Michael Waiyaki

A learning center for future generations in Githima, Kenya

600

Trees

200

Square Meters

Native Species

The site of Naru Moru in Githima, Kenya

The pocket forest after 24 months growth

“Our goal is to empower the next generation with knowledge & skills to restore our forests. Miyawaki provides us with the opportunity to not only bring back the green but also the biodiversity of indigenous forests by mimicking nature.”

— Michael Waiyaki, Founder Miti Alliance

Forest Report: 24 Months

DATE: 26.05.2023

The pocket forest after 24 months growth

Biodiversity Notes:

Forest Report: 18 Months

DATE: 26.11.2022

Survival Rate: 96%

Tallest Tree: 248cm

tallest species is currently the Acacia (Acacia tortilis) at 255cm. This pocket forest is generally in good health, showing high chlorophyll content in the plants. Some species have already started flowering. The Nile tulip (Makhamia lutea), African olive (Olea africana) and African cherry (Prunus africana) are all growing well and close to 200cm in height.

Soil health is good; it is highly moist, full of humus and most of it covered with mulch. At the edges of the forest mulch has been washed away due to run off. The soil is indicating high fertility due to growth of wild mushrooms in many areas of the forest.

The local community often visits this Miyawaki forest. In part, they are attracted to some of the indigenous weeds that are found there, which serve as a source of high nutrient vegetables that are used in everyday cooking. The community have had a chance to see the area regreening over time and it is a point of discussion when people visit.

African cherry (Prunus africana)

Biodiversity Notes:

Wild perennials, species unknown

Murembu tree (Ehretia cymosa)

Woodland croton (Croton macrostachyus)

African olive (Olea africana)

Forest Report: 6 Months

DATE: 26.02.2022

Survival Rate: 97%

Tallest Tree: 121cm

Only 2 trees of the initial ones have been replaced because of drying up. 3/4 of the trees are 45-60cm; 1/8 of the trees are 91cm; 1/8 of the trees are 121cm and above.

The mulch has played a very important role in the forest thriving. The area is a dry area but due to the ability of conserving moisture however little it may be, it has allowed the trees to continue doing well even when the rains were not there.

The mix of compost and manure really supported the ability of the young trees to survive. Their health was evident by the colour of the leaves. Often this was a shock to many of the residents as the adjacent area is completely dry and full of shrubs. The mix of the components is an essential part of a Miyawaki forest success in allowing the young seedlings to survive. This is because the seedlings we planted were very small at the time as little as 15cm and they too did not dry up.

There have been some challenges: relating to water, pests - including the Bunyoro rabbits (Poelagus marjorita) - and growth of wild vegetables that have overshadowed some of the seedlings. The cost of managing the trees necessitated that we get a full time person situated there and we have had to make sure we cater for their costs.

The local community appreciates the work we are doing by often stopping by the fence to look at it. They often mention that there’s something we’re doing that they don’t know and would want to learn. The local forester has also paid a visit to the forest, which is significant (he is the Kenyan National forest representative). His words of appreciation were a great encouragement for us as he stayed for half a day just going round with a team of five. We have also had new neighbours visiting us asking for advice on which trees to plant and how to plant them and we have shared the technique with them.

It has been a marvel for us just to see the forest come to life, some of the indigenous shrubs are doing so well and weeds as well. There is an increased number of bees at the forest and we hope to one day put some hives as well.