Adopt a Fruit Tree Initiative: Counting on Climate Action to Achieve Sdg 3, 4 and 13

Margaret Mwaila, demography
Jane Wanjaria, National Council For Population and Development
Mohamed Sheikh, National Council for Population and Development

Kenya aims to restore forest cover to 30%, which currently stands at 8.8% - way below the constitutional threshold of 10%. To contribute to the President’s initiative of 15 billion trees by 2032, the National Council for Population and Development has embarked on a project dubbed “Adopt a Fruit Tree” which aims to improve educational attainment, human capital development and maternal and child survival. The project promotes fruit trees growing in schools to promote school retention and nutrition. At health facilities and communities, the project will enhance uptake of skilled Ante Natal Care; skilled delivery and post-delivery services; improve nutrition of mothers, children, households; and improve livelihoods. Choice of fruit tree is informed by its long-term nutritional and economic value and carbon sequestration ability. The project engages school children and pregnant women/couples who plant and nurture the seedlings. This project will contribute to SDGs 3, 4 and 13.