Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

2024 Impact Report

Lasting Impact through Farmer-Led Solutions

Trees For The Future

2024 Impact Report

Lasting Impact through Farmer-Led Solutions

Letter from the CEO

Letter from the CEO

Letter from the CEO

Letter from the CEO

Letter from the CEO

Dear Partners & Friends,

2024 has been a year of growth and impact for Trees for the Future (TREES). Across five countries, we’re working alongside thousands of farmers to restore degraded land, boost food security, and combat climate change. We've hit some key milestones—expanding our projects into new 969 communities, graduating 7,288 farmers from our Forest Garden program, receiving the United Nations World Restoration Flagship Award, and making significant strides in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). These achievements are not just numbers on a page; they represent real, transformative change, like in Carolina’s story.


This year, I’ve had the privilege of spending time in the fields with colleagues and collaborators, witnessing firsthand what truly drives our impact: the strength of our relationships. The connection farmers have with their land is profound. When they have the tools and training in sustainable agroforestry to nurture it, their fields flourish—and so do their families. Equally vital is the bond between our team and the farmers, built on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to shared learning. These relationships are a cornerstone of our work.

And we can’t forget our partnerships—with organizations, donors, investors and communities—that make it possible to scale our impact and expand our reach. Together, these relationships form the backbone of everything we do, ensuring that our work is sustainable, resilient, and farmer-driven.

2024 has been a year of growth and impact for Trees for the Future (TREES). Across five countries, we’re working alongside thousands of farmers to restore degraded land, boost food security, and combat climate change. We've hit some key milestones—expanding our projects into new 969 communities, graduating 7,288 farmers from our Forest Garden program, receiving the United Nations World Restoration Flagship Award, and making significant strides in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). These achievements are not just numbers on a page; they represent real, transformative change, like in Carolina’s story.


This year, I’ve had the privilege of spending time in the fields with colleagues and collaborators, witnessing firsthand what truly drives our impact: the strength of our relationships. The connection farmers have with their land is profound. When they have the tools and training in sustainable agroforestry to nurture it, their fields flourish—and so do their families. Equally vital is the bond between our team and the farmers, built on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to shared learning. These relationships are a cornerstone of our work.

And we can’t forget our partnerships—with organizations, donors, investors and communities—that make it possible to scale our impact and expand our reach. Together, these relationships form the backbone of everything we do, ensuring that our work is sustainable, resilient, and farmer-driven.

2024 has been a year of growth and impact for Trees for the Future (TREES). Across five countries, we’re working alongside thousands of farmers to restore degraded land, boost food security, and combat climate change. We've hit some key milestones—expanding our projects into new 969 communities, graduating 7,288 farmers from our Forest Garden program, receiving the United Nations World Restoration Flagship Award, and making significant strides in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). These achievements are not just numbers on a page; they represent real, transformative change, like in Carolina’s story.


This year, I’ve had the privilege of spending time in the fields with colleagues and collaborators, witnessing firsthand what truly drives our impact: the strength of our relationships. The connection farmers have with their land is profound. When they have the tools and training in sustainable agroforestry to nurture it, their fields flourish—and so do their families. Equally vital is the bond between our team and the farmers, built on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to shared learning. These relationships are a cornerstone of our work.

And we can’t forget our partnerships—with organizations, donors, investors and communities—that make it possible to scale our impact and expand our reach. Together, these relationships form the backbone of everything we do, ensuring that our work is sustainable, resilient, and farmer-driven.

As we move forward, I am excited about building more of these connections so that the future of TREES and our colleagues can be strengthened by continued opportunities that build lasting change for both farmers and ecosystems. I hope you enjoy this year’s report and thank you for your ongoing support.


Sincerely,

As we move forward, I am excited about building more of these connections so that the future of TREES and our colleagues can be strengthened by continued opportunities that build lasting change for both farmers and ecosystems. I hope you enjoy this year’s report and thank you for your ongoing support.


Sincerely,

As we move forward, I am excited about building more of these connections so that the future of TREES and our colleagues can be strengthened by continued opportunities that build lasting change for both farmers and ecosystems. I hope you enjoy this year’s report and thank you for your ongoing support.


Sincerely,

Tim

Tim

CEO, Trees for the Future

CEO, Trees for the Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

What We Do & How We Do it
What We Do & How We Do it

"We are mitigating climate change. We are on the road to success." - Raphael, Kenya 

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

What We Do

Trees for the Future (TREES) is working with farmers in some of the most challenging circumstances on the planet. Farmers face unpredictable climate and planting conditions, poor infrastructure and water access, and limited resources. TREES’ Forest Garden Approach helps farmers work with the land - sustainably restoring degraded soil, fostering healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, and improving their food and income security. TREES’ staff train farmers over four years, giving them the long-term tools they need to succeed. With a farmer-centric approach, TREES is creating long-term relationships built on equity, trust, and shared goals so that farmers can ensure their own success and resilience.

Trees for the Future (TREES) is working with farmers in some of the most challenging circumstances on the planet. Farmers face unpredictable climate and planting conditions, poor infrastructure and water access, and limited resources. TREES’ Forest Garden Approach helps farmers work with the land - sustainably restoring degraded soil, fostering healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, and improving their food and income security. TREES’ staff train farmers over four years, giving them the long-term tools they need to succeed. With a farmer-centric approach, TREES is creating long-term relationships built on equity, trust, and shared goals so that farmers can ensure their own success and resilience.

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

How We Do It
  1. Protection

Farmers plant 2,500 fast-growing trees around the perimeter of their land to create a living fence that protects crops, stabilizes soils, and infiltrates water back into the ground.

Farmers plant 2,500 fast-growing trees around the perimeter of their land to create a living fence that protects crops, stabilizes soils, and infiltrates water back into the ground.

  1. Diversification

Each farmer selects vegetables, fruit trees, and other high-value crops to diversify their fields and meet their priority nutritional and market needs.

Each farmer selects vegetables, fruit trees, and other high-value crops to diversify their fields and meet their priority nutritional and market needs.

  1. Optimization

By learning to maximize the vertical and horizontal space on their land, farmers manage water and pests, build healthy soils, and plan for new on-farm enterprises and greater market access.

By learning to maximize the vertical and horizontal space on their land, farmers manage water and pests, build healthy soils, and plan for new on-farm enterprises and greater market access.

Global Impact at a Glance

Global Impact at a Glance

Since 1989, Forest Garden Farmers Contributed to:

99,743

99,743

99,743

*Acres Restored

*Acres Restored

*Acres Restored

370,287,784

370,287,784

Trees Planted

Trees Planted

Trees Planted

475,427

475,427

475,427

*Lives Enhanced

*Lives Enhanced

*Lives Enhanced

*Data collected since 2014

"The Forest Garden has given us everything." - Jean D’Arc, Senegal 

"The Forest Garden has given us everything." - Jean D’Arc, Senegal 

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

As Forest Gardens change farmers’ lives, they have profound effects on an individual, community, regional and global scale, too.

As Forest Gardens change farmers’ lives, they have profound effects on an individual, community, regional and global scale, too.

As Forest Gardens change farmers’ lives, they have profound effects on an individual, community, regional and global scale, too.

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Individual Benefits
Individual Benefits

Food Security

Food Security

Food Security

Food Security

Food Security

Income Generation

Income Generation

Income Generation

Income Generation

Income Generation

Skills Development

Skills Development

Skills Development

Skills Development

Skills Development

Resource Resilience

Resource Resilience

Resource Resilience

Resource Resilience

Resource Resilience

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Community Benefits
Community Benefits

Capacity Building

Capacity Building

Capacity Building

Capacity Building

Capacity Building

Environmental Restoration

Environmental Restoration

Environmental Restoration

Environmental Restoration

Environmental Restoration

Economic Growth

Economic Growth

Economic Growth

Economic Growth

Economic Growth

Biodiversity Preservation

Biodiversity Preservation

Biodiversity Preservation

Biodiversity Preservation

Biodiversity Preservation

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Regional Benefits
Regional Benefits

Climate Resilience

Climate Resilience

Climate Resilience

Climate Resilience

Climate Resilience

Market Development

Market Development

Market Development

Market Development

Market Development

Ecosystem Stability

Ecosystem Stability

Ecosystem Stability

Ecosystem Stability

Ecosystem Stability

Food Sovereignty

Food Sovereignty

Food Sovereignty

Food Sovereignty

Food Sovereignty

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Forest Garden Benefits

Global Benefits
Global Benefits

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon Sequestration

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Scalable Model

Scalable Model

Scalable Model

Scalable Model

Scalable Model

2024 Highlights
2024 Highlights

Achieving UN World Restoration Flagship Status

Achieving UN World Restoration Flagship Status

Achieving UN World Restoration Flagship Status

Achieving UN World Restoration Flagship Status

Achieving UN World Restoration Flagship Status

2024 began with global recognition of TREES’ Forest Garden Approach as a UN Decade World Restoration Flagship. This award includes a grant from FAO which will help build on lessons from TREES’ field experience and create an interactive, multimedia online training course available in English and French. The UN visited TREES’ projects to capture farmer stories in honor of our award.

2024 began with global recognition of TREES’ Forest Garden Approach as a UN Decade World Restoration Flagship. This award includes a grant from FAO which will help build on lessons from TREES’ field experience and create an interactive, multimedia online training course available in English and French. The UN visited TREES’ projects to capture farmer stories in honor of our award.

2024 began with global recognition of TREES’ Forest Garden Approach as a UN Decade World Restoration Flagship. This award includes a grant from FAO which will help build on lessons from TREES’ field experience and create an interactive, multimedia online training course available in English and French. The UN visited TREES’ projects to capture farmer stories in honor of our award.

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Meet Jean D’Arc
Meet Jean D’Arc

Jean is proud of her persistence. When she joined TREES’ training program, she recalls feeling like she was in a hole - stuck, but not defeated. Despite living in the hot, dry conditions of Fatick, Senegal, Jean saw the potential in her land. She persevered through extreme heat, drought, and intrusive animals and established a Forest Garden oasis for herself and her family. Jean was featured in TREES’ UN Flagship short documentary. Watch her full story here.

Jean is proud of her persistence. When she joined TREES’ training program, she recalls feeling like she was in a hole - stuck, but not defeated. Despite living in the hot, dry conditions of Fatick, Senegal, Jean saw the potential in her land. She persevered through extreme heat, drought, and intrusive animals and established a Forest Garden oasis for herself and her family. Jean was featured in TREES’ UN Flagship short documentary. Watch her full story here.

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Expanding Farmer Projects & Earning Trust
Expanding Farmer Projects & Earning Trust
  • 51

    New Projects

  • 20,000

    New Farmers

  • 5,200

    Training Sessions

  • 51

    New Projects

  • 20,000

    New Farmers

  • 5,200

    Training Sessions

  • 38,000

    Active Forest Gardens

  • 7,288

    Farmers Graduated

  • 12

    Collaborative Partner Organizations

  • 38,000

    Active Forest Gardens

  • 7,288

    Farmers Graduated

  • 12

    Collaborative Partner Organizations

A recent TREES study in Kenya found that 95% of program participants would recommend the Forest Garden program to others, illustrating the power and potential of the Forest Garden as a true driver of change for land restoration and sustainable food systems.

A recent TREES study in Kenya found that 95% of program participants would recommend the Forest Garden program to others, illustrating the power and potential of the Forest Garden as a true driver of change for land restoration and sustainable food systems.

A recent TREES study in Kenya found that 95% of program participants would recommend the Forest Garden program to others, illustrating the power and potential of the Forest Garden as a true driver of change for land restoration and sustainable food systems.

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Improving Community Food Security & Nutrition
Improving Community Food Security & Nutrition

Forest Garden Training Program

Forest Garden Training Program

Forest Garden Training Program

Forest Garden Training Program

Forest Garden Training Program

Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)

Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)

Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)

Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)

Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)

"I benefit from VSLA which helps us borrow as much money as we need." - Daudi, Tanzania

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Boosting Farmer Income & Economic Growth
Boosting Farmer Income & Economic Growth

This increased financial resilience empowers farmers to plan for the future and invest in their communities.

Additional Income Streams

Additional Income Streams

Additional Income Streams

Additional Income Streams

Additional Income Streams

Generate Income Consistently

Generate Income Consistently

Generate Income Consistently

Generate Income Consistently

Generate Income Consistently

VSLA

VSLA

VSLA

VSLA

VSLA

Opportunity Creation

Opportunity Creation

Opportunity Creation

Opportunity Creation

Opportunity Creation

"My farm has been transformed and I conquer poverty through farming." - Betha, Kenya

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Bridging Local Action to Global Climate Effort with Catona Climate

TREES’ sustainable land management approach is a natural fit for the global carbon market. Working with Catona Climate, TREES is helping 18,000 farmers, 44% of whom are female, create carbon credits on their own land. The social and health benefits of the Forest Garden make the Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Carbon Project a charismatic project - increasing farmers’ opportunities to engage in a global carbon market and access future earnings.

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

2024 Highlights

Enhancing Biodiversity & Ecological Impact
Enhancing Biodiversity & Ecological Impact

A Healthier Ecosystem

A Healthier Ecosystem

A Healthier Ecosystem

A Healthier Ecosystem

A Healthier Ecosystem

Biodiversity Study in Kenya

Biodiversity Study in Kenya

Biodiversity Study in Kenya

Biodiversity Study in Kenya

Biodiversity Study in Kenya

Farmer Highlight

Farmer Highlight

Farmer Highlight

Farmer Highlight

Farmer Highlight

Meet Carolina
Meet Carolina

Meet Carolina Majengo, a 33-year-old single mother who’s redefining what it means to be a farmer. With over 2,700 trees and a rich variety of crops, her Forest Garden is a lifeline for her family. But Carolina’s journey hasn’t been easy. Pregnant with her second child, she faced the heartache of her husband leaving to find work, never to return. "When my husband left, we struggled to find food," she recalls. Working as a casual laborer, Carolina was determined to provide for her children and extended family.

Meet Carolina Majengo, a 33-year-old single mother who’s redefining what it means to be a farmer. With over 2,700 trees and a rich variety of crops, her Forest Garden is a lifeline for her family. But Carolina’s journey hasn’t been easy. Pregnant with her second child, she faced the heartache of her husband leaving to find work, never to return. "When my husband left, we struggled to find food," she recalls. Working as a casual laborer, Carolina was determined to provide for her children and extended family.

2024 Impact By the Numbers

2024 Impact By the Numbers

Team Highlight

Team Highlight

Team Highlight

Team Highlight

Team Highlight

Meet Enoch
Meet Enoch

Uganda Country Director Enoch Makobi recalls the long journey he and his mother made by foot each week to bring their produce to market. Just like the farmers he works with today, Enoch is no stranger to failed crops, poor yields, and unpredictable market prices. He brings his connection to the land and the region to his work everyday, helping Ugandan farmers build a better future through agroforestry.

Uganda Country Director Enoch Makobi recalls the long journey he and his mother made by foot each week to bring their produce to market. Just like the farmers he works with today, Enoch is no stranger to failed crops, poor yields, and unpredictable market prices. He brings his connection to the land and the region to his work everyday, helping Ugandan farmers build a better future through agroforestry.

“For many farmers, including my family, farming was primarily about survival, and practices focused on seasonal yields rather than long-term sustainability. The Forest Garden Approach is reshaping that narrative.”

Financials
Financials

Consolidated Statement of Activities

Consolidated Statement of Activities

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Seeding Opportunities for Farmers Today & Tomorrow

TREES farmers are turning climate-smart practices into life-changing opportunities. By leveraging local resources and infrastructure, they’re creating jobs, starting businesses, and building supply systems that ensure long-term sustainability.

For example, Dorothy Onyango in Kenya earned over $6,000 by supplying 450 kilos of high-quality tree seeds to TREES' seed bank. She reinvested her earnings into her family and community, employing neighbors and expanding her income through egg sales from 500 chickens. TREES seed banks, now active in four countries, distributed over 12,000 kilos of certified tree seeds this year. TREES 18 central fruit nurseries employed local community members to grow over 2.5 million high-quality fruit trees for Forest Gardens.

To further support farmer success,

To further support farmer success,

TREES is piloting market initiatives like branded stalls and partnerships with market intermediaries, creating new pathways for profit. By equipping farmers with tools, training, and access to markets, TREES is planting the seeds for sustainable growth and prosperity.

TREES is piloting market initiatives like branded stalls and partnerships with market intermediaries, creating new pathways for profit. By equipping farmers with tools, training, and access to markets, TREES is planting the seeds for sustainable growth and prosperity.

With Gratitude

With Gratitude

With Gratitude

With Gratitude

With Gratitude

Partnering Together, Growing Together

Partnering Together, Growing Together

TREES is proud to be working with supporters towards a shared mission of a stronger future for us all. Your support enables thousands of farmers to restore their land, grow food, and build sustainable incomes for their families and communities. Every donation has a direct impact—helping farmers gain the tools and knowledge they need to create lasting change. Together, we’re addressing urgent challenges and building a path toward a more just, sustainable world. We are grateful for your continued partnership in this work.

TREES is proud to be working with supporters towards a shared mission of a stronger future for us all. Your support enables thousands of farmers to restore their land, grow food, and build sustainable incomes for their families and communities. Every donation has a direct impact—helping farmers gain the tools and knowledge they need to create lasting change. Together, we’re addressing urgent challenges and building a path toward a more just, sustainable world. We are grateful for your continued partnership in this work.

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Their Forest Garden model is unique because it prioritizes the needs of the farmers and the planet to increase and diversify agricultural production that improves health and income, while simultaneously growing trees that combat environmental degradation and climate change.”

    - One Tree Planted through TerraFund

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “When you donate to TREES, you become a genuine part of their efforts. You could hardly be in better company.”

    - Ross and Karen L., Donors since 2018

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Working with Trees for the Future awards us the opportunity to proliferate the well-being of future generations. This isn’t just critical to our business model, it’s essential to the perseverance of life on earth. Trees are a source of life and a basic human right; not a luxury.”

    - Munchkin

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Their Forest Garden model is unique because it prioritizes the needs of the farmers and the planet to increase and diversify agricultural production that improves health and income, while simultaneously growing trees that combat environmental degradation and climate change.”

    - One Tree Planted through TerraFund

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “When you donate to TREES, you become a genuine part of their efforts. You could hardly be in better company.”

    - Ross and Karen L., Donors since 2018

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Working with Trees for the Future awards us the opportunity to proliferate the well-being of future generations. This isn’t just critical to our business model, it’s essential to the perseverance of life on earth. Trees are a source of life and a basic human right; not a luxury.”

    - Munchkin

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Their Forest Garden model is unique because it prioritizes the needs of the farmers and the planet to increase and diversify agricultural production that improves health and income, while simultaneously growing trees that combat environmental degradation and climate change.”

    - One Tree Planted through TerraFund

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “When you donate to TREES, you become a genuine part of their efforts. You could hardly be in better company.”

    - Ross and Karen L., Donors since 2018

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Working with Trees for the Future awards us the opportunity to proliferate the well-being of future generations. This isn’t just critical to our business model, it’s essential to the perseverance of life on earth. Trees are a source of life and a basic human right; not a luxury.”

    - Munchkin

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Their Forest Garden model is unique because it prioritizes the needs of the farmers and the planet to increase and diversify agricultural production that improves health and income, while simultaneously growing trees that combat environmental degradation and climate change.”

    - One Tree Planted through TerraFund

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “When you donate to TREES, you become a genuine part of their efforts. You could hardly be in better company.”

    - Ross and Karen L., Donors since 2018

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Working with Trees for the Future awards us the opportunity to proliferate the well-being of future generations. This isn’t just critical to our business model, it’s essential to the perseverance of life on earth. Trees are a source of life and a basic human right; not a luxury.”

    - Munchkin

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Their Forest Garden model is unique because it prioritizes the needs of the farmers and the planet to increase and diversify agricultural production that improves health and income, while simultaneously growing trees that combat environmental degradation and climate change.”

    - One Tree Planted through TerraFund

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “When you donate to TREES, you become a genuine part of their efforts. You could hardly be in better company.”

    - Ross and Karen L., Donors since 2018

  • Partnering Together, Growing Together

    “Working with Trees for the Future awards us the opportunity to proliferate the well-being of future generations. This isn’t just critical to our business model, it’s essential to the perseverance of life on earth. Trees are a source of life and a basic human right; not a luxury.”

    - Munchkin

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Trees For The Future

Planting for the Future

We invite you to continue this journey with us. By supporting TREES, you’re helping build a future where farmers are agents of change, driving land restoration and community resilience. Join supporters like Ross and Karen in making this vision a reality—one tree, one Forest Garden, and one farmer at a time

Trees For The Future

Planting for the Future

We invite you to continue this journey with us. By supporting TREES, you’re helping build a future where farmers are agents of change, driving land restoration and community resilience. Join supporters like Ross and Karen in making this vision a reality—one tree, one Forest Garden, and one farmer at a time

2024 Trees for the Future.