2022: A year of drought

 In 2022, many regions of sub-Saharan Africa experienced one of the worst droughts in decades, with life-threatening consequences for the environment, people and animals. The five landscapes in which Justdiggit operates - Chyulu, South Rift and Amboseli in Kenya and Northern and Central Tanzania - were also affected. Despite the severe impact of the drought on their work, the initiative achieved impressive results. In total, an area the size of 530,000 football pitches is currently being actively restored. 137 new villages have been added to Treecovery projects in Tanzania. The number of trees that have been restored through the Treecovery programmes has increased by 33 per cent and now stands at close to 14 million. In addition, 379 farmers in central and northern Tanzania received training last year. These are just some of the achievements that demonstrate the value of Justdiggit's work.

Projects for a greener future

 "I also believe that when it rains, the grasses we have sown will grow and our land will be as green as it was when I was young. Then we will be able to produce milk for our children," says Namelok Kanyakua. The 36-year-old Maasai works with the Olorika Justdiggit project. The Maasai women's groups own the grass seed banks, which Justdiggit helps to manage and operate. Growing, harvesting and selling the grass seeds can generate an independent income to support families and the community. The initiative has recruited 100 new women from the Maasai community to join the four grass seed banks established last year. This brings the total number of women involved in the grass seed bank projects to 272. Together they have harvested 4,000 kilograms of grass seed - equivalent to the weight of an African elephant.

For even more success stories and the latest figures, read the latest progress report from Justdiggit.