Tree Planting, Climate Action And Sustainable Farming Take Center Stage

By Admin Saturday, 20^th June 2026

Photo courtesy: Photo courtesy

The cooperative movement today demonstrated its commitment to environmental conservation and climate action during the Ushirika Environmental Day 2026 celebrations held at the Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi.

The event brought together leaders and members of cooperative societies, SACCOs, farmers' cooperatives, youth groups, and stakeholders from across the country for a large-scale tree planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and combating the effects of climate change.

Organized by the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), the initiative forms part of activities leading up to the annual International Day of Cooperatives, commonly known as Ushirika Day. The event underscores the cooperative movement's growing role in supporting environmental stewardship while advancing economic and social development.

Speaking during the event, CAK Chief Executive Officer Daniel Marube emphasized the critical role cooperatives can play in addressing climate challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods for millions of Kenyans.

Climate Change Continues to Affect Farmers

Marube noted that climate change has become one of the greatest threats facing farmers and rural communities across the country. He observed that rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic, making it difficult for farmers to predict planting seasons and achieve consistent harvests.

According to him, changing weather conditions have affected agricultural productivity, food security, and household incomes, particularly among smallholder farmers who depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture.

"Rainfall is becoming increasingly erratic and this is affecting farmers and agricultural production across the country," he said.

He called for collective action from all stakeholders, including cooperatives, government agencies, development partners, and communities, to promote climate-smart agricultural practices that can help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Cooperatives Encouraged to Invest in Avocado Farming

As part of efforts to improve farmer incomes and enhance Kenya's agricultural exports, Marube encouraged cooperative societies to support members in investing in avocado farming.

He observed that avocados have become one of Kenya's fastest-growing export commodities and offer significant opportunities for farmers to improve their earnings while contributing to national economic growth.

Marube highlighted the government's ambitious target of growing agricultural exports and noted that cooperatives have a major role to play in achieving these objectives.

He projected that between 40 and 45 percent of the anticipated KSh15 billion earnings from the avocado value chain could come through cooperative societies if farmers are adequately organized and supported.

The CAK CEO emphasized that cooperatives provide an effective platform for farmers to access markets, agricultural inputs, training, and financial services, all of which are essential for successful avocado production and export.

He urged cooperatives operating in suitable ecological zones to mobilize their members to embrace avocado farming as a long-term investment capable of generating sustainable incomes.

Adoption of Climate-Resilient Crops

Recognizing the challenges posed by changing weather patterns, Marube also encouraged farmers to adopt climate-resilient and drought-resistant crops.

He noted that traditional farming practices are increasingly being tested by prolonged dry spells, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures. As a result, farmers must adapt by growing crops that can withstand harsh climatic conditions while maintaining productivity.

The cooperative movement, he said, will continue working with agricultural experts and partners to provide farmers with information and training on suitable crop varieties that are better adapted to local climatic conditions.

By embracing climate-smart agriculture, farmers can reduce risks associated with crop failure and improve food security for their families and communities.

The call for climate-resilient farming aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen agricultural sustainability and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Youth Participation Offers Hope for the Future

One of the highlights of the Ushirika Environmental Day celebrations was the active participation of young people in the tree planting exercise.

Marube expressed optimism about the future of environmental conservation and the cooperative movement after witnessing the enthusiasm displayed by youth participants.

He noted that young people are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. Their involvement, he said, is critical in ensuring that conservation efforts are sustained for future generations.

The participation of youth also reflects growing awareness among younger generations about climate change and the need for collective action to safeguard natural resources.

Through cooperatives, young people can access opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, financial inclusion, and leadership while contributing to environmental conservation initiatives.

Marube encouraged more young people to join cooperative societies and become active participants in initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development.

Trees as a Solution to Climate Challenges

The tree planting exercise conducted during the event is expected to contribute to national efforts aimed at increasing forest cover and restoring degraded ecosystems.

Trees play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, conserving water resources, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity.

They also contribute to improved air quality and help create healthier living environments for communities.

Participants planted hundreds of tree seedlings during the exercise, demonstrating the cooperative movement's commitment to supporting Kenya's environmental conservation agenda.

The initiative aligns with ongoing national campaigns encouraging citizens and institutions to participate in tree planting activities as part of efforts to achieve the country's forest cover targets.

Cooperatives Driving Sustainable Development

The Ushirika Environmental Day celebrations highlighted the unique position of cooperatives in advancing both economic development and environmental sustainability.

With millions of members spread across various sectors including agriculture, finance, housing, transport, and trade, cooperatives possess significant capacity to mobilize communities around environmental initiatives.

By integrating environmental conservation into their operations, cooperatives can help build resilient communities capable of addressing climate-related challenges while improving livelihoods.

The event also served as a reminder that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility requiring the participation of all sectors of society.

As Kenya continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the cooperative movement remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and community development.

The successful tree planting exercise at Jamhuri Showground marked yet another demonstration of the cooperative movement's dedication to creating a greener, more sustainable future for current and future generations.

As preparations for Ushirika Day 2026 continue, cooperative societies across the country are expected to undertake similar environmental activities, reinforcing the sector's commitment to safeguarding the environment while driving inclusive economic growth.