Justdiggit progress report 2023

Background

Justdiggit together with their partner LEAD Foundation is on a mission to regreen Africa through promoting Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) or Kisiki Hai method, a simple but very effective natural method to grow the remaining tree stumps into large mature trees. Trees that are part of this treecovery process grow fast because farmers select, prune, mark and protect trunks with an established root system of older trees that are still alive. Once mature, these trees contribute to more water remaining in the ground and create shade for plants to grow, increasing agricultural productivity.

The FMNR method used by Justdiggit avoids many pitfalls of traditional reforestation methods, since the restored trees rely on big and old root systems which have been built by these trees over the years, prior to being cut, making them stronger and more resilient. By supporting alternatives to traditional reforestation that relies on seedlings, Justdiggit provides almost “no-cost” solutions to farmers who want to regreen their land, bringing positive effects on incomes, biodiversity, and carbon capture. Justdiggit has an impressive track record and is working long terms with farmers, following up their projects for 20 years.

Progress

During the reporting period with support from the CTF Justdiggit managed to expand their work in the Singida region, in addition to engagements with farmers in Dodoma region, central Tanzania thanks to our prior funding.

An independent report from the organization Face The Future in October 2022 showed that, with more trees recovered than was captured in manual documentation, Justdiggits efforts are likely more successful than previously thought.

With respect to the progress of the project we funded in the Singida region, more than 22,000 trees have been realized so far, resulting in storing of 4,258 tonnes CO2 in the next 20 years. Overall, our support is expected to recover more than 100,000 trees, which will store close to 20,000 tonnes CO2. This indicates overall successful performance of the program.

Training farmers in such methods helps to empower them to make more informed and sustainable decisions over the management of their land. In order for Justdiggit to keep growing and meet its overarching goal of enabling 350 million subsistence farmers to regenerate their land, they need continuous funding to engage in additional programs.