Tulia Africa Initiative

  The Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa marked a turning point for the continent’s climate journey. With the Ethiopia Declaration , leaders sent a powerful message: Africa will not wait for aid ; we are ready to lead with homegrown solutions, driven by fairness, justice, and investment. At Tulia Africa Initiative, a youth-led organization working with communities in Kenya’s drylands, we followed the Summit closely. The commitments made in Addis resonate deeply with our work and raise important questions about the future of grassroots climate action. Climate Finance as Investment The pledge to mobilize $50 billion annually is historic. It shifts the narrative from climate aid to climate investment. Yet for local organizations like ours, the real challenge remains: will these resources trickle down to the grassroots? The Declaration’s call for grant-based, predictable, and accessible finance gives us hope. If honored, it could finally open doors for youth-led groups that have...

                 When it comes to climate action in Africa, the most powerful solutions often grow from the ground up. Next month, Ethiopia will host the Africa Climate Summit 2 , a pivotal moment for the continent to shape its climate resilience agenda. Leaders, policy makers, and climate actors will gather to push forward commitments made in the inaugural summit — but for communities on the frontlines of climate change, this is more than just another high-level meeting. At Tulia Africa Initiative , we see this summit as a chance to amplify the voices of those most affected by climate shocks — smallholder farmers in drylands, youth-led organizations, and grassroots innovators who are already driving change. Our work in promoting climate-smart agriculture, landscape restoration, and community resilience mirrors the summit’s core call: climate action must be locally driven, inclusive, and backed by sustainable financing. We expect ACS2 to ...

“ What if small, simple changes on your farm could save water, boost yields, and restore your land at the same time?” In Kenya’s drylands, especially Makueni County , this is not just a dream—it’s happening.  At Tulia Africa Initiative , we are passionate about sharing practical solutions that help communities thrive while restoring degraded landscapes in lin e with Kenya’s Forest and Landscape Restoration Plan (FOLAREP) . 1. Zai Pits for Water Harvesting Zai pits are small planting basins designed to capture rainwater and reduce runoff. They improve water availability for crops and trees, boosting yields even during dry spells. 2. Tree Planting with Proper Spacing Agroforestry is a core part of FOLAREP . Planting drought-tolerant trees like Melia volkensii , Terminalia brownii , and Acacia species ,and fruit trees like oranges,avocado,apple,mangoes etc restores soil fertility, provides fodder, and supports biodiversity. 3. Mulching for Soil Moisture Conservation Mulching w...

        Across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), a quiet transformation is taking root—one led not by outside experts, but by local communities themselves as stakeholders and led by vibrant youths.    At Tulia Africa Initiative , we believe in the power of the people most affected by climate change to lead the way in restoring the very landscapes they call home. From Makueni, Machakos to Kitui , we’re witnessing firsthand how community-driven action is not just healing the land—but also restoring hope. But first do we understand the challenges? Lets explore some here: Challenge in Kenya’s Drylands    Kenya’s drylands cover over 80% of the country and are home to millions who depend on natural resources for survival. But years of deforestation, overgrazing, and climate shocks have left these landscapes deeply degraded.   Too often, restoration projects are implemented without meaningful involvement of the people who live on and kn...