Dear Friends,
Change is often a component of end-of-year reflections, and in 2025 change has been especially profound for TREES and other international NGOs. As the world around us shifts, the TREES’ team and our many partners have continued to deliver. With your support, we have mirrored the resilience of smallholder farmers who have adapted to tumultuous change on their land for decades. As the year ends, we are looking forward confidently to the launch of a transformational new strategy that sets our path for 2026 and beyond.
Adaptability will be core to our success as we move forward. Central to that success will be the knowledge and insights that will come from new investments in monitoring, reporting and validation. We are already starting to see evidence of this through pilot surveys assessing income growth, biodiversity enhancement, and improved nutrition among our partner communities. Going forward, we will monitor these changes systematically, assessing the durability and diversity of the benefits our farmer partners are realizing. These verified outcomes are the promise of our approach, and we commit to being accountable for delivering and transparently proving them.
Adapting to new global funding trends has led to difficult but necessary decisions to better align our operations with available resources and future priorities. As part of a strategic review, we decided to close our projects in West Africa by the end of 2025. While this transition is challenging, it allows us to focus our efforts deeper in farming communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The accomplishments from Senegal and Mali are highlighted in this year’s impact report, and I extend my sincere appreciation to colleagues and partners whose work has laid a foundation for continued progress for their communities.
The coming year will require continued adaptability and diversification for farmers and TREES alike. With your partnership, we will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
With thanks,
Tim McLellan, CEO
The Root of It
The Root of It
The Root of It
Rooted in Diversity
Rooted in Diversity
Our Roots
Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international nonprofit and a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagship Initiative. At our core is the knowledge that diversity—of crops, solutions and people—is essential for resilience and survival. Adapting to a changing climate and context allows farmers and their communities to thrive.
Our Roots
Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international nonprofit and a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagship Initiative. At our core is the knowledge that diversity—of crops, solutions and people—is essential for resilience and survival. Adapting to a changing climate and context allows farmers and their communities to thrive.
Our Roots
Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international nonprofit and a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagship Initiative. At our core is the knowledge that diversity—of crops, solutions and people—is essential for resilience and survival. Adapting to a changing climate and context allows farmers and their communities to thrive.
26 Different Agroecological Zones
Senegal
Mali
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Kenya
Mali
Tanzania
Senegal
Uganda
From croplands to watersheds, in lowlands and highlands, our Forest Garden Approach meets farmers where they are to restore what matters most.
26 Different
Agroecological Zones
Senegal
Mali
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Kenya
Mali
Tanzania
Senegal
Uganda
From croplands to watersheds, in lowlands and highlands, our Forest Garden Approach meets farmers where they are to restore what matters most.
26 Different Agroecological Zones
Senegal
Mali
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Kenya
Mali
Tanzania
Senegal
Uganda
From croplands to watersheds, in lowlands and highlands, our Forest Garden Approach meets farmers where they are to restore what matters most.
The Forest Garden Approach (FGA)
The FGA is a farmer-led model. By planting a diverse mix of trees and crops, farmers restore soil health, ensure year-round food and income, and adapt to their changing environment and ecosystem.
The Forest Garden Approach (FGA)
The FGA is a farmer-led model. By planting a diverse mix of trees and crops, farmers restore soil health, ensure year-round food and income, and adapt to their changing environment and ecosystem.
The Forest Garden Approach (FGA)
The FGA is a farmer-led model. By planting a diverse mix of trees and crops, farmers restore soil health, ensure year-round food and income, and adapt to their changing environment and ecosystem.
The Root of It
The Root of It
The Root of It
Africa’s Smallholder Farmers:
Africa’s Smallholder Farmers:
The Missing Link in Global Climate Solutions
The Missing Link in Global Climate Solutions
01
A Continent of Partner Farmers
Africa is home to 33 million smallholder farmers working on over 600 million acres of degraded land—producing 80% of the continent’s food.
02
A Land Under Strain
Much of this farmland is degraded—threatening yields, livelihoods, and food security as climate shocks intensify.
Much of this farmland is degraded—threatening yields, livelihoods, and food security as climate shocks intensify
03
Strength in Diversity
The FGA is uniquely positioned to adapt across a diversity of landscapes and cultures.
04
The Power to Restore
Restoring degraded land with Forest Gardens can revitalize millions of acres, strengthen communities, and help Africa lead on global climate and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Root of It
The Root of It
The Root of It
Impact From The Ground Up
Impact From The Ground Up
Impact From The Ground Up
Our impact starts with one farmer and one piece of land, then grows outward—strengthening families, communities, and entire ecosystems. As thousands of farmers transform their fields, these local changes compound into powerful local, national, and global climate, biodiversity, and livelihood gains.
Our impact starts with one farmer and one piece of land, then grows outward, strengthening families, communities, and entire ecosystems. As thousands of farmers transform their fields, these local changes compound into powerful local, national and global climate, biodiversity, and livelihood gains
Our impact starts with one farmer and one piece of land, then grows outward—strengthening families, communities, and entire ecosystems. As thousands of farmers transform their fields, these local changes compound into powerful local, national, and global climate, biodiversity, and livelihood gains.
01
Individual Farmers
Choosing and adapting diverse crops and trees for their land, age, abilities, and family needs.
01
Individual Farmers
Choosing and adapting diverse crops and trees for their land, age, abilities, and family needs.
01
Individual Farmers
Choosing and adapting diverse crops and trees for their land, age, abilities, and family needs.
02
Communities
Diverse groups (youth, women, abilities) working together to adapt to drought, pests, or market shifts.
02
Communities
Diverse groups (youth, women, abilities) working together to adapt to drought, pests, or market shifts.
02
Communities
Diverse groups (youth, women, abilities) working together to adapt to drought, pests, or market shifts.
03
Country
Adaptability of the FGA ensures it works in different climates, soils, and policy contexts.
03
Country
Adaptability of the FGA ensures it works in different climates, soils, and policy contexts.
03
Country
Adaptability of the FGA ensures it works in different climates, soils, and policy contexts.
04
Global
When thousands of farmers regenerate their land, global resilience grows—one restored landscape at a time—capturing carbon, bringing back biodiversity, and healing ecosystem.
04
Global
When thousands of farmers regenerate their land, global resilience grows - one restored landscape at a time - capturing carbon, bringing back biodiversity, and healing ecosystems.
04
Global
When thousands of farmers regenerate their land, global resilience grows—one restored landscape at a time—capturing carbon, bringing back biodiversity, and healing ecosystem.
Our Impact to Date
Our Impact to Date
Our Impact to Date
A snapshot of what our farmers, teams, and supporters have achieved together since 1989.
Our impact starts with one farmer and one piece of land, then grows outward, strengthening families, communities, and entire ecosystems. As thousands of farmers transform their fields, these local changes compound into powerful local, national and global climate, biodiversity, and livelihood gains
A snapshot of what our farmers, teams, and supporters have achieved together since 1989.
Trees Planted
Trees Planted
Partner Farmers
Partner Farmers
Hectares Under Restoration
Hectares Under Restoration
The Root of It
The Root of It
The Root of It
Our Community
Our Community
The Root of It
Diversity of Allies
Just as farmers build resilience through diverse crops and trees, we build resilience through diverse partnerships and perspectives. Philanthropic gifts, corporate investments, and catalytic grants doing their part means a better future for us all.
“During my studies, I learned about the many benefits trees bring to the environment and to communities. I want to support this essential work for present and future generations.”
Joanna K
Major Donor since 2024
“Ecologi exists to help drive impact, and through sponsoring Trees for the Future’s projects in Uganda and Tanzania, we’ve witnessed just how impactful their projects can be. We are glad to support such important work, which delivers benefits for the climate and biodiversity as well as meaningful improvements to livelihoods.”
Dimitri Theocharis
CEO, Ecologi
“I support Trees for the Future because it is a really positive and science-based way to invest in a better future—shade, food, homes for birds and animals, erosion reduction, wood, beauty. So worthwhile!”
Lisa R.
Monthly Donor since 2018
“With our support, TREES has developed and rolled out a change management plan based on farmer and staff insights, which identified the sustainability of the Forest Garden Approach as a key priority. To that end, further work has focused on training and data collection enhancements, the building of sustainable seed systems, and a market access roadmap that will ensure farmer success beyond the initial four-year training.”
The Montpelier Foundation
The Root of It
Diversity of Allies
Just as farmers build resilience through diverse crops and trees, we build resilience through diverse partnerships and perspectives. Philanthropic gifts, corporate investments, and catalytic grants doing their part means a better future for us all.
“During my studies, I learned about the many benefits trees bring to the environment and to communities. I want to support this essential work for present and future generations.”
Joanna K
Major Donor since 2024
“Ecologi exists to help drive impact, and through sponsoring Trees for the Future’s projects in Uganda and Tanzania, we’ve witnessed just how impactful their projects can be. We are glad to support such important work, which delivers benefits for the climate and biodiversity as well as meaningful improvements to livelihoods.”
Dimitri Theocharis
CEO, Ecologi
“I support Trees for the Future because it is a really positive and science-based way to invest in a better future—shade, food, homes for birds and animals, erosion reduction, wood, beauty. So worthwhile!”
Lisa R.
Monthly Donor since 2018
“With our support, TREES has developed and rolled out a change management plan based on farmer and staff insights, which identified the sustainability of the Forest Garden Approach as a key priority. To that end, further work has focused on training and data collection enhancements, the building of sustainable seed systems, and a market access roadmap that will ensure farmer success beyond the initial four-year training.”
The Montpelier Foundation
“During my studies, I learned about the many benefits trees bring to the environment and to communities. I want to support this essential work for present and future generations.”
Joanna K
Major Donor since 2024
The Root of It
Diversity of Allies
Just as farmers build resilience through diverse crops and trees, we build resilience through diverse partnerships and perspectives. Philanthropic gifts, corporate investments, and catalytic grants doing their part means a better future for us all.
The Root of It
The Root of It
The Root of It
From Degradation to Regeneration
From Degradation to Regeneration
See how degraded land is transformed into a thriving Forest Garden ecosystem:
See how degraded land is transformed into a thriving Forest Garden ecosystem:
Impact in Action
Impact in Action
Impact in Action
2025 Impact:
Diversity and Adaptability in Action
2025 Impact:
Diversity and Adaptability in Action
Impact data reflects the planting year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025—capturing a full cycle of farmer enrollment, planting, and Forest Garden progress.
Impact data reflects the planting year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025—capturing a full cycle of farmer enrollment, planting, and Forest Garden progress.
New Forest Garden Farmers
2024-2025
4,056
New Forest Garden Farmers
2024-2025
4,056
New Forest Garden Farmers
2024-2025
4,056
Farming families in the TREES program see food security increase by 83%
83%
Farming families in the TREES program see food security increase by 83%
83%
Farming families in the TREES program see food security increase by 83%
83%
Trees Planted
2024-2025
49,940,320
Trees Planted
2024-2025
49,940,320
Trees Planted
2024-2025
49,940,320
Total Forest Gardens in Development
2024-2025
35,143
Total Forest Gardens in Development
2024-2025
35,143
Total Forest Gardens in Development
2024-2025
35,143
Land Under Restoration
2024-2025
24,212 Hectares
Land Under Restoration
2024-2025
24,212 Hectares
Land Under Restoration
2024-2025
24,212 Hectares
Participant experience satisfaction remains extremely high — over 96% across all four program years
96%
Participant experience satisfaction remains extremely high — over 96% across all four program years
96%
Participant experience satisfaction remains extremely high — over 96% across all four program years
96%
Impact in Action
Impact in Action
Impact in Action
2025 Impact Snapshot by Country:
2025 Impact Snapshot by Country:
Locally-led TREES teams and farmer partners tailor the FGA to their unique conditions, such as water shortages, age & gender dynamics, land scarcity, or conflict—ensuring it works for their farm, their climate, and their community.
Locally-led TREES teams and farmer partners tailor the FGA to their unique conditions, such as water shortages, age & gender dynamics, land scarcity, or conflict—ensuring it works for their farm, their climate, and their community.
Kenya
Homa Bay
Kisumu
Migori
Partner Farmers
17,436
Trees Planted
27,983,560
Hectares Under Restoration
17,798
Hear it from the field
Leonard
“In my four years in the program, my farm has become like a Garden of Eden—full of fruits, vegetables, and trees. The income from my harvests has helped pay school fees, including for my daughter who just finished university. Even my youngest brings her classmates to learn how we grow food. The farm is truly transforming our family.”
Kenya
Homa Bay
Kisumu
Migori
Partner Farmers
17,436
Trees Planted
27,983,560
Hectares Under Restoration
17,798
Hear it from the field
Leonard
“In my four years in the program, my farm has become like a Garden of Eden—full of fruits, vegetables, and trees. The income from my harvests has helped pay school fees, including for my daughter who just finished university. Even my youngest brings her classmates to learn how we grow food. The farm is truly transforming our family.”
Kenya
Partner Farmers
17,436
Trees Planted
27,983,560
Hectares Under Restoration
17,798
Homa Bay
Kisumu
Migori
Hear it from the field
Leonard
“In my four years in the program, my farm has become like a Garden of Eden—full of fruits, vegetables, and trees. The income from my harvests has helped pay school fees, including for my daughter who just finished university. Even my youngest brings her classmates to learn how we grow food. The farm is truly transforming our family.”
Impact in Action
2025 Innovations Implemented
Every innovation we implemented this year was shaped by farmers’ needs and farm realities. In 2025, we strengthened the Forest Garden Approach with new tools, research, and climate-smart practices designed to improve farmer outcomes, expand access to tools, deepen ecological impact, or support adaptation across diverse contexts. From our updated Technical Manual and seedbank management to advanced monitoring, these farmer-centered, science-backed innovations help grow resilience at every level.
Updated technical guidance adapted to local needs
Portfolio enterprise opportunities & expanded farmer engagement
Wide applications of new monitoring technology
Diversified supply chains for quality seeds and trees
Impact in Action
2025 Innovations Implemented
Every innovation we implemented this year was shaped by farmers’ needs and farm realities. In 2025, we strengthened the Forest Garden Approach with new tools, research, and climate-smart practices designed to improve farmer outcomes, expand access to tools, deepen ecological impact, or support adaptation across diverse contexts. From our updated Technical Manual and seedbank management to advanced monitoring, these farmer-centered, science-backed innovations help grow resilience at every level.
Updated technical guidance adapted to local needs
Portfolio enterprise opportunities & expanded farmer engagement
Wide applications of new monitoring technology
Diversified supply chains for quality seeds and trees
Impact in Action
2025 Innovations Implemented
Every innovation we implemented this year was shaped by farmers’ needs and farm realities. In 2025, we strengthened the Forest Garden Approach with new tools, research, and climate-smart practices designed to improve farmer outcomes, expand access to tools, deepen ecological impact, or support adaptation across diverse contexts. From our updated Technical Manual and seedbank management to advanced monitoring, these farmer-centered, science-backed innovations help grow resilience at every level.
Updated technical guidance adapted to local needs
Portfolio enterprise opportunities & expanded farmer engagement
Wide applications of new monitoring technology
Diversified supply chains for quality seeds and trees
Impact in Action
Financials
Our financials reflect a year of steady growth, disciplined investment, and deep accountability to the farmers and communities we serve. Every dollar entrusted to TREES is used to strengthen training, expand field operations, improve monitoring and research, and ensure long-term program quality.
This overview highlights how resources were allocated across our work and how strategic decisions made in 2025 positioned us for sustainable, responsible growth in the years ahead.
Impact in Action
Financials
Our financials reflect a year of steady growth, disciplined investment, and deep accountability to the farmers and communities we serve. Every dollar entrusted to TREES is used to strengthen training, expand field operations, improve monitoring and research, and ensure long-term program quality.
This overview highlights how resources were allocated across our work and how strategic decisions made in 2025 positioned us for sustainable, responsible growth in the years ahead.
Impact in Action
Financials
Our financials reflect a year of steady growth, disciplined investment, and deep accountability to the farmers and communities we serve. Every dollar entrusted to TREES is used to strengthen training, expand field operations, improve monitoring and research, and ensure long-term program quality.
This overview highlights how resources were allocated across our work and how strategic decisions made in 2025 positioned us for sustainable, responsible growth in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead: Roots to Rise
Looking Ahead: Roots to Rise
Looking Ahead: Roots to Rise
As we close 2025, we look ahead with clarity and purpose. Just as farmers adapt to shifting seasons, TREES is preparing to launch our 2026 Strategic Plan—a roadmap rooted in adaptability and designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.
As we close 2025, we look ahead with clarity and purpose. Just as farmers adapt to shifting seasons, TREES is preparing to launch our 2026 Strategic Plan—a roadmap rooted in adaptability and designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.
Our vision is ambitious and diverse, reflecting the farmer-led solutions at the heart of our work. Each goal builds on decades of experience while pushing us toward bold new milestones that strengthen food security, restore ecosystems, and expand economic opportunity.
Our vision is ambitious and diverse, reflecting the farmer-led solutions at the heart of our work. Each goal builds on decades of experience while pushing us toward bold new milestones that strengthen food security, restore ecosystems, and expand economic opportunity.
Farmers remain our greatest teachers and leaders. Their resilience proves that lasting change grows from the ground up. As we step into this next chapter, TREES will continue to adapt, diversify, and grow alongside them, building a future where people and the planet can thrive for generations to come. Farmers are proving that resilience grows from the ground up—and with your partnership, we’re ready to rise even higher.
Farmers remain our greatest teachers and leaders. Their resilience proves that lasting change grows from the ground up. As we step into this next chapter, TREES will continue to adapt, diversify, and grow alongside them, building a future where people and the planet can thrive for generations to come. Farmers are proving that resilience grows from the ground up—and with your partnership, we’re ready to rise even higher.
Let's grow something great together.
Contribute to our mission today, so we can keep growing our impact from Africa to the world.
Let's grow something great together.
Contribute to our mission today, so we can keep growing our impact from Africa to the world.
Let's grow something great together.
Contribute to our mission today, so we can keep growing our impact from Africa to the world.