Who we are

The Rift Valley Tree Trust has been working in Kenya since 2001. Our aim is to address some of the problems caused by environmental degradation, and replace with positive, long term solutions.

The charity was set up by Robin Witt and Henry Pomeroy. Robin has been visiting Kenya regularly since 1990, and has a background in agriculture. He has worked as a project officer for DEFRA, on an environmental scheme for farmers.

Henry Pomeroy has been involved with charities working in Africa since 1995, and has a background in development studies, with a particular interest in trees.

Both Robin and Henry believe that if we all play a part, however small, we can improve the environment and quality of life for this and future generations.

The environmental impact of deforestation

Deforestation has many effects. Millions of people in Africa depend on streams and rivers for their water needs, but as forests are cut down, water flow becomes erratic and, in many cases, ceases to flow at all.

When it does rain, the lack of vegetation cover leads to flash flooding and serious soil erosion. This makes it evermore difficult for farmers to grow food for their families.

The impact of deforestation on wildlife has been devastating. The forest is home to countless forms of wildlife – no forest, no wildlife.

Protecting the environment and tackling poverty

Protecting the environment and tackling poverty need to be addressed together. Rapid deforestation, and a decline in the quality of life are closely linked.

The majority of Kenyan women, spend many hours per week, walking increasingly large distances, to collect firewood. By encouraging the local planting of trees, fuel can be grown much closer to home, freeing up valuable time.

Planting trees will also take pressure off the remaining indigenous forest, preserving the habitat of the wildlife that is dependent on it.