More than half a million saplings sent to Africa in joint initiative

IRISH people have sent more than half a million tree saplings to Africa as part of a joint initiative launched last October.

Bóthar, the charity that specialises in livestock-based development programmes, and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, are celebrating the campaign which has seen a 300% increase in tree donations.

These will help develop sustainable farming practices in disadvantaged communities in Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and Uganda.

In these countries, Bóthar trains farmers how to pursue good environmental practices to ensure that tree saplings improve the ecological balance by controlling erosion and maintaining soil fertility.

Irish families were encouraged to help African families by collecting special tokens from boxes of Kellogg’s corn flakes and sending them to Kellogg’s along with a €5 donation.

All of the money contributed went directly to Bóthar and for every 10 donations Kellogg’s funded an additional 10 trees.

Bóthar chief executive, Peter Ireton, said trees are the critical first step toward sustainable agriculture. Bóthar requires that trees be planted before a family can receive any gifted livestock.

“Trees provide many vital functions. They provide fruit, shade, wind breaks, animal fodder, fencing and building materials.

“In addition, they are crucial to preventing soil erosion and flooding, while replenishing nutrients in the soil,” he said.

Kellogg’s marketing director, Hylton Banks, said: “Once again Irish families have shown their tremendous generosity of spirit. We are delighted to have been part of this hugely successful initiative and would like to congratulate everyone involved.”