VCS Subsistence Farmer Program, Quênia

The International Small Group + Tree Planting Program (TIST) is a community initiative dedicated to empowering small groups of subsistence farmers to combat the devastating effects of deforestation, poverty and drought through a combination of sustainable development with carbon sequestration.

TIST Farmers plant trees and their results are monitored and audited regularly. The TIST project developer monetizes the carbon stored in the trees, generating high quality carbon credits (under the VCS ("Verified Carbon Standard") / CCB ("Climate, Community, and Biodiversity" standard, the world's most widely used voluntary GHG program) which are sold to provide additional income to the farmers.

Participation increases as farmers recruit their friends and neighbours to TIST – a business solution to global poverty and climate change. TIST Farmers receive free trainings on topics including nursery building, tree planting, Conservation Farming, fuel-efficient stove building, malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention, and leadership development. Further communications include newsletters, weekly meetings at the Small Group level, and monthly Cluster meetings where Small Groups receive training.

Small Groups form the foundational blocks of the TIST Program, facilitating the exchange of Best Practices and maximizing accountability on a local level. Long-term management of the trees rests with the Small Groups; they select the species of trees, the number of trees to plant, and the planting schedule. TIST Farmers retain ownership of the trees and their products and receive a profit share of the carbon credit sales.

These reforestation and biodiversity efforts combine sustainable development with carbon sequestration. GHG ("Green House Gases") removals are calculated through direct observation by trained TIST Quantifiers who visit each grove (privately-owned land where tree planting occurs, usually a smallholder farm) to count trees and collect tree circumference, GPS location, and other data approximately once every 18 months.

To promote ongoing inclusion and eliminate economic and social barriers, anyone can join TIST at no cost. Membership in TIST is completely voluntary and all are considered equal. A Best Practice of Rotating Leadership promotes full participation by women, youth, disabled and undereducated. Those who are the most successful, regardless of education, gender, or age, become mentors and leaders.