Press and News MOU Signing with the Kenyan Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, marking a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration to advance sustainable development, climate action, and resilient landscapes across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Alliance’s Director General, Dr. Juan Lucas Restrepo, expressed sincere appreciation to Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi for the opportunity to formalize and deepen the partnership. He also conveyed gratitude for the warm welcome and continued cooperation extended by the Ministry. Also present during the event was The Alliance Africa MD Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg.
“Kenya remains a key hub for CGIAR research in Africa, with Nairobi hosting a strong and growing presence of Alliance scientists and partners. The Alliance’s regional office at the ICIPE Duduville Campus coordinates a multidisciplinary team of approximately 200 staff, including 130 researchers dedicated to delivering science-based solutions for agriculture, environment, and livelihoods,” said Dr. Restrepo.
The PS, State Department for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, underscored the importance of aligning ongoing and future interventions with the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (2023–2032), emphasizing that joint programmes should be firmly anchored within this framework to ensure coherence, sustainability, and national ownership.
Looking ahead, the PS assured The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT of the Ministry’s full support in resource mobilization efforts to scale restoration initiatives and incentivize communities, building on the demonstrated outputs. He emphasized the need for strengthened joint monitoring mechanisms to track progress and impact, alongside the promotion of certified community tree nurseries and the establishment of clear frameworks for offtake to ensure sustainability and long-term value for communities.
The newly signed MOU reflects a shared commitment to leverage complementary strengths. The Ministry provides leadership, policy direction, and national coordination, while the Alliance contributes cutting-edge science, innovation, and global partnerships. Together, the two institutions aim to scale impactful solutions that address Kenya’s development priorities.
The collaboration will focus on critical areas including forestry and agroforestry, landscape restoration, climate action, research and policy support, community livelihoods, digital innovation, and capacity development. This partnership seeks to align efforts toward practical, scalable interventions that benefit both people and the environment.
The Alliance is already actively engaged in multiple landscapes across Kenya, promoting integrated approaches that combine agriculture, trees, and ecosystem management. Through initiatives such as multifunctional landscapes, climate action programs, and digital tools like MyFarmTrees the Alliance supports farmers in improving productivity and resilience while restoring natural resources.
“We are deeply committed to integrating technology with tree restoration efforts, recognizing that this is essential for effective monitoring and for incentivizing restoration at scale, while also enhancing climate justice,” said Francis Oduor, National Coordinator, My Farm Trees.
Agroforestry efforts under this collaboration will also contribute to biodiversity conservation by rehabilitating degraded lands and reducing pressure on natural forests, helping safeguard Kenya’s rich ecosystems.
The Alliance further acknowledged the Ministry’s strong emphasis on farmer capacity development, noting that effective extension services are essential for scaling innovations and ensuring long-term impact.
This MOU represents a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future. The Alliance looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to translate this agreement into tangible results that benefit Kenya’s communities, landscapes, and future generations.
