MZ + Grow Ahead

Grow Ahead is a non-profit that connects people directly to small-scale farmers as they combat climate change in their communities. Grow Aheads supports community-led projects to plant trees in agroforestry systems that go on to bolster community food security and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Deforestation for agricultural expansion causes 15-18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry is a solution working for farmers and the planet. By planting trees in agroforestry systems, farmers can meet the needs of their communities, while protecting the climate.

Agroforestry basically means planting trees, cash crops (like coffee and cocoa) and food together in a food-forest system. This allows farmers to restore water and nutrients to their soil, increasing production of food and pulling carbon out of the atmosphere.

Agroforestry can help. It’s a solution that benefits farmers and the planet. By planting trees in agroforestry systems — together with crops — farmers can meet community needs, generate income through organic and fair trade product sales, and enhance their climate resiliency. 

  • One Dollar= The seedling and planting and monitoring of one fully grown tree which includes:

    • Cost of the installation of nurseries

    • Technical Assistance to run the reforestation project

    • Transportation of seedlings from nurseries to reforestation areas

    • Monitoring and evaluation of new plantings including the creation of community associations for conservation.

    • Community educational programs on the benefits and importance of reforestation for the environment and farmers

  • Benefits of Planting One Tree

    • Sequesters 40 pounds of carbon per year 

    • Provides important habitat for flora and fauna

    • Retains water and restores nutrients to the soil

    • Generates income for farmers

    • Supports local community food security

Agroforestry Benefits

  • Trees help to conserve water and nutrients in the soil

  • Carbon is pulled out of the atmosphere and stored in the trees and soil

  • Better crops/increased production

  • Increased biodiversity (more plants=more housing and food for animals)

  • Creation of ‘micro-climates’ by protecting plants from intense sun, rain and winds

  • Nutrient-dense foods for communities

  • Food and income security