Forest Garden Program
In rural Senegal, the soil is tired. Generations of monoculture and overgrazing have stripped the land of nutrients, leaving farmers fewer ways to feed their families and almost no margin to weather a bad season. The pressure lands hardest on the people with the least cushion.
This project, run with Trees for the Future and the Fepromas cooperative, teaches 500 farmers how to turn their fields into forest gardens. Each family plants 2,000 trees and learns the techniques to make them thrive. Cocoa, shea, coffee, fruit, fodder, all growing together on land that used to grow almost nothing. The result is a steady harvest, healthier soil, and an income that doesn't depend on a single crop.
Not For Sale supports the Forest Garden Program because families with food and income on their own land don't have to leave it. Restoring the soil is also restoring choice, and choice is the foundation of every life free from exploitation.
Field updates
Posts from the planting team29 Jul 2025
Looking after a forest garden takes time, but it pays off—with food, shade, and a healthier landscape.
29 Jul 2025
It’s not just rows of trees—it’s a living, layered system. You’ll see fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and shade plants all growing together. The soil is rich, the ground stays covered, and you’ll notice more birds, insects, and life returning.
23 Jun 2025
Agroforestry supports a regenerative cycle—these seeds, harvested from diverse crops, will be planted again to provide food, restore soil health, and strengthen local resilience
23 Jun 2025
Our project in Senegal is close to reaching its goal of planting 1,000,000 trees, supporting local farmers in establishing their own forest gardens. As we near the finish line, we’ll begin transitioning the project into its maintenance phase, ensuring the long-term success of the trees already planted. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
30 May 2025
This is a flourishing forest garden, already producing fruits and crops that will soon be ready for harvest.
30 Apr 2025
For farmers, this approach can improve soil health and provide additional sources of food and income—all while supporting the environment.
30 Apr 2025
Supporting a family of nine is no small task, but the Forest Garden has enabled him to grow enough to both feed his family and earn an income from his crops.
31 Mar 2025
A quick look back at one of our farmers and her family proudly harvesting the results of their Forest Garden—a reminder of how trees can support both livelihoods and landscapes.
31 Mar 2025
Factors like soil quality, water availability, slope, and sunlight all influence how well trees and crops can grow together. Selecting the right location ensures that trees support—not compete with—agricultural production, improving yields, restoring soil health, and creating a more resilient landscape over time.
28 Feb 2025
Their roots stabilize the land, prevent erosion, and create channels that enhance water infiltration. As leaves and organic matter decompose, they enrich the soil with nutrients, fostering a fertile environment for crops to grow. Certain trees, like nitrogen-fixing species, further boost soil productivity by naturally replenishing essential nutrients. With time, this self-sustaining system leads to healthier harvests, increased biodiversity, and long-term agricultural resilience.
28 Feb 2025
As part of our program, we educate local farmers on the Forest Garden approach, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate and sustain productive, resilient landscapes. This hands-on training ensures that each farmer can successfully manage their Forest Garden for years to come.
28 Jan 2025
Their fallen leaves decompose, returning essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, boosting its fertility. Fruit trees also help maintain moisture levels, reduce soil erosion, and promote a balanced ecosystem by providing shade and organic matter. Additionally, the roots of these trees interact with soil microbes, enhancing nutrient availability for surrounding crops, leading to healthier and more productive harvests. This natural symbiosis is a cornerstone of sustainable farming.
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