Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of visiting some amazing places where we’re making a difference in Africa—together. From Freetown to Cape Town, this continent is a mosaic of stunning forests, rivers, savannas, and much more. Yet the plant that most inspired me in 2024 will surprise you: cabbage.
In July, I visited Kinangop, a village 40 kilometers from Nairobi, in the watershed of Kenya’s mother river, the Tana. TNC began working here five years ago to reduce pressure on the river and the wildlife-rich upriver forests of the Aberdare Mountains. Research revealed that achieving our goals would require partnering with local organizations and government—and more than 50,000 farmers who carve out their lives on steep slopes between tree line and riverbank.
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On this trip, I met Beth Macharia on her 1-hectare farm, where rows of cabbages lined the red Kenyan soil. With pride, Beth shared her inspiring story. Previously, she grew 300 cabbages per year, watering them manually from a hand-dug well. Now, with two 100,000-liter rainwater harvesting pans and water-saving drip irrigation equipment provided by the water fund, she grows 15,000 heads, including in the dry season, when cabbages can fetch up to 70 shillings each, compared to as little as four shillings each during the rest of the year. She now earns over $15,000 annually, income that she is using to upgrade her family’s home, establish a tree nursery, and support her two children through university.
To me, Beth’s story captures why I am so driven to achieve the 2030 Goals—and why I feel confident that, together, we will. The crises of biodiversity loss and climate change demand that we work at ever greater pace, scale, and complexity. Yet TNC has demonstrated that when local people are meaningfully engaged and conservation makes their lives better, we find new ways to create a brighter future.
With 2024 coming to a close, I hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate Beth’s story and the other inspiring stories and great news you’ll find in the pages ahead. On behalf of the entire TNC Africa team, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your partnership in this grand story that we share.
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Stories from 2024
Restoring Balance to Lake Tanganyika
TNC is working with partners in four countries to bring science-based, community-driven conservation efforts to the world’s longest lake.
Women at the Heart of Conservation and Culture in Tanzania
The Enaboishu Women's Trading Center is a vibrant hub for improved livelihoods and community development.
Creating a Regenerative Foodscape in Kenya
The CHEF Program is coordinating agricultural efforts across central Kenya for maximum sustainability.
Ademola Ajagbe is the Regional Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Africa program.
More About Ademola Ajagbe