Agroforestry

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Agroforestry Restoration
in Malanje, Angola

KAYA aims to transform degraded, fire-prone grasslands into productive, resilient landscapes through agroforestry in Malanje, Angola. This large-scale initiative restores ecological balance, strengthens community livelihoods, and generates verified, high-integrity carbon removals. 

Covering 25,000 hectares in the Miombo–Congolian transition zone, the project is designed to run for 50+ years, with 40-year crediting periods for each participating community area. Over its lifetime, it will remove around 6 million tonnes of CO₂e, while improving biodiversity and supporting over 10,000 people. 

Areas in Malanje province for KAYA's agroforestry project
Areas in Malanje province identified for the agroforestry project. We have begun working initially with six communities.

Our Approach

1. Agroforestry Transformation 

We are establishing multi-species agroforestry systems that integrate native and commercial trees such as Pterocarpus, Brachystegia, Uapaca, avocado, mango, citrus, and coffee. These systems balance carbon storage, biodiversity recovery, and economic productivity for farming communities. 

2. Building Local Capacity 

Through the KAYA Lab, local nurseries, and an environmental R&D centre, we are training farmers and cooperatives in agroforestry techniques, fire management, and sustainable enterprise development. This participatory model ensures that communities are co-owners and long-term beneficiaries of restoration. 

Locally hired workers at the KAYA Lab, Malanje
Locally hired workers at the KAYA Lab, Malanje

3. Governance & Integrity 

The project is guided by Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and participatory governance structures. Verification follows the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) for Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR), with components of Grassland/Savannah Management. Our commitment to transparency, biodiversity monitoring, and independent verification ensures the highest level of integrity. 

Key Milestones

🌳 Nurseries & Training – Establishment of the first community nurseries and agroforestry training sessions. 

🔥 Fire Management Rollout – Launch of firebreaks and community fire brigades to protect restoration areas. 

🌾 Planting Phase – First rows of agroforestry systems established across pilot sites. 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Governance – Formalisation of cooperative structures under FPIC. 

📈 Verification & Pre-financing – Long-term VERPAs (Verified Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements) secured with investors. 

Impact

Environmental

Average removals: 7.1 tCO₂e/ha/year 

Reduced fire risk and improved soil and water systems 

Reconnected Miombo woodlands and Congolian forest–savanna mosaics 

Community

Improved food and income security through diversified livelihoods 

Over €62 million in community benefit-sharing over the project lifetime 

Hundreds of local jobs in nurseries, planting, and land management

Market & Policy

Supports Angola’s 30×30 and restoration targets 

Model for high-integrity carbon and nature markets in Southern Africa 

Builds investor confidence through verified, premium VERs