New Agriculturist reports that International Small Group & Tree Planting Program (TIST) has begun to train over 50,000 farmers in eastern Kenya on carbon trading. TIST reports that it has planted over six million trees in Kenya. TIST is involved in tree planting ventures across Africa and Asia.

In this particular initiative, TIST acts as a broker between farmers with trees and individuals or companies who wish to offset their carbon footprint. TIST trains locals to track farmers’ trees using hand-held computers and GPS devices. The trained locals record the location, number, size, species, and take photos that are uploaded and posted online. Three to six months after planting, a tree is eligible for carbon credits that earn farmers 1.50 shillings (US $0.02) per tree annually.

Besides monetary benefit, the tree planting also provides farmers more secure water storage during rain and drought and aid soil health and fertility. TIST is thrilled with the results of this initiative, which are leading to more sustainable land management practices.