Arguably no one will know land better than the farmers that own and cultivate it. Being so deeply tied to the health of their environment, farmers have every motivation and passion for sustainable growing so as to keep their farms prosperous for generations to come. Carbon credit programs for tree planting present an ideal opportunity to achieve these goals of sustainability while simultaneously generating much needed income that can be reinvested into farms themselves for other critical projects such as water infrastructure.

Recently, one of HAF’s field managers, Abdeljajil Ait Ali, along with HAF interns, Kaitlyn Waring from Northeastern University (USA), Noah Schrott and Elia Neuscheller Austrian Service Abroad, traveled to the town of Amizmiz to meet with a group of local farmers. The aim of this meeting was to inform them about the process of the carbon credit program including how it works, how to get involved, what is required, and what the benefits are. The interest for the program was immediately apparent, as the benefits of carbon offsetting are clear for environmental sustainability as well as for income generation.

After answering all of the farmers' questions, Abdeljalil then brought the group out into the field to demonstrate the process of planting a tree. Along the way, the farmers proudly showed off their farms, pointing out all of the different varieties of crops that they cultivate. This is a major indicator as to the potential success that sustainability projects like carbon offsetting can have. Farmers who take pride in their land and who already understand the importance of preserving it are much more eager and likely to successfully implement and monitor their carbon offsetting.

Also apparent from the day was the large amount of trust that this group of farmers had for Abdeljalil and HAF as a whole. This was clear as they openly listened to what Abdeljalil had to say about the carbon credit program and welcomed everyone onto their land and into their homes. Trust is another key indicator of the success of sustainability projects, as it is a critical component to ensuring that farmers are fully engaged in implementing and monitoring projects.

The day ended after planting trees and registering new participants into the program with a sunset, only further highlighting the natural beauty of the land that these farmers are so deeply connected to. The openness to carbon offsetting that they held shows the potential for spreading the program even further to more farmers across the country who are just as eager to participate.

Noah Schrott, HAF intern from Austrian Service Abroad, shared his impression from the visit:

The farmers were, from the beginning, very cooperative. They patiently waited as Abdeljalil, the HAF field officer prepared the presentation, demonstrating focus and eagerness from the very first moment. Throughout the session, the farmers remained united, avoiding debates and instead supporting the points made by their speakers.

The presentation on carbon offsetting captivated their attention. When questions or comments arose, they were thoughtful and relevant, showing a shared understanding among the group. It was evident that the farmers knew each other well from previous interactions, as they had planned the trip together seamlessly, further highlighting their unity.

Out in the fields, this sense of collaboration was even more apparent. Everyone contributed; some dug holes for planting, others provided explanations, and when Abdeljalil planted the first tree, the farmers formed a circle, each taking a turn to participate. Their shared enthusiasm and teamwork spoke volumes about their connection to one another and their commitment to the cause.

Noah added:

After planting, we shared a meal and visited individual farms owned by the farmers. They took pride in explaining the features and crops they had cultivated, with no sense of competition, only mutual respect and support.

One moment, in particular, stood out. Abdeljalil remarked on the deep trust the farmers had in HAF. He noted that their focus and unity stemmed from their belief in HAF’s genuine intent to help without hidden costs or ulterior motives. This trust was mirrored by the openness of everyone involved, farmers and staff alike, who worked together without pretense.

As a volunteer, witnessing this trust and unity was truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the meaningful impact that transparency and collaboration can have in fostering sustainable development and strong community ties.