Justdiggit

Working with farmers to restore healthy ecosystems

There's a regreening movement spreading across Sub-Saharan Africa. Its impact is vast, but it begins with a simple act – digging into the soil.

Justdiggit help to bring degraded landscapes back to life. As Country Manager Mary Sengelela explains, nature has amazing regenerative power. Our job is to set it up for success.

With both traditional techniques and digital technologies in their toolkit, Justdiggit accelerate the recovery of crucial ecosystems. They currently run regreening projects in Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania.

Working closely with local communities, Justdiggit inspire farmers and pastoralists to adopt regenerative techniques. CEO Marjolein Albers emphasises the importance of this approach. “From the beginning, we worked hand in hand with local communities and local organisations, because I think that's vital.”

One of these techniques is digging water bunds – otherwise known as "earth smiles". These semi-circular shaped pits capture rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate in the soil and revive vegetation.

Another intervention is Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration, known locally by its Swahili name: Kisiki Hai. This recovers trees from existing stumps through a process of selection, pruning and protection.

These nature-based solutions are both practical and powerful, but how do they scale? Knowledge sharing is a vital part of Justdiggit's work.

Laraha Lemomo is one of fifty champion farmers in Esilalei village, Tanzania. Each of them is responsible for sharing their knowledge with twenty-four others. As Laraha explains, "we have been able to reach about 80% of the people who live in our village".

Justdiggit also embrace digital communication. Their Kijani app provides free training on regreening techniques to anyone with a mobile phone. Using AI, this crucial information can be translated into any language.

As of early 2026, Justdiggit have 550,000 hectares of land under regreening. Their ambition is to grow this to 100 million hectares by 2040.

As Angelina Tarimo tells us, "If we are able to do for a specific group of people, we are able to do it for the whole of Africa."

To learn more about Justdiggit, visit their website.

With thanks to the following contributors:

Marjolein Albers, CEO

Mary Sengelela, Country Manager

Angelina Tarimo, Program Officer

Laraha Lemomo, Champion Farmer