This chapter is documented here as an important part of the history and foundation of The African Village Dream. The planting of over 400 cashew trees across five hectares, initiated by Friends of Kerr Layen and led by Bryan Osborn after the closure of hisproject, marks a pivotal moment in the village’s journey toward sustainability and self-reliance.

Planted in Autumn 2022, these trees represent more than agriculture — they are a symbol of long-term vision. In four years, they will begin to produce cashew nuts, creating a valuable income stream for Kerr Layen. Over the next 30 years and beyond, they will also play a critical environmental role, with just 30 mature trees absorbing over one ton of CO₂ annually.

This ongoing effort to expand cashew planting across available land holds the potential for thousands more trees, further enhancing both ecological impact and economic opportunity. The village continues to manage the trees and has established a nursery to support future growth.

This moment is more than a project milestone — it is a foundational part of The African Village Dream and the inspiring journey of a community shaping its own future.