In 2022, we started Ambokili Farm on a dust-laden, semi-arid landscape in Kimana town. The land was damaged, with gullies as deep as 2 meters and sheet erosion that had stripped the soil bare.
Creating change one seed at a time
Deep gulley erosion ranged from 1-2m deep, and severe sheet erosion occurred. To mitigate and reverse the effects of soil erosion, we planted Dracaena Stuckyi, a naturally growing plant. This helped to block the agents of erosion, especially wind and water. We then created contour terraces to reduce the strength and force of the water. Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini channel terracing enabled us to divert the water and use it for other purposes.
For ground cover, we opted for Vetiver grass. Its roots can grow more than 2M deep, keeping the soil intact. The ground cover would reduce flow velocity, increase soil stability, and add aesthetic value. Vetiver grass also has other beneficial uses, e.g., it can be used to make oil, knit bags, etc. The grass took on well. We later called it our ‘miracle grass’ because it grew quickly and covered most of the Farm.
Companion Planting
Companion planting has allowed us to build biodiversity in this area. We grew various vegetables, such as Black Nightshade (Managu), cowpea leaves (Kunde), Spinach, beetroot, and carrots. Now, more than 9 acres are covered with maize and onions. Other vegetables include tomatoes, cabbage, watermelon, baby melon, pumpkin, and cereals like green grams, beans, millet, and sorghum.
One year later, we’ve transformed over 9 acres of that wasteland into green, fertile land. We’ve planted more than 500 trees and various fruit trees, such as dragon fruits, avocados, and passion fruit, carefully chosen and nurtured.
To improve nutritional security, a fishpond has been built so that fish is one of our protein sources. The pond also provides food and income for those working at it.
Overcoming Challenges with Ingenuity
One of the biggest challenges we faced was water. The land is arid, we don’t have a borehole, and buying water is expensive and unsustainable. Therefore, we came up with a plan to drill a well. One can dig up to 200m in such dry land without hitting groundwater. A borehole was way more expensive to drill, and we needed a quick, working solution primarily due to the heavy water-consuming plants like trees. A well became our best option,n and we were fortunate to find water just after a few meters of digging.
Additionally, we built a 450,000-liter reservoir to collect and store water. It was placed at the farm’s highest point to leverage gravity, reducing our expenditure as we did not need to pump the water. However, considering the size of the Farm, we still need a borehole as this will not provide us with a sustainable source of water for our trees and crops.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
We’re also working to restore the land and create a healthy ecosystem. Planting native trees and grasses has helped to prevent erosion and promote biodiversity. The fishpond is not just for food and income but also to attract beneficial insects and birds that would help pollinate our crops and control pests.
Reversing the Damage of the Past
We were committed to organic farming right from the start. Years of conventional farming and chemical use had ravaged the land, leaving it infertile and depleted. We’ve used organic farming practices, such as biological pest control, to reverse the damage from previous tenants using harmful chemicals. Natural methods like compost and crop rotation have restored the soil’s health and brought life back to the land.
Our work at Ambokili Farm has significantly impacted the local community. The community members say our produce is the only thing that does not cause them stomach issues. We’ve created jobs, provided food and nutritional security, and helped to improve the environment. We’re also sharing our knowledge and expertise with other farmers in the area, allowing them to adopt sustainable practices.
Expertise
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication and expertise of our team. From our skilled farmers to our resourceful engineers, everyone played a crucial role in our success. We also received invaluable support from our partners and the local community.
A Greener Future for All
Today, over 9 acres of once barren land are flourishing with life. Our trees are thriving, our crops are bountiful, and the fishpond is abuzz with activity. We’re not just growing food but cultivating a sustainable future for ourselves and the generations to come. We’re excited about the future of Ambokili Farm. We have big plans to continue expanding our farm, build a research center, build botanical gardens, acquire a biodigester, and build an animal orphanage. We’re also committed to sharing our story and inspiring others to make a difference in their own communities.
Join Our Journey
We invite you to follow us on our journey to transform Ambokili Farm. You can learn more about our work on our programs page or social media platforms. You can also support our efforts by donating or volunteering your time.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s turn even the most barren wastelands into green, fertile oases, one seed at a time.
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