“When we first started Ambokili Farm, we were ambitious but unprepared for the realities of resource management. Foolishly but strategically, we planted over 500 trees without securing a reliable water source. We depended on expensive water purchases from a kind neighbor who charged us heavily per 10,000Litres of water. But we were determined.” – Tonny
In those early days, we quickly realized that survival and growth depended on finding a more sustainable solution. This led us to dig a 25-meter well, which provided our first independent water source. From there, we installed a drip irrigation system that transformed our farm into a water-efficient operation.
Today, water remains a critical resource for the farm, but through innovation and sustainable practices, we’ve learned to make every drop count. Our story is a testament to resilience and the power of resource optimization, even in the most challenging conditions.
1. Water
Approach:Efficient irrigation systems: We use drip irrigation to minimize wastage and ensure crops receive adequate hydration.
Rainwater harvesting: Plans are underway to capture and store rainwater for future use.
Community support: We share our water solutions with neighboring farms to promote regional sustainability.
Impact:
- Improved crop yields while conserving water.
- Empowering the community to adopt similar solutions for better resource management.
2. Soil
Approach:
- Enriching the soil with vermicompost produced using red earthworms.
- Practicing crop rotation and cover cropping to maintain soil fertility.
- Avoid synthetic fertilizers and adopt natural soil enhancers like animal manure.
Impact:
- Healthier, more productive soil that supports sustainable agriculture.
- Reduced environmental degradation.
3. Labor
Approach:
- Training and employing local community members to create jobs and enhance skills.
- Rotational labor systems to minimize burnout and maximize efficiency.
- Investing in mechanization for labor-intensive tasks, such as interlocking block-making and oil extraction.
Impact:
- Empowering the local workforce and creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.
- Improving productivity while reducing dependency on seasonal labor.
4. Land
Approach:
- Zoning the farm for specific uses: crop production, livestock, and resource conservation.
- Planting diverse crops like herbs, spices, fruits, and indigenous varieties to maximize land utilization.
- Incorporating nethouses to protect crops from pests and harsh weather conditions.
Impact:
- Increased revenue streams from diversified land use.
- Better land productivity and conservation.
5. Capital
Approach:
- Leveraging investments in machinery for drying, packaging, branding, and oil extraction to enhance value addition.
- Securing affordable financing for large projects like borehole drilling and community outreach initiatives.
- Participating in grants and public-private partnerships for sustainable agricultural projects.
Impact:
- Lower production costs through efficient capital use.
Improved market access with value-added products.
Our Vision for Resource Management
Ambokili Farm’s resource management program goes beyond addressing the needs of the farm. It’s about inspiring a movement in the local community toward sustainability. By sharing our knowledge and success stories, we aim to create a ripple effect where every farmer learns to make the most of what they have while conserving resources for future generations.
