Life at the Farm
From time to time, we bring you stories from the field to loop you into the progress of our work and the impact of your support.
This June, we will indulge you with a tour of our farm. From the pictures, you’ll get a glimpse of our growth and the newest crop varieties on the ground.
Though the rain is giving way to dry months ahead, we are well equipped with high-pressure watering pumps, an effective tool derived from our partnership with Regenerosity. The self-propelling watering pumps keep the plants and soil hydrated through the dry seasons of May-August.
In months of heavy rains, we have also established berms and swales that serve as conveyor channels for any potential farm run-off and erosion. As a result, the appropriate and proper care of the farm ensures our yields are harvested within the production and expected time.
Regenerative & Climate-Smart Agriculture
Rwanda has experienced severe climate change challenges ranging from landslides and floods that have led to the destruction of property in great volumes and, sadly, even loss of lives.
These events have exacerbated the already existing inequalities in the food and health systems of rural Rwanda and increased the risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Some of the families and communities we serve were among the most affected. We are exerting greater efforts in equipping mothers and families with innovative techniques to combat the challenges climate change has brought about.
We are focusing on soil health by promoting garden beds with high water retention capacity, such as double-dug beds, sunken beds, and mandala gardens. We optimize the runoff catchment by creating swales and berms and then plant a wide range of trees and shrubs, including fruit trees, agroforestry trees, and medicinal plants along the berms and into the swales.
Ornamental Plants
Though predominantly edible, the farm is also adorned with foliage, flowers, and a variety of different kinds of trees. The arched walkway to our community lunch table ushers you into bundles of yellow bamboo, clusters of hibiscus, and trees of all sorts, such as acacia, calliandra, and sesbania. The ornamental flora adds to the diversity of crops while simultaneously adding to the visual delight that flowers bring.
Sustainability
With all the work we do, we are studiously driven by the quality of operation and the long-lasting impact it has on our communities. We gear towards fortified systems that enable families to adopt and apply the knowledge and skills beyond the program. Our goal is to foster a malnutrition-free Rwanda, one family at a time.
Thank you!
With your continuous support, we not only sustain the growth of our farm, but also serve as a living demonstration of vegetable home gardens, empowering families to meet their own nutritional needs.