WHY
ORGANIC FARMING?
Organic food is known to be expensive in western countries. However, in the developing world, it remains the most affordable way of producing food. Organic farming also regenerates soils, improves the quality of rivers and the environment at large.
We foster the use of local and free resources to improve the self-sufficiency of our beneficiaries. Building on the techniques adopted since 2015 at our center, in 2022 we launched an organic farming training program aimed at increasing community self-reliance.
Compost production
The use of compost is an essential aspect of food production that nourishes the soil as well as the plants. We teach compost production through the use of local resources such as maize stalks, sugar cane and Mexican sunflower biomass (Tithonia).
This year, in partnership with the FDNF association, we aim to train 400 people in its production through practical workshops.
In 2022, we organised workshops for 23 groups of beneficiaries, comprising 423 small farmers. These workshops, supported by follow-up visits, enabled the farmers to improve their methods while strengthening our relationship with them. During these workshops, we also addressed fundamental principles of organic farming such as crop rotation, agroforestry and mulching.
Push-pull technology
In 2023, we launched a project to introduce the Push-Pull technology to rural communities in Busia County, Kenya. Developed by the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), this organic farming method, involving Desmodium and Sudan grass, is a biological solution that enables farmers to:
- Prevent the germination of the seeds of the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica, which considerably reduces maize and sorghum harvests.
- Repel insect pests such as stem borer and fall army worm.
- Enrich the soil in nitrogen, a valuable nutrient for plant growth.
- Produce protein-rich fodder for farm animals.
Our partnership with FDNF has enabled us to launch 20 Push-Pull pilot projects in 2023. Our aim is to raise awareness on the effectiveness of this technology among 400 farmers through training on the 20 demonstration plots.
Push-Pull is an extraordinarily innovative technology based on natural interactions between plants, enabling communities to move towards a healthier, self-sufficient and sustainable way of life.
Despite all human achievements, we owe our existence to a few inches of fertile soil and the fact that it rains.
Why It Matters
Why Organic Farming Increases Rural Communities' Self-reliance
FINANCE
Chemical inputs are expensive to rural farmers in developing countries, and now inflation is making it much worse.
Organic farming allows them to produce their own inputs using local resources, whereby saving significant amounts of money.
HEALTH
Is there anything healthier that cooking food coming straight from your flourishing garden?
Organic farming adds no harmful chemicals and enables a family to eat its own production confidently.
ENVIRONMENT
25% of all known living beings are in the soil. Taking care of it results in insects to thrive and it even improves the quality of water.
Organic farming is a regenerative technique that bears in mind that the environment is key for human subsistence.
YIELDS
Several studies have shown the competitive yields of organic farming in the tropics at large on the long term.
Nourishing the soil together with crops is a must to ensure a long-lasting mutual relationship with nature.