At the Kasambara Slow Food Youth Community Garden, a transformative journey began—one that promises to shape the future of agriculture in Kenya. The Pelum Kenya Multipliers Program, in collaboration with Slow Food Kenya, gathered local farmers for an immersive training experience. Let’s dive into the highlights of Day One:
Organic Farming Principles
Farmers stepped into the world of organic agriculture, guided by the principles of Health, Ecology, Care, and Fairness. Here’s what they explored:
- Soil Health: From the cradle of life beneath our feet to the intricate web of microorganisms, farmers learned how healthy soil is the foundation for thriving crops.
- Biodiversity: The magic of diverse ecosystems unfolded. Biodiversity isn’t just beautiful—it’s essential for resilient farms.
Livestock Integration
Trainers from Slow Food Kenya emphasized the vital role of livestock in organic farming systems. Imagine cows, goats, and chickens working alongside crops:
- Soil Fertility: Grazing animals contribute to nutrient cycling, enriching the soil naturally.
- Pest Control: Chickens pecking at insects, goats nibbling weeds—nature’s pest management team.
Bokashi Preparation
The community rolled up their sleeves to learn about bokashi, an organic soil amendment:
- What Is Bokashi?: It’s a fermented mix of organic matter—think kitchen scraps, leaves, and beneficial microorganisms.
- Why Bokashi?: Bokashi enriches the soil, boosts plant growth, and fosters a thriving microbial community. The Kasambara community is now equipped with knowledge and skills to cultivate a greener, Good, Clean and fair future.
