In the heart of Kirinyaga County, a young agripreneur and agroecologist, Zachary Mwangi, is redefining the essence of farming. Mwangi has embraced agro forestry on his ancestral land, setting a precedent for sustainable living and climate change mitigation.
Mwangi’s farm is a testament to biodiversity. Where once stood rows of coffee, now thrives an array of fruit trees—avocado, macadamia, pixie oranges, lemons, passion fruits, guavas, mangoes, papaya, bananas, custard apple, pomegranates, and cape gooseberry. This diversity not only enriches the soil but also ensures a year-round harvest, contributing to food security and economic stability.
Mwangi’s approach to farming is unique. He practices non-tillage agriculture, allowing natural vegetation to flourish. This living mulch protects the soil from erosion and conserves moisture during dry spells. It’s a symbiotic relationship; the vegetation feeds his dairy goats and cattle, and in return, they provide organic manure to nourish the soil.
The Slow Food Kenya team, upon visiting Mwangi’s farm, was greeted with his eloquent English and passionate discourse on agroecology. Mwangi’s resolve to adopt Slow Food principles is unwavering, as he envisions his farm becoming a beacon of sustainable practices.
As a young entrepreneur, Mwangi aspires to be more than just a farmer; he aims to be a global farmer champion. His dream is to establish a demonstration farm to share his knowledge with both the young and old in his community. With technical support from Slow Food Kenya, he is well on his way to achieving this goal.
Zachary Mwangi’s journey is more than just an agricultural venture; it’s a movement towards agroecology. It’s a call to heal our environment and foster a harmonious coexistence with nature.
