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Agroecology for Sustainable Farming at Tunza Fresh Farms

This project is being implemented across our operations, with a demonstration Tunza model organic farm located in Kisumu County, Kenya. The Kisumu site serves as a living lab where farmers, students, researchers, and visitors can learn and engage with agroecological practices firsthand. It showcases how traditional crops, and indigenous knowledge can be combined with modern agroecological techniques to create a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem

The Agroecology Project focuses on building sustainable food systems by:

Promoting biodiversity through intercropping, crop rotation, and polycultures
Enhancing soil fertility using composting, mulching, and agroforestry
Conserving water through rainwater harvesting , dryland farming, and efficient irrigation systems
Supporting seed saving and exchange to preserve local varieties and improve resilience
Reducing dependency on chemical inputs through organic pest management , including push-pull technology
Empowering women and youth through training, leadership opportunities, and market linkages

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Demonstration Organic Farm – Kisumu Model Site
These crops are not only nutritionally dense but also well-adapted to local conditions, requiring fewer external inputs and offering greater resistance to pests and diseases.

Agroforestry Integration

Trees like Grevillea robusta and Calliandra calothyrsus are integrated into the cropping system. These trees:

Fix nitrogen in the soil
Provide shade and windbreaks
Contribute to biomass for mulching and composting

Water Conservation Techniques

To combat erratic rainfall patterns, we use:

In-situ water harvesting (e.g., terraces, swales, water pans)
Ex-situ rainwater collection from rooftops stored in tanks
Drip irrigation and mulching to reduce evaporation

Pest Management without Chemicals

We employ natural pest control methods such as:

Push-pull technology to repel pests like stemborers
Companion planting (e.g., marigolds with vegetables)
Homemade botanical sprays made from neem, chili, and garlic

Seed Saving and Exchange

We train farmers on how to identify and save high-quality seeds from their best-performing plants. This practice:

Preserves genetic diversity
Reduces dependency on commercial seed suppliers
Encourages adaptation to local growing conditions

Three Key Focus Areas of the Agroecology Project

Climate Resilience
- We promote drought-tolerant crops and soil conservation techniques to help farmers adapt to climate change.
- By reducing reliance on imported fertilizers and pesticides, we also lower the carbon footprint of farming.
Empowerment of Women and Youth
- Women and youth lead various aspects of the Kisumu farm, from planting and harvesting to marketing and education.
- Training programs focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and value addition to build economic independence.
Food Security in Urban and Rural Communities
- In urban areas, we support rooftop gardens and vertical farming projects to increase access to fresh, safe produce.
- In rural areas, we work with smallholder farmers to scale up agroecological practices and connect them to fair markets.

Educational Outreach & Community Engagement

The Kisumu model farm doubles as an agroecology learning center. We host:

Field days and farmer-to-farmer exchanges
Internships for agricultural students
Workshops on composting, seed saving, and organic farming
School visits to educate children about sustainable food systems

We also collaborate with research institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to share data and improve extension services.

Demonstration Organic Farm – Kisumu Model Site

Our Kisumu demonstration farm is a flagship component of the Agroecology Project. Located in a region known for its rich agricultural potential and diverse cultural heritage, the farm features:

Diverse Crop Planting

We grow a wide variety of traditional vegetables and indigenous crops, such as:

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Agroecology for Sustainable Farming at Tunza Fresh Farms

Demonstration Organic Farm – Kisumu Model Site These crops are not only nutritionally dense but also well-adapted to local conditions, requiring fewer external inputs and offering greater resistance to pests and diseases.