KENYA – ForestFoods, a Kenyan-based regenerative and syntropic agroforestry company, has implemented its modular farming approach within Tatu City, Kenya’s first operational Special Economic Zone.
This partnership was officially announced at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi held on September 4-6, 2023, convened by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto.
Tatu City is a 5,000-acre complex in Kenya that was established in 2008 to become a new city, providing space for homes, schools, offices, a shopping district, medical centers, and a manufacturing area for more than 250,000 residents while attracting tens of thousands of guests each day.
ForestFoods will be the first farm in Tatu City, and its system of carbon-neutral organic production of fresh produce will be implemented in the designated space adjacent to Crawford International School.
The two farming models embodied by ForestFoods include Regenerative Farming and Syntropic Agroforestry.
In these models, crops, forestry, fodder, and livestock are integrated in small to medium scale farms consequently simplifying the value chain, mimicking the natural environment, and producing high value foods.
This system will make a significant contribution to the reforestation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and ecosystem regeneration and restoration of Tatu City.
“Our farm in Tatu City is a remarkable example of how modern cities can embrace sustainable agriculture to enhance their environment, economy, and quality of life,” remarked Sven Verwiel, Managing Director of ForestFoods.
The fresh produce company has a mission to transform the agricultural landscape in East Africa and beyond, while addressing food insecurity and environmental challenges.
Tatu City is situated in the Aberdare Ecosystem, which is a typical rangeland with minimal farming as one of the economic activities in the region.
Thus, ForestFoods’ Syntropic agroforestry, which mirrors ecological succession, will gradually restore the land from its partial barrenness to abundant fertility.
This will be achieved by cultivating a wide variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and tree species in the same production area.
The approach promotes biodiversity, which in turn enhances soil biodiversity and helps to rebuild, preserve, and replenish the existing ecosystem.
“We are delighted to announce that residents, schools, and businesses in Tatu City and the surrounding region can now conveniently access nutrient-dense and beyond-organic farm produce right at their doorstep,” stated Perminas Marisi, Head of City Management at Tatu City.
Marisi added that the partnership between Tatu City and ForestFoods aligns perfectly with their vision of harmonious coexistence between growing infrastructure and businesses with nature.
Tatu City is the largest private development in Kenya and has since invested over $200 million in infrastructure, including roads, water, sewerage, power, and ICT, with another $300 million of planned investment.
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