Transforming Farming Techniques in rural Kenya.

Transforming farming techniques in Rural Kenya

Visiting Meru in Central Kenya, it was a joy to stay at the Meru Bio-Intensive Agricultural Training Centre, set up by the Methodist Church to train farmers who own very small plots of land, in ecologically sound and economically affordable agricultural practices and livestock management. As the impact of climate change devastates African landscapes, imparting these agricultural techniques is crucial for enhancing survival and ensuring sustainability of rural populations. The Centre aims to improve the quality of life for farmers all over the country and has been recognised nationally for its educational work and impact on small-scale farming. The Director, Martin Gikunda, whose training at the Asian Rural Institute in Japan was funded by the MCB World Mission Fund, is passionate about resourcing small-scale farmers, pastoralists and any individuals with a small plot of land to be able to increase their agricultural output both for personal use and income generation opportunities. The objectives of the Centre include:

· To increase the livelihood of the small farmer by teaching conservation and bio-diversity.

· To demonstrate that a small family can grow food and maintain a cow and calf and other livestock on less than an acre of land.

· To provide facilities for training the small farmers.

· To create awareness of technologies that are safe, efficient, and affordable.

Areas of farming include:

· Vertical plantation of vegetables.

· Fish farming.

· Livestock. (Dairy cows, goats, pigs, rabbits and chickens.

· Producing natural compost and affordable means of irrigation.

· Greenhouse gardening.

· Conferences and Training sessions for groups from all over Kenya.

The centre can provide accommodation for up to 60 people, including a simple conference room and dining room.

The Centre sits in the grounds of the original two houses built by the first British Methodist missionaries to Meru in 1919 and 1926 respectively. It was wonderful to be sent pictures of the house at that time by the granddaughter of the Meru Circuit Minister at that time, who is a childhood friend from Zimbabwe. It was also a privilege to be invited to plant a tree in the garden of the original bungalow as a commemoration of the visit. The ministry of the Methodist Church in Britain over the years in Meru and the support that has enabled the continued development of this outstanding centre is remembered with much gratitude and appreciation.

Dr. Andrew Ashdown

Partnership Coordinator for Africa.

January 2023.

kenya biointensive

kenya biointensive 2 layered planting

kenya biointensive vegetables

kenya biointensive dairy

kenya biointensive. martin gikunda and chickens

kenya biointensive goats

kenya biointensive fruit trees greenhouse

kenya biointensive mission house 1926

kenya biointensive mission house 2023

kenya biointensive tree planting

kenya biointensive tree planting 2

kenya biointensive mission house methodist council 1920s