Murang'a County

Gatanga Sub County is a vibrant agricultural region nestled in the heart of Murang’a County in Kenya. Known for its lush landscapes and fertile soils, Gatanga is a hub of diverse farming practices. From traditional smallholder farms to modern commercial ventures, agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy.
In Gatanga, farmers engage in a wide range of farming activities, including the cultivation of staple crops such as maize, beans, and potatoes, as well as cash crops like tea, coffee, and horticultural produce. Livestock rearing, particularly dairy farming, is also prevalent in the area.
The demand for large farms to grow tea and coffee on extensive spaces has shrunk cultivated land, creating a gap in the demand for planting consumption feeds, resulting in a food security gap.
The farming practices in Gatanga are often characterized by a blend of traditional wisdom and modern techniques. While some farmers adhere to age-old methods passed down through generations, others embrace innovative approaches, such as conservation agriculture and organic farming, to enhance productivity while preserving the environment.

We grow vegetables and fruits that we consume ourselves and sell off the excess. Additionally, we cultivate macadamia nuts, avocados, and coffee for commercial purposes. We aim to grow a variety of crops to achieve a food forest concept and to take advantage of the symbiotic relationships between crops for pest control..we are adopting the permaculture practices.

My dream for the future is to establish a demonstration food forest farm nestled amidst the expansive tea and coffee landscapes. I envision my farm as a thriving centre for sustainable agriculture and seed sovereignty, where local farmers gather to learn, share, and innovate. My dream encompasses a landscape teeming with biodiverse crops and native species, nurtured through regenerative practices that honour the wisdom of nature. I aspire to cultivate a vibrant community of farmers empowered with the knowledge and tools to propagate seedlings ecologically, preserve indigenous seeds, and nourish their families and communities with nutrient-dense foods grown in small spaces.