The proposals, ideas and thinking contained here have been implemented on the ground in the Matsangoni area of Kilifi County – formerly one of the poorest regions on the Coast of Kenya. It’s a Rags-to-Riches story we love to tell.

On the Ground

Model Farms

Three model farms have been set up in the Matsangoni location: at the Health Center and on private land belonging to supportive local leaders. In the former, the set-up is ongoing, whereas in the latter, the farms have been planted since February 2014.

 

Out-grower Program

Some 1300+ acres of local land have been committed to Moringa cultivation by local people, including women and retired persons. While the farms have been cleared and public meetings held (below), the actual planting phase awaits sufficient germination stock to populate them (see below).

Support Groups

The above Health Center farm has been set up with the aim and the help, of a local HIV-support group (”People living with AIDS”). The group will benefit from the economic, as well as nutritional drivers inherent in Moringa cultivation, a lifeline for an otherwise socially-marginalized group.

Nursery and Plant-stock

KME has developed an extensive seed-germination facility: a nursery of Moringa plant stock, with a carry-capacity of over 24,000 plants in various stages of germination and growth. Indeed, some 300 plants were recently supplied to the County’s Agriculture Ministry officials for public distribution at various Kilifi North locations.

Public Engagement

Meetings have been held with local plot holders in the pilot area, at which well-attended events, the nascent project was explained and questions answered. Arising from this meeting, local people enthusiastically pledged their support, greatly relieved of the unwanted burden of current maize cultivation.