Restoring Biodiversity in Kenya’s Drylands: A Solar-Powered Farm’s Journey Toward Sustainability

In Kilome, Makueni County, a transformative initiative is taking shape that highlights a blend of modern sustainability with indigenous knowledge. Here, on four acres of arid land, a patch of vibrant green stands in stark contrast to the surrounding dry terrain. This oasis, owned by Benedetta Kyengo, is not just any farm; it’s a regenerative project grounded in syntropic farming that aims to restore biodiversity, promote sustainable agriculture, and mitigate climate change. This article explores how Benedetta’s vision is transforming Makueni’s landscape and inspiring a new path forward for Kenyan agriculture.

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability

Benedetta, the founder of Feedback to the Future, embarked on her journey by purchasing four acres of land in Kwamiui village, located in the semi-arid region of Kilome. Years ago, she left Kenya to study sustainable business in the Netherlands, immersing herself in sustainable innovation and climate-resilient practices. Returning to her homeland, she was determined to challenge the perception that Makueni’s climate was inhospitable for agriculture.

With a mission to implement sustainable practices, Benedetta established her farm as a living laboratory for syntropic farming. This approach, rooted in principles of soil regeneration and agroforestry, mimics natural ecosystems by incorporating a diverse range of plant species and allowing them to coexist in a mutually supportive environment. By employing regenerative agriculture practices, the farm cultivates over 80 species of native plants, including fruit trees, tubers, medicinal plants, and vegetables.

Embracing Syntropic Farming

Syntropic farming is an innovative agroforestry approach that goes beyond organic farming by fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem. Inspired by natural forest systems, it encourages plant and animal diversity, which not only boosts soil health but also creates a balanced food web. By mimicking nature’s cycles, the farm regenerates soil and nurtures plants without the need for pesticides, tilling, or synthetic fertilizers.

For this ambitious endeavor, Benedetta recruited Thiong’o Gachie, a regenerative agriculture expert, and Elizabeth Kyengo, a specialist in monitoring and evaluation. Together, they incorporated local and indigenous knowledge about native plants and traditional agricultural practices. Gachie, a strong advocate for biodiversity, believes that a diverse range of species helps stabilize the ecosystem. “With diversity comes stability,” he explains. “If 10 out of 80 species are affected by pests, we still have 70 species we can rely on for food or income.”

Biodiversity and Soil Health

A critical component of syntropic farming is the preservation and improvement of soil health. On Benedetta’s farm, this is achieved through a no-till approach that avoids disturbing soil structure, ensuring that beneficial microorganisms and fungi can thrive. The farm’s cultivation beds, each one meter wide and varying in length, are prepared by layering organic matter that builds up soil nutrients and acts as a natural buffer against climate extremes.

Mulching is essential to the farm’s approach, covering the soil to prevent moisture loss and allowing it to absorb water. The mulching layer also keeps the soil cool and creates a hospitable environment for microorganisms that support plant growth. Another central practice is keeping human footsteps off the beds to avoid soil compaction, which would limit water infiltration and root growth.

By avoiding tillage, the farm not only prevents soil erosion but also helps sequester carbon. Carbon retention in the soil contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions a priority in the fight against global warming.

Eliminating Pesticides: Embracing Nature’s Resilience

One of the most striking features of Benedetta’s farm is its pest management philosophy, which diverges radically from conventional agriculture. The farm refrains from using pesticides, believing that natural ecosystems are capable of maintaining their own balance if allowed. Instead of exterminating pests, they allow nature to run its course, where predators help manage pest populations.

“When we stop killing pests, we’re helping the ecosystem rather than fighting it,” Gachie explains. “Allowing pests to feed on weaker plants encourages natural selection, ensuring that only the healthiest plants survive and reproduce.” This practice fosters a resilient ecosystem where pests and predators coexist in balance.

For Benedetta, this approach reflects a commitment to coexistence with other life forms. “Every insect has a purpose,” she says. “We have destroyed so much of nature, robbing insects and birds of their habitats. By sharing this space, we’re doing our part to restore the biodiversity that’s essential to our survival.”

Water Conservation: Harnessing Nature’s Resilience

In Kilome’s dry landscape, water is a precious resource. The farm’s design optimizes water use by capturing and storing rainwater to sustain its diverse plant life. The solar-powered irrigation system ensures that water is used efficiently, supplementing rainwater during the dry season.

The farm’s unique design, aided by the mulching and no-till methods, also enhances soil moisture retention. Mulch acts like a sponge, holding onto water for longer periods, which gives plants continued access to moisture during dry spells. This moisture conservation approach not only saves water but also ensures that plants are better equipped to withstand drought conditions.

Regenerating the Land and Community Impact

Benedetta’s project is about more than just a productive farm it’s about regenerating land and fostering a sustainable way of life. Her success serves as a powerful message to the local community and beyond: sustainable farming can succeed in arid areas if local knowledge and innovative practices are applied. Since starting her project, Benedetta has collaborated with local schools, community organizations, and other farms to demonstrate the viability of syntropic farming in Makueni.

One of the main objectives of Feedback to the Future is to inspire other farmers in the region. The farm provides training sessions, where visitors can learn about regenerative agriculture practices and witness firsthand the benefits of sustainable farming. By integrating local traditions with modern sustainability practices, the farm embodies a model of agriculture that respects both people and the planet.

Scaling Syntropic Farming for Kenya’s Future

Syntropic farming holds enormous potential for dryland regions like Makueni, where traditional farming practices often lead to soil degradation and water scarcity. The success of Benedetta’s farm has demonstrated that, even in challenging climates, sustainable agriculture can thrive. As global temperatures rise, practices like syntropic farming offer a blueprint for resilience in the face of climate change.

Kenya, with its diverse ecosystems and significant agricultural sector, stands to benefit immensely from such practices. Syntropic farming could transform arid and semi-arid areas across the country, restoring biodiversity and creating a stable food supply for communities that are often vulnerable to food insecurity. This approach also aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which seeks to promote sustainable environmental practices to achieve long-term economic growth.

A New Paradigm for Kenyan Agriculture

Benedetta Kyengo’s farm in Kwamiui village is more than an agricultural venture; it’s a statement about the power of sustainable innovation. By embracing syntropic farming, Benedetta and her team are proving that we don’t need to choose between productive agriculture and environmental stewardship. Through her work, she is redefining what’s possible in agriculture, inspiring a new generation of farmers to consider alternatives to traditional methods that often harm the land.

As climate change intensifies, projects like Benedetta’s will be crucial for promoting sustainable food systems that prioritize biodiversity, resilience, and environmental health. Her farm in Kilome is a model that could reshape Kenya’s agricultural future, demonstrating that with the right knowledge and tools, even the most arid regions can flourish.

In a world where industrial farming often comes at the expense of the environment, Benedetta’s approach reminds us of the inherent connection between people and the land. As she says, “We’re sharing this world with all organisms we don’t need to monopolize life.” This solar-powered farm is a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture in Kenya and beyond.