Forest Foods, an African pioneer in regenerative syntrophic agroforestry, has launched a farm in the heart of Kenya’s newest city, Tatu City, in Kiambu County.
Forest Foods is an agricultural company that integrates plants and forestry to promote a healthier, sustainable, and clean food supply that contributes to reforestation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem restoration.
The practice of syntropic agroforestry imitates ecological succession, which is nature’s way of restoring land from barren to fertile. It achieves this by growing a diverse range of fruits, nuts, vegetables, timber, and livestock in the same production area.
Speaking during the launch, Kiambu County CECM for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, and Investment, Nancy Gichungwa, said the partnership between Forest Foods and Tatu City will revolutionise the agricultural landscape in the region and scale up profitable regenerative farming practices in Kenya and beyond.
“Meeting demands for agricultural productivity in the future will be far more difficult if such agricultural practices are not embraced. Regenerative agriculture is the point where traditional agricultural methods meet and blend with innovative and sustainable agriculture, and this concept is aptly demonstrated by what we have before us here,” Gichungwa said.
Forest Foods’ location at the heart of Tatu City complements the city’s 100,000-strong tree nursery and large-scale reforestation plans.
“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,” said Sven Verwiel, Managing Director of Forest Foods.
He added, “Our mission is to transform the agricultural landscape in East Africa and beyond while addressing food insecurity and environmental challenges.”
The process, which also promotes biodiversity, is crucial for maintaining soil quality, producing nutritious food, and preserving and rebuilding ecosystems often destroyed by other farming methods.
“Forest Foods’ partnership with Tatu City aligns perfectly with our vision of harmonious coexistence between sustainable urban development and nature. We are delighted that residents, schools, and businesses in Tatu City and the region can now access nutrient-dense and beyond-organic farm produce at their doorstep,” said Perminas Marisi, Head of City Management at Tatu City.
Tatu City, which has a population of 9,000 people working and 4,000 living in the city, announced its partnership with Forest Foods just three days before the historic Africa Climate Summit happening in Nairobi from September 4–6, 2023.
By Grace Naishoo
