Key Takeaways
- Innovative Partnership: Tatu City and ForestFoods collaborate to grow carbon-neutral organic produce.
- Sustainable Farming: The partnership employs regenerative syntropic agroforestry, contributing to reforestation and ecosystem preservation.
- Community Impact: The initiative aims to provide Tatu City’s growing community with sustainable, nutrient-dense food options.
- Climate Summit: The collaboration was announced during the Africa Climate Summit, aligning it with broader environmental goals.
- Model for Sustainability: The partnership could serve as a blueprint for harmonious coexistence between urban development and sustainable agriculture.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tatu City, a 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Nairobi, has joined forces with agroforestry leader ForestFoods to cultivate carbon-neutral organic produce. The partnership aims to provide the burgeoning city with a sustainable, clean food supply while contributing to climate change mitigation, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration.
A New Approach to Farming
ForestFoods’ inaugural farm is next to Crawford International School in Tatu City. The farm employs regenerative syntropic agroforestry, transcending traditional farming techniques. This innovative approach yields nutrient-dense organic products and aids in reforestation and ecosystem preservation.
During the farm’s launch, Perminas Marisi, Tatu City’s Head of City Management, and Sven Verwiel, Managing Director of ForestFoods, presented the farm’s produce to Hon Nancy Gichung’wa, the CEC for Trade, Tourism, Industrialization, and Investments in Kiambu County. The event showcased the farm’s pioneering techniques, emphasizing their potential impact on food security and environmental conservation.
Aligning Visions for Sustainability
“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. He added that ForestFoods aims to revolutionize agriculture in East Africa while addressing food insecurity and environmental challenges.
Permits Maris echoed these sentiments: “ForestFoods’ 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.”
Africa Climate Summit Backdrop
The partnership was announced during the historic Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi from September 4-6, 2023, convened by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto. ForestFoods’ location within Tatu City complements the city’s existing 100,000-strong tree nursery and ambitious reforestation plans.
A Growing Community
Tatu City is already home to more than 75 businesses, employing over 9,000 people. Companies like Dormans, Copia, and Twiga Foods have set up operations in the city. Educational institutions like Crawford International School and Nova Pioneer educate more than 3,500 students daily. Over 4,000 residents live in Unity Homes apartments and the Kijani Ridge premier neighborhood.
Syntropic Agroforestry: A Sustainable Solution
Syntropic agroforestry mimics ecological succession, nature’s conversion of barren land into fertile soil. It achieves this by cultivating diverse fruits, nuts, vegetables, timber, and livestock in the same area, thereby promoting biodiversity. This is crucial for maintaining soil quality, producing nutritious food, and preserving and rebuilding ecosystems often damaged by conventional farming methods.
The collaboration between Tatu City and ForestFoods marks a significant step towards sustainable urban development, offering a model that other cities in Africa and beyond could emulate.
Image provided by Tatu City
