ABOUT US
OUR VISION
Our interest in nature and regenerative farming has taken us to the rolling hills of the Southern Highlands in Tanzania. We are in discussions with the local community here to establish ourselves
in the region. We are hoping to plant citrus using an intercropping model, incorporating multi-species grazing of cattle and chicken.
By adapting circular models, intercropping and agroforestry, we strive to create a healthy agricultural production model in which we try to utilise nature’s own models as solutions. Exploring financially viable ways to conserve and restore a piece of African wilderness is one of the driving factors. We have chosen the sable antelope as an indicator to measure our progress.
The Location
KIPIGO - THE WILD VALLEY
Finding a piece of nearly unspoiled wilderness outside of reserves is rare anywhere in the world. Add to this the stunning views of a miniature Ngorongoro crater, year-round water and the presence of all the big five save rhino, and it is difficult to believe Kipigo is real.
It sits in the transition zone between the miombo woodlands and the Ruaha savanna, providing a diverse habitat for species associated with both and also for species that are specifically adapted to this transitional zone, such as the sable antelope. Currently, Kipigo is heavily poached and is a major entrance route by poachers into the Ruaha. Our immediate goal is to stop this poaching and restore the game numbers.
THE FARMING VALLEY
The land we plan to use for the orchards has been cleared for seasonal farming. However, the remoteness from roads makes it difficult for the locals to bring their produce to market.
Our plan is to restore the riverine forest habitat in certain areas, while establishing irrigated orchards in others. The topography allows for gravity based irrigation without the need to use diesel-powered pumps.
The altitude of 1400-1500masl, neutral pH and high carbon content of the soil should be very suitable for citrus.
The Concept
CITRUS
CITRUS
CITRUS
By importing quality seedlings of varieties suitable to the local climate, we hope to be able to generate higher yields of quality citrus fruit and extend the harvest period. Our climate is suitable for producing high quality fruit of lemons, oranges and soft citrus, for which there is a growing demand in both Tanzania and Kenya.
CHEESE
CITRUS
CITRUS
There is currently no bigger scale commercial production of cheese in Tanzania, yet there is a growing demand in urban centres. Our climate is very suitable for dairy pasture and the intention is to utilise the green cover crop in the citrus orchards by grazing dairy cattle and produce high-quality cheese from the farm-fresh milk.
HONEY
CITRUS
INTERCROPPING
Wild miombo honey has been produced by local beekeepers for hundreds of years in the area. Miombo honey is produced by ancient methods, providing the locals a sustainable way to obtain a livelihood from the miombo forest, without disturbing the habitat and cutting down the forest.
INTERCROPPING
INTERCROPPING
INTERCROPPING
In intercropping, more than one crop is grown simultaneously on the same piece of land. Compared to the monocultures
commonly used in commercial agriculture, intercropping is closer to natural multi-species communities.
AGROFORESTRY
INTERCROPPING
AGROFORESTRY
In our agroforestry system, we will reintroduced native trees to provide the forest canopy layer; the citrus constitutes the mid-layer; while the cover-crops are the forest floor.
GRAZING
INTERCROPPING
AGROFORESTRY
Animals are an integral part of any natural community and we feel they should be included in an attempt to mimic natural ecosystems in agriculture. Grazing animals offer a natural way to control pests, function as natural fertiliser and also help to enhance and restore the soil’s carbon sequestration processes.
HABITAT CONSERVATION
HABITAT CONSERVATION
HABITAT CONSERVATION
One part of the land is near its natural state and we want it to stay that way and also start managing the annual fires closely in a way that supports the long term health of the plant communities. In addition we will restore valuable riverine forest habitats on the land that has already been cleared for seasonal farming.
LOCAL COMMUNITY
HABITAT CONSERVATION
HABITAT CONSERVATION
We have planned our own enterprises in a way that we believe best will benefit the community and allow for sustainable conservation of the natural habitat, while still being a viable business.