Sustainable agriculture solution: Grow biointensive in action

In the ever-pressing fight for a sustainable future, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a powerful tool. As the Executive Director of the Grow Biointensive Agriculture Center of Kenya, Samwel Ndiritu, explains the transformative power of Grow Biointensive methods. This meticulously planned approach to farming goes beyond just producing food; it fosters a harmonious and productive ecosystem, ensuring the well-being of both people and the planet.

Grow biointensive stands out as a beacon in the realm of sustainable agriculture, a testament to the transformative power of in-depth planning and a holistic approach to farming. Every aspect, from the detailed crafted raised beds to the strategically positioned companion plants, is designed to achieve a trifecta: maximize efficiency and yield, minimize environmental impact, and cultivate a thriving ecosystem. The following are the principles of grow biointensive agriculture;

1. Double digging raised beds:
   This practice forms the bedrock of grow biointensive. It involves loosening the soil to a depth of two feet, creating an ideal environment for root growth. Plants can then access water and nutrients more effectively, leading not only to healthier crops but also to improved soil aeration and drainage. This encourages a rich and diverse ecosystem, alive with life just under the surface.
2. Composting:
   Lies at the heart of grow biointensive. By utilising on-farm biomass, such as crop residues and animal waste, farmers create nutrient-rich compost. This not only reduces their reliance on external inputs like fertilisers but also improves soil health and fertility in a natural way. Rich in essential nutrients and organic matter, compost acts as a natural fertiliser, promoting vigorous plant growth and resilience.
3. Intensive planting:
   Grow biointensive embraces intensive planting, allowing growers to maximise yields from a limited space. Careful planning of planting layouts and the thoughtful utilisation of vertical space enable farmers to cultivate a diverse array of crops in a smaller area. This not only optimises resource use but also promotes biodiversity within the farm itself. This practice goes beyond simply increasing food production; it creates a more sustainable and self-sufficient farming system with a reduced need for chemical inputs.
4. Companion planting:
   The focus is on creating symbiotic relationships between different plant species. By strategically pairing complementary plants, farmers can achieve several goals: deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests, and ultimately improving overall crop health. This natural approach to pest management reduces the need for synthetic pesticides, promoting a healthier and more balanced ecosystem within the farm.
5. Carbon farming:
   Incorporates the principles of carbon farming, which focuses on building soil organic matter. This is achieved through the incorporation of carbon-rich materials like compost. By increasing soil carbon levels, farmers improve not just the structure and fertility of the soil but also its water retention capacity. The result? Healthier and more resilient crops. This practice offers a double benefit: it reduces the need for external fertilizer’s and helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil.
6. Calorie farming:
   This innovative aspect prioritizes the cultivation of high-calorie crops that provide maximum nutrition per unit of space. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods like potatoes and sweet potatoes, growers can meet their dietary needs more efficiently while conserving valuable farmland. This not only ensures food sovereignty but also promotes healthier eating habits within communities.
7. Use of open-pollinated seeds:
   Integral to the philosophy of grow biointensive agriculture. Unlike hybrid seeds that require continuous purchase, open-pollinated seeds empower farmers. They can save and replant seeds from year to year, fostering seed sovereignty and genetic diversity. This empowers farmers to adapt crops to local growing conditions over time, building resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. It also reduces input costs, making this approach more accessible.

The power of planning in grow biointensive agriculture lies in its ability to create a harmonious and productive ecosystem that sustains both people and the planet. By embracing these principles and practices, farmers can cultivate healthy, abundant crops while nurturing the soil, promoting biodiversity, and building resilient communities for generations to come.

About Grow Biointensive Agriculture Centre of Kenya (G-BIACK)
The G-BIACK was registered as a non-governmental organization in 2008. Since its inception, G-BIACK has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of resource-challenged communities in Kenya and beyond. It has benefited over 25,000 farmers in Kenya and several African countries through its agricultural and vocational training programs. Operating in 14 communities across Muranga, Kiambu, and Machakos Counties in Kenya, G-BIACK has established satellite farms in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone. Its work has empowered small-scale farmers, reduced dependency on external food sources, improved food security, and contributed to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. In addition to general training programs, G-BIACK runs initiatives targeting marginalized groups, particularly women and girls, offering skills training for economic empowerment and social upliftment. G-BIACK’s commitment to ecologically sustainable development has positioned it as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Africa, catalyzing positive change and transformation across the continent.

The Grow Biointensive Agriculture Centre of Kenya is one of the partners admitted to the African Biodiversity Network during the celebration of the Network’s two decades of accompanying communities on the continent. For more information about GBiACK, visit their website: http://www.g-biack.org