What We do?

At Msitu Farms, we have developed a diverse and sustainable farming system that integrates a food forest, raised beds for vegetables, a small-scale dairy goat unit, and an apiary. Each of these elements plays a role in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that provides chemical-free produce while enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

Our Food Forest

Our food forest was built using regenerative farming practices designed to restore soil fertility and enhance resilience against extreme weather. We began by improving soil health with natural manures and heavy mulching, followed by introducing plant guilds—groups of plants that support each other’s growth, mimicking a natural ecosystem.

The food forest includes seven layers:

  • Canopy: Tall fruit and nut trees providing shade and wind protection

  • Sub-Canopy: Smaller fruit trees like papayas and citrus.

  • Shrub: Bushes and nitrogen-fixing plants.

  • Herbaceous: Herbs and medicinal plants like lemongrass.

  • Ground Cover: Low-growing plants preventing soil erosion, such as sweet potatoes.

  • Root: Underground crops like cassava.

  • Climbing: Vines like passion fruit.

With support from Kivukoni Indigenous Tree Nursery, we planted 50% indigenous trees and 50% fruit trees. Today, the forest thrives with produce like cassava, passion fruit, cashews, papayas, Suriname cherries, mulberries etc. while providing a vital habitat for pollinators and boosting fruit yields.

KITCHEN GARDEN

Our raised beds are a vital part of our farm, allowing us to grow a wide variety of vegetables while promoting soil health and maximizing space. We cultivate crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchinis, herbs, and leafy greens, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, chemical-free produce.

We use the Hügelkultur method to enhance soil fertility and structure. By layering logs, branches, leaves, and organic matter at the base of the beds, we improve moisture retention and nutrient release as the materials decompose. This creates a rich, self-sustaining growing environment.

Instead of synthetic fertilizers, we nourish the soil with natural inputs like seaweed fertilizer, compost, manure, bonemeal, and biochar. These natural amendments boost crop yields and support long-term soil regeneration, making our raised beds a key element of our sustainable farming system.

DAIRY GOATS

We’ve recently added three female dairy goats to our farm, with plans to produce milk and dairy products. Our herd is a carefully selected mix of Savanna, Alpine, and Galla breeds, chosen for their hardiness, adaptability, and milk yield.

Fed primarily from our food forest, they enjoy nutrient-rich forage and fresh greens, with supplements of high-quality pellet feed and mineral blocks to ensure balanced nutrition. As we fine-tune our practices, our goal is to create a sustainable and productive dairy system that complements the rest of our farm.

ALL ABOUT HONEY

Our apiary plays a vital role in supporting our farm’s ecosystem, boosting pollination for our food forest and raised beds while producing our signature Forest Honey—a raw, unprocessed treat.

We currently have four hives with African honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata), known for their resilience and efficient foraging. While they can be more defensive in our coastal Kilifi climate, their pollination efforts greatly enhance yields across our farm.

To support our bees, we ensure a steady supply of nectar-rich flowers from our food forest, allowing them to thrive naturally. Our 100% raw, chemical-free Forest Honey is sustainably harvested, preserving its natural enzymes and medicinal benefits. As we expand, we remain committed to ethical beekeeping practices that promote bee health and contribute to a sustainable food system.