Embark on a transformative journey at the serene Mlango Farm! Join us for a two-day course on April 12th and 13th, specially crafted for beginners and seasoned gardeners. Dive into the art of efficient water management and harness the potential of agroforestry to elevate your gardening skills. This course is facilitated by Claire Nasike and assisted by Harvesting for Good EA.
Discover innovative techniques to conserve water, cultivate vibrant ecosystems, and enrich your gardening endeavors! Don't miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of water and trees in the heart of nature.
When: April 12th & 13th
Where: Mlango Farm
Cost: Two day course KES 11,500 total for two days, inclusive of tea breaks & a wholesome three course farm fresh lunch
Secure your spot now and become a steward of sustainable gardening! 🌱
Course Outcomes for the Water Management Session on Friday, April 12th (9:30am - 4:15pm)
1️⃣ Dive into Water Conservation: Learn essential techniques like rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and smart irrigation methods.
2️⃣ Practical Implementation: Gain hands-on skills to design and install urban-friendly water management systems.
3️⃣ Embrace Sustainability: Develop a keen awareness of sustainable water practices, optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
4️⃣ Cultivate Problem-Solving: Equip yourself with problem-solving tools to tackle water-related challenges in gardening and landscaping.
5️⃣ Environmental Stewardship: Understand the environmental impact of water decisions, nurturing a deeper respect for conservation efforts.
Course Outcomes for the Agroforestry Session on Saturday April 13th (9:30am - 4:15pm)
1️⃣ Tree Selection and Maintenance: Understanding how to choose, plant, and sustain trees in urban environments considering various factors like space, soil conditions, and climate.
2️⃣ Integration of Trees in Urban Areas: Discovering the benefits of integrating trees in urban spaces, including shade provision, improved air quality, and fostering biodiversity.
3️⃣ Companion Planting Techniques: Learning introductory strategies to combine trees, shrubs, and crops for mutual benefits, maximizing yields, and establishing symbiotic relationships.
4️⃣ Soil Enrichment: Exploring techniques to enhance soil fertility and structure through agroforestry practices, vital for overall plant and tree health.
5️⃣ Sustainable Gardening Practices: Delving into sustainable gardening methods rooted in agroforestry principles, promoting ecological balance and contributing to a healthier environment.
This introductory course promises a hands-on and practical experience, offering participants direct exposure to the farm's environment. This immersion allows individuals to implement the teachings acquired throughout the course directly and participants get to engage with Mlango Farm's own development.
About Claire Nasike, facilitator on the course
Claire Nasike Akello is a Wangari Maathai Scholar and the Regional Coordinator of the Global Landscapes Forum in Africa. She led the Seed is Sovereign campaign at Greenpeace Africa, spearheading collaboration with local communities to promote ecological agriculture and seed sovereignty.
Notably, Claire led smallholder farmers in a landmark legal case challenging Kenyan legislation inhibiting the sharing of indigenous seeds. Previously, she served as an Environmental Education Officer at A Rocha Kenya and won the Wangari Maathai Scholarship Award in 2015. Claire is the visionary founder of the Hummingbird Foundation, focused on improving school children's nutrition through organic food gardens. She holds an MSc in Management of Agroecosystems and Environment from The University of Nairobi and a first-class Bachelor's degree in Environmental Resource Management from the Technical University of Kenya. In her leisure time, Claire enjoys reading, dancing, and writing for her eco-blog, twice nominated for the Kenya Bloggers Awards (BAKE).
Since last April, we've had the pleasure of teaching over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds, each starting their unique gardening journeys. We're excited and hopeful that YOU will join us on this course! Read some of their testimonials below:
"I found the course at stunning Mlango Farm incredibly inspiring! It demonstrated that implementing integrated permaculture techniques around my home is not only feasible but also straightforward. I'm thrilled and eager to apply what I've learned." ~ S.B, FAO (Cohort 1)
"Attending this gardening course was a first for me, as I had never been to any garden previously. Despite my attempts to start kitchen gardens without prior knowledge, I lacked insight on arrangement, spacing, watering crops, and land topography. Mark Johannes from the Netherlands recommended this course, and MAF Kenya graciously flew me to Nairobi. Now, having completed the course, I've gained a wealth of knowledge. In Laisamis, Marsabit, where I reside and work, malnutrition cases are prevalent. I aim to utilize what I've learned to establish standardized kitchen gardens, enabling access to diverse food groups, thus preventing anemia and malnutrition." - Meshak.G (Cohort 1 & 2, from Marsabit)