BACKGROUND
Smallholders in the area have limited resources, land, seeds, compost, fertilizer, tools, money etc, and are totally dependent on the produce they cultivate. Possibilities to improve farming knowledge are few. The farmland used by individual smallholders is small, approx. 0.5 hectares, and getting smaller. Optimal use of the available area on each piece of land is critical.
FRED'S FARM consists of a farm and initiatives in the local community.
Smallholders in the area have limited resources, land, seeds, compost, fertilizer, tools, money etc, and are totally dependent on the produce they cultivate. Possibilities to improve farming knowledge are few. The farmland used by individual smallholders is small, approx. 0.5 hectares, and getting smaller. Optimal use of the available area on each piece of land is critical.
FRED'S FARM consists of a farm and initiatives in the local community.
Goals
- To provide an arena to promote sustainable farming practices.
- To provide land for cultivation for locals who have little or none.
- To make FRED'S FARM organisation more self financing.
- To provide work for the local population.
Beneficiaries
Approx 750 families
HOW
The farm is run using organic and regenerative agricultural principles. Coffee, macadamia and bananas are grown as cash crops. All our coffee cherries are sold to the closest coffee washing station. Coffee cultivation is labour intensive. Macadamia nut trees also require continuous follow up. In addition to 4 permanent staff specifically dedicated to these crops, the farm provides employment to 10 weekly staff, 10 months a year. In the dry season there is minimal activity on the land. In cooperation with local leaders, we invite needy locals to cultivate land on the farm to grow stable food.
Small forest areas with eucalyptus forest in 2 different areas of the farm provide some building materials for the farm.
Bees help pollination (coffee and macadamia), so there are established beehives on the farm.
Small forest areas with eucalyptus forest in 2 different areas of the farm provide some building materials for the farm.
Bees help pollination (coffee and macadamia), so there are established beehives on the farm.
Time Line
2024 2 trial methods of cultivation continued on coffee terraces. 900 mixed trees planted in the 2 forest areas.
2023 Started a trial with different methods of cultivation on coffee terraces. Continue to plant shade trees and coffee seedlings. Established worm tea bed on the farm, and started production and use of liquid fertiliser.
2022 Improve land utilization generally on the farm. More shade trees and coffee seedlings planted. Mulching and animal feed plants planted extensively. 40% of land area used for cultivation by local farmers and Twa villagers.
2021 360 shade trees planted. Poor coffee harvest. Organic compost heaps made on large scale, 180 farmers trained in this method.
2020 180 new macadamia nut trees planted. Improved coffee harvest but still small. Established 3 beehives.
2017-19 Improved infrastructure and farmland, extensive planting of shade trees, ground cover crops and more.
2016 FRED'S FARM organisation established as it is today. Agronomist employed as daily manager. Other permanent staff employed.
2023 Started a trial with different methods of cultivation on coffee terraces. Continue to plant shade trees and coffee seedlings. Established worm tea bed on the farm, and started production and use of liquid fertiliser.
2022 Improve land utilization generally on the farm. More shade trees and coffee seedlings planted. Mulching and animal feed plants planted extensively. 40% of land area used for cultivation by local farmers and Twa villagers.
2021 360 shade trees planted. Poor coffee harvest. Organic compost heaps made on large scale, 180 farmers trained in this method.
2020 180 new macadamia nut trees planted. Improved coffee harvest but still small. Established 3 beehives.
2017-19 Improved infrastructure and farmland, extensive planting of shade trees, ground cover crops and more.
2016 FRED'S FARM organisation established as it is today. Agronomist employed as daily manager. Other permanent staff employed.