In the 2018-19 Permafund micro-grant round an application by Faulu Productions to establish a permaculture food production system in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya was supported with AU$2,000 to help combat malnutrition in the camp.
Faulu Productions is an organisation that consists of refugees, volunteers and supporters from all around the world. Their mission is to promote agriculture and education, to help create a safe, sustainable living for refugees and to empower them to improve their lifestyles.
The project has established a multi-site permaculture system with 200 participants establishing 5 by 10 metre garden plots in their own compounds and contributing to the maintenance of the larger Kakuma community garden and central Turkana permaculture community gardens.
Preparing garden beds for seeds
The gardens are modeled on natural ecosystems combining ecological, engineering and environmental principles. The designs have used integrated natural water resource management systems and sustainable architecture, so the project is self-maintaining, regenerative and an ongoing source of fresh produce and biomass.
Newly planted beds and maturing crops
The objective has been to help the refugees to become self-sufficient. The key component of the plan was water conservation with an investment in water storage (40 water tanks to harvest 2,000 litres). Digging tools and bulk seeds were purchased and watering cans to help prevent splash erosion and the destruction of young seedlings.
Preparing the harvest for sharing
The participating workers have been resourceful collecting mulch materials and manures and contributing earth building skills.
Making mud bricks for house construction
Trees were planted in the gardens for shade, erosion protection and to provide chop and drop material to assist with mulching & soil creation.
With no “qualified” experts inside the camp the participants are using YouTube to learn the practical skills of permaculture, including watching videos by Australian experts including Geoff Lawton and Morag Gamble.
This project is viewed on the ground as 100% sustainable because it has created job opportunities among refugees, improved the quality of the camp’s environment and helped improve community health and well being. More permaculture inspired enterprises and initiatives are being undertaken following this ground-breaking project.
The community appreciates all donations.
The Kakuma Refugee Camp suffers from regular, severe flooding, the most recent being in early February 2020. Houses have been destroyed and belongings and food washed away.
Flood damage to buildings
Continuing permaculture projects not only supply food and hope but also prevent erosion and washaways as trees and plants take root.
Newly planted gardens and maturing crops
Your generous donations to Permafund support this and other permaculture related projects in Australia and overseas and are very much appreciated.
For more information contact the Permafund team at permafund@permacultureaustralia.org.au