El-Paradiso Demo Farm is an innovative mini-agricultural demo farm situated in a beautiful valley in a peri-urban area setup, off Magadi-Maasai Lodge Rd, next to Nazarene University, Pharmada Island, Ongata Rongai, Kenya. The demo farm integrates diverse agricultural practices with a strong emphasis on organic and climate-smart farming systems.
Mission Statement
To promote sustainable agriculture through integrated organic and climate-smart farming systems, thus enhancing food security and environmental stewardship.
What We Demonstrate
Integrated Crop and Animal Production
Crop Cultivation: The farm focuses on cultivating indigenous leafy vegetables such as sukuma wiki (collard greens), spinach, terere (amaranth), and other African leafy greens. These crops are selected for their nutritional value and adaptability to local climatic conditions.
Animal Husbandry: El-Paradiso maintains livestock including dairy goats and poultry. This integration allows for efficient nutrient cycling, where animal manure is composted and applied to crop fields, enhancing soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Fish Farming (Aquaculture)
The farm features fish ponds stocked with species such as tilapia and catfish. These ponds are managed using sustainable practices, including regular water quality monitoring and the use of organic feed, to ensure healthy fish production and minimal environmental impact.
Bee Farming (Apiculture)
El-Paradiso hosts multiple beehives to produce honey and other bee-related products. Bees are essential pollinators, and their presence enhances the productivity of the farm’s crops. The farm employs natural beekeeping methods, avoiding chemical treatments to maintain colony health.
Fruit Farming (Orchard)
The orchard comprises fruit trees such as mangoes, avocados, passion fruits, and various berries. These trees are cultivated using organic practices, including the application of compost and natural pest control methods, to produce high-quality fruits while maintaining soil health.
Gravity-Fed Irrigation System
Water Source: A strategically constructed dam captures runoff from a seasonal river originating from the Ngong Hills in Kajiado County. This reservoir ensures a reliable water supply throughout the year.
Irrigation Design: El-Paradiso Demo Farm employs a hybrid irrigation system that combines mechanical pumping with gravity-fed distribution to optimize water usage and energy efficiency. Water is initially pumped from the on-site dam to an elevated storage tank positioned uphill. Once in the tank, the water is distributed across the farm using gravity, eliminating the need for continuous pumping during irrigation cycles. This approach reduces energy consumption and operational costs. To minimize direct contact between water and plant foliage—thereby reducing the risk of foliar diseases—the farm utilizes hose pipes to deliver water directly to the soil. This method ensures that moisture reaches the root zone efficiently while maintaining plant health. By integrating mechanical pumping for initial water elevation with a gravity-fed distribution system, El-Paradiso Demo Farm effectively conserves energy and promotes sustainable irrigation practices.
Solar and Biogas Applications
In the El Paradiso concept, the integration of solar and biogas technologies enhances sustainability in agricultural operations. Biogas is harnessed from organic farm waste and utilized not only as a clean energy source for cooking and heating but also for producing bio-fertilizer. This nutrient-rich byproduct promotes organic farming, enriching soil health and enhancing crop yields without chemical inputs. Meanwhile, solar energy plays a critical role in farm operations, providing sustainable lighting, powering solar water pumps for irrigation, and supporting solar dryers for efficient produce preservation. These renewable energy applications reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut operational costs, and align with environmentally friendly farming practices, ensuring long-term sustainability for El Paradiso.
Organic Farming Practices
Soil Fertility Management: The farm employs composting techniques to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich amendments, enhancing soil structure and fertility. Cover cropping and crop rotation are also practiced to maintain soil health.
Pest and Disease Control: Natural predators and beneficial insects are introduced to manage pest populations. Additionally, botanical extracts and organic-approved substances are used to control diseases, minimizing environmental impact.
Weed Management: Mechanical weeding and mulching are utilized to suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides.
Climate-Smart Farming Practices
Water Conservation: In addition to the gravity-fed irrigation system, the farm implements rainwater harvesting and soil moisture retention techniques to optimize water use efficiency.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees into the farming system provides shade, reduces soil erosion, and sequesters carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Resilient Crop Varieties: The farm selects and cultivates crop varieties that are resilient to climatic stresses such as drought and heat, ensuring consistent yields under changing environmental conditions.
Educational and Community Outreach Programs
Internship Opportunities: Partnerships with local educational institutions offer students hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, covering all aspects from crop cultivation to livestock management.
Workshops and Seminars: Regular training sessions are conducted on topics such as organic farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated pest management, empowering local farmers and community members with practical knowledge.
Farm Visitation
El-Paradiso offers guided tours for schools, organizations, and the general public. Visitors can explore various sections of the farm, participate in interactive demonstrations, and gain insights into sustainable farming practices. Visitation fees are Ksh 250 for students and Ksh 500 for adults, supporting the farm’s educational and outreach initiatives.
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