How Tamalu Farm Transformed a Derelict Kenyan Flower Farm Into a Regenerative Agriculture Success Story

Part of a series examining Africa's regenerative agriculture and land regeneration projects. Reporting and quotes provided by L.E.A.F Africa's Sven Verwiel, Project Director.

Tamalu Farm represents one of several projects and demonstration sites that L.E.A.F Africa is developing across Kenya. The 10-acre site on the slopes of Mount Kenya began as a flower farm more than 15 years ago. Following an idle period of 12 years when nothing was cultivated, L.E.A.F brought the farm back to productivity in January 2019.

Tamalu's approach to farming and land management stands out as a live African demonstration of the syntropic agriculture methodology which has achieved considerable success in Costa Rica and Brazil. The farm describes regenerative agriculture as a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services.

"So much of the Brazilian agro-scape is fitting to the African one. If you took the map of Brazil and laid it over East, Central and parts of Southern Africa you have very similar biomes. It felt extremely comforting to see this. If the Brazilians can do it, surely we Africans can do it," explains Sven Verwiel, Project Director at L.E.A.F Africa.

Revival of a Derelict Farm

The inspiration behind Tamalu Farm centered on transforming an old derelict flower farm into a hub for agroecological development. The farm had sat idle for over 13 years but retained established infrastructure from its flower farming days, including tunnels, greenhouses, a large surface pump, and kilometers of drip irrigation pipe.

The revival story of Tamalu Farm

When L.E.A.F Africa took over management in late 2018, the organization decided to incorporate the existing infrastructure into its design and create a series of regenerative enterprises that could showcase profitable land stewardship and farming practices.

Verwiel explains: "We are really inspired by the work that has come out of Brazil over the past forty years. The Brazilian experience provided a compelling model because the biomes closely match those found across East, Central, and parts of Southern Africa."

Financial Development and Investment

Finance for the project has been entirely private. When L.E.A.F Africa assumed management, the farm carried a €300,000 deficit from its collapse as a flower farm. Approximately €200,000 has been invested over a 2.5 year period reviving the operation.

Small acreages often require intensive production where every square meter counts. While intensive production typically involves high capital expenditure and operating expenses, returns can be substantial. The farm broke even in 2020 and is now targeting profitability.

Current expansion plans require $50,000 for new pumps, irrigation systems, a renewable energy system to replace the diesel generator, and to fill newly established rainwater reservoirs. These investments would enable expansion of the blueberry and agroforestry sections, with projections indicating promising returns.

Economic Impact and Market Development

The farm's goals focus on expanding blueberry production and the syntropic agroforestry system. Initially, produce was sold to two nearby towns. Demand quickly grew from customers in Nairobi and along the coast, 700 kilometers away. The farm soon received more orders than it could handle.

Verwiel describes the market expansion: "Now we are launching a premium produce brand called Forest Foods, headquartered in Nairobi, which will absorb all produce grown on Tamalu and other farms we are developing, becoming the distribution and logistics agent for this produce."

In addition to agroforestry and blueberries, the farm cultivates one acre of khat, a legal local stimulant and high-value cash crop. This enterprise helps offset historical debts, transforming the farm from its €300,000 deficit position.

The operation runs five distinct enterprises: agroforestry, blueberries, educational projects, khat, and livestock. While goats and sheep serve primarily for nutrient cycling rather than income generation, chickens function as a revenue-generating enterprise. Current expansion remains limited by water availability and the need for renewable energy infrastructure to replace diesel generation.

Social Impact and Community Development

Despite COVID restrictions, the farm has made significant social impact on the local Nanyuki and Timau communities through access to organic produce since mid-2019. The operation has built a substantial following and strong support network from its client base.

Over 500 people participated in farm tours, workshops, and apprenticeships in 2020 alone. The farm expects this number to triple once restrictions ease. Verwiel notes the diversity of participants: "We have had the most eclectic mix of people come to learn on site. We have had agricultural fanatics, proper flower farmers and people sending their gardeners to come and see. Kenya is a very multicultural country and home to the United Nations headquarters."

Since taking over management, the entire team comprises community members living near the farm. No employees commute from distant locations. Team members purchase vegetables and fruit directly from the farm at discounted rates, knowing and trusting their food source. All staff have been trained to work with the land rather than against it. Senior staff members now teach workshops, guide apprenticeship programs, and lead farm tours independently.

Ecosystem Restoration

Pastured poultry, syntropic agroforestry, and rotational livestock grazing have driven the most significant environmental improvements. Soils are improving rapidly as the farm follows principles of natural succession.

"It is absolutely wonderful to see how much more insect, birdlife, and pollinators we have seen over the last 2.5 years. When we first took over, the diversity was minimal," reflects Verwiel.

Regeneration requires time, and the team anticipates continued ecosystem improvements in the coming years as established systems mature.

Forest Foods Launch

Forest Foods brand launch