Our Thematic Areas
At BIOGI, we focus on four key thematic areas that guide our work with farming communities. Each area is designed to build resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote ecological food systems that improve livelihoods while protecting nature
Major project components ;
i. Healthy living and soil care
Soil care is of paramount importance to food producers and livelihood support.BIOGI is one among 15 healthy soils centres working in close partneship with the Alliance for food sovereignty in Africa [AFSA] to advance agroecology principles and elements and also advocate for more local and culturally appropriate foods.The organization mobiles lead farmers with practical hands on training in redesigning learning spaces within the villages [ecosites]The farmers engage in practical farmer to farmer learning on using locally made bio inputs and bio protectors and disseminate knowledge and information in a horizontal , Training of Trainers model [TOT].
At BIOGI; permaculture methods and principles such as whole farm design models, high level integration of crops and livestock and vegetative cover such food forests are used.The organization hosts a Farmer Research Network [FRN] with knowledge co creation and innovations activities.
Pic 1 farmers modelling research plots in a FRN activity
ii. Seed regeneration and biodiversity conservation
Keeping the seed alive is a secrete of every food producer. The unique colors, size,flavour, adaptability to local climatic conditions and the knowledge that has been passed from local cultures and traditions is of great value. These are upheld as most important adaptation elements that supports people to new challenges such as climate changes and variations in whether patterns. BIOGI does not support engineering of life forms and such technologies that endanger the existence of ecological balance and nature.
Conservation of nature is a complementary element in living at peace with nature.The organization educates local farming communities on wildlife and species conservation with special interest and focus on birds and insects and other living organisms that interact with farming activities both on land and in water. The interactions are of such value that humans alone cannot thrive without them. Water as a scarce resource is highly valued for conservation as a complementary element in the food system.
BIOGI is based at Elnuni Village in Emuhaya of Vihiga county in Western Kenya.It has a garden center modeled along permaculture design methods and principles. Focus and emphasis is on interconnection of elements with complementary functions. The garden has water harvesting, diverse food generation gardens with small livestock and renewable energy elements that are all connected to make a single whole. Garden tours and agroecology-based trainings are organized on scheduled basis. They are for contact farmers and other groups from all over the country and beyond.
The organization engages with other like minded entities and networks for complementary and productive purposes.It is a member of the Participatory Ecological Land Use Association [Pelum Kenya],Biodiversity and Biosafety Association,BIBA Kenya and other consortiums engaged in one or more elements that promotes food systems transitions.