02/22/2026
Nzawa sits in one of the driest regions of central east Kenya. Between May 2025 and January 1, 2026 the community received just 6 hours of rain. For the 300 students at Nzawa Primary School and their families, resilience is not an idea. It is daily life.
Between November 9 and 25, 2025 that resilience turned into action.
Working alongside the Genesis Foundation, Practical Permaculture Institute of Kenya - Africa Events (PPIK), school leadership and an extraordinary group of parent and student volunteers, our small Refarmers team focused on strengthening food security, water access and long-term sustainability at the school.
To support the intensive work on site, we funded a community kitchen that prepared meals for approximately 80 people each day. These meals sustained the volunteers, parents, kids and community members who gave their time, energy and labour to build something lasting for their children.
A tree nursery was established with approximately 2,000 drought-tolerant trees, selected for timber, fruit and ecological resilience. These trees represent future shade, nutrition, income and building material.
The goat shed was constructed entirely from wood harvested onsite. The species selected will regenerate, ensuring that future projects can continue sustainably. The school now has one male and two female goats for breeding, creating a future source of protein for students. And we just got word that the goats had babies last week so the project is well underway!
The permaculture garden, completed in two phases, is now thriving. Leafy greens, fruits like papaya, mango, avocado, moringa, citrus and cashew are now part of the students’ daily diet. These gardens not only improve nutrition but also serve as a hands-on learning space for students to understand the importance of regenerative agriculture.
The sack gardens have proven remarkably successful. We used native soil combined with goat manure which allows greater control over fertility and plant vitality. The vegetables remain healthy and less affected by pests. The sacks, made from durable recycled plastic, can last up to ten years with care. Each participating parent received five sacks to begin gardens at home, extending the project beyond the school grounds.
Water security was strengthened with a dual-source system. Gutters were installed on one of the larger classrooms to harvest rainwater when it comes. Because rainfall is unreliable, the tank is also connected to the town water supply, ensuring continuity.
The women’s empowerment group continues its work crafting baskets from local sisal made from the agave plant. These are sold through Rachel and Lillian of PPIK as they travel to other communities, creating income and strengthening local economic independence.
This project succeeded because it was community-led and community-built. The school, the parents, local leadership, and partner organizations worked side by side. Together, we have transformed a dry, challenging landscape into a thriving, resilient environment, one that nourishes children, empowers families and plants seeds for the future.
