KCF Tree Farm, Vegetable Garden, Orchard, Hot House Tomatoes, Pig Project and Ostriches
In accord with its philosophy of self-sustainability, KCF bought thirty-six acres of land southwest of Nairobi in the heart of the Masai reserve. In April 2007, we planted twenty-two thousand eucalyptus trees which will be harvested in 2012. The profits from this first harvest will ensure that Meru Children’s Home will be able to survive without continued donor support.
The same trees will be harvested another eight times over the next forty years. The proceeds from each successive harvest will be used toward the sustainability/development of the home.
In the meantime, KCF has decided to undertake further development of the farm with an eye toward the sustainability of the farm itself as well as outreach into the Masai community. In 2007 KCF purchased fifteen sheep. The flock has increased to about eighty. About fifty percent of the sheep will be sold each year at Christmas when prices reach the maximum level the market will provide.
In 2009, six acres were ploughed for the cultivation of vegetables and an orchard. The produce will be offered first to the local Masai community at very affordable prices. The remainder will be sold on the open market.
In 2010, KCF plans to establish a green house tomato project. Eventually we hope to have three or four greenhouses all growing hot-house tomatoes. Again, the first produce will be sold to the local community and the rest on the open market.
While all this is going on, we will begin to introduce pigs, chickens, geese and ostriches to the farm – to keep company with our two donkeys.
When all these projects are realized, not only will we have a tremendous outreach into the community, but the farm itself will be turning a profit which can be used as the Trust Committee deems advisable.
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