Kakuma Refugee Camp Food Forest, Sacred Grove Sanctuary

The Food Forest Sanctuary for Kakuma Refugees: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Agriculture

Launched in August 2023, the Food Forest Sanctuary for Kakuma Refugees is a groundbreaking initiative born from a partnership between Patty Rangel, Earth Guardian and United Nations Environment Assembly representative, and Kadjosi Matabishi, Chairman of the Development and Empowerment of Society (DES) at the Kakuma Refugee Camp.

This international collaboration was created with a vision to foster sustainability, improve food security, promote better nutrition, and support environmental conservation through the development of a food forest. The initiative has already made incredible strides toward improving the lives of refugees in the Kakuma camp.

Key Achievements and Impact

To date, the project has successfully engaged 90 refugees in various tasks such as building security fences, installing water systems, planting, and harvesting crops. The active participation of women has generated micro-economic opportunities and fostered educational growth, particularly in collaboration with Musa of Life Foundation Aid, another refugee organization within Kakuma.

Success Stories:

Despite the challenges, the food forest has seen notable progress, particularly in vegetable gardening. The community has come together to cultivate crops like spinach, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. These efforts have significantly improved the nutrition of many families, providing them with fresh, organic produce, and empowering them to take control of their food supply.

Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture:

Improved Nutrition: Access to fresh vegetables is transforming the health and well-being of refugee families.

Economic Opportunities: The project has created income-generating opportunities, especially for women.

Challenges:

While the project has made substantial progress, it faces several hurdles that hinder its full potential:

Pests and Insects: Crops are frequently damaged by pests, necessitating the use of organic pest control methods.

Water Scarcity: Limited water resources and the harsh climate have resulted in poor crop yields.

Lack of Farming Tools: Many refugees lack basic farming tools, limiting their ability to expand agricultural production.

Sanitation: The absence of adequate toilets is a significant health risk for farmers working on the land.

Training Needs: There is a growing need for more training in advanced farming techniques, natural pest control, and efficient irrigation systems.

A Call for Support:

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our donors, we reached and exceeded our initial GoFundMe campaign goal in March 2025. However, recent cuts to USAID, with a 40% reduction in international food aid, have placed Kakuma in a dire situation. Soon, all aid will be removed, and refugees will face severe hardship.

This food forest initiative is more important than ever. As we move into Phase 2 of the project, we urgently need additional support to continue this life-changing work. Funds raised will go toward:

Pond Completion: Additional materials, including cement, sand, and waterproof lining, are needed to expand the water pond for sustainable irrigation.

Compost Toilets Construction: Proper sanitation facilities are essential for maintaining a healthy and dignified working environment for farmers.

Knowledge and Training: Capacity-building workshops focused on permaculture, pest control, and water-efficient farming methods.

Farming Tools: Provision of essential tools such as hoes, shovels, rakes, and more to facilitate farm maintenance.

Watering Tools: Drip irrigation kits, watering cans, and hoses to ensure crops receive sufficient moisture while using water efficiently.

The Food Forest Sanctuary for Kakuma Refugees has already proven the power of sustainable permaculture to transform lives and provide hope for a better future. As we advance into the next phase, we invite you to continue supporting this vital work. Stay tuned for opportunities to contribute to the next steps of the project and help us create lasting change for thousands of refugees.

We deeply appreciate everyone who has supported this journey so far and all who continue to believe in our mission.

Thank you for helping us sow the seeds of hope!