The GROW BIOINTENSIVE farming method is the millennia-old traditional and organic farming system based on:
• Double-Dug, Raised Beds
• Composting
• Intensive Planting
• Companion Planting
• Carbon Farming
• Calorie Farming
• The Use of Open-Pollinated Seeds
• A Whole-System Farming Method
Most plant life occurs at the interface of soil, water, air and sun. GROW BIOINTENSIVE soil preparation practices create growing beds with more surface area to maximize the effect of nature’s life processes. Double-dug beds, with soil loosened to a depth of 24 inches, aerate the soil, facilitate root growth, and improve water retention. The health and vigor of the soil are maintained through the use of compost. Close plant spacing is used to protect soil microorganisms, reduce water loss, and maximize yields. Companion planting facilitates the optimal use of nutrients, light and water, encourages beneficial insects and creates a vibrant mini-ecosystem within the garden. A focus on the production of calories for the farmer and carbon for the soil ensures that both the farmer and the soil will be adequately fed and that the farm will be sustainable. The use of open-pollinated seeds helps to preserve genetic diversity and enables gardeners to develop their own acclimatized cultivars. All of the components of this system must be used together for optimum effect and to avoid depleting the soil.
GROW BIOINTENSIVE mini-farming techniques make it possible to grow food using:
• 67% to 88% less water
• 50% to 100% less fertilizer
• 99% less energy than commercial agriculture while using a fraction of the resources
These techniques can also:
• Produce up to 6 times more food per unit area
• Build the soil up to 60 times faster than in nature
• Reduce by half or more the amount of land needed
CGA has trained thousands of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who are currently using the system. It is also taught at Pathfinder Primary as part of the curriculum and students often go out into the community to conduct trainings in GROW BIOINTENSIVE methods.
You can support this self-help food raising system by:
Training one community group of about 30 people @ Kshs. 150000 (US$ 1500)
One farmer @ Kshs. 7000 (US$ 70) to attend a 7 day workshop
Provide basic farming supplies @ Kshs 10000 (US$ 100) for seeds, 2 hoes, slasher, machete, 2 spade, sickle and a wheelbarrow
Visit our Donate page and learn more!
• Double-Dug, Raised Beds
• Composting
• Intensive Planting
• Companion Planting
• Carbon Farming
• Calorie Farming
• The Use of Open-Pollinated Seeds
• A Whole-System Farming Method
Most plant life occurs at the interface of soil, water, air and sun. GROW BIOINTENSIVE soil preparation practices create growing beds with more surface area to maximize the effect of nature’s life processes. Double-dug beds, with soil loosened to a depth of 24 inches, aerate the soil, facilitate root growth, and improve water retention. The health and vigor of the soil are maintained through the use of compost. Close plant spacing is used to protect soil microorganisms, reduce water loss, and maximize yields. Companion planting facilitates the optimal use of nutrients, light and water, encourages beneficial insects and creates a vibrant mini-ecosystem within the garden. A focus on the production of calories for the farmer and carbon for the soil ensures that both the farmer and the soil will be adequately fed and that the farm will be sustainable. The use of open-pollinated seeds helps to preserve genetic diversity and enables gardeners to develop their own acclimatized cultivars. All of the components of this system must be used together for optimum effect and to avoid depleting the soil.
GROW BIOINTENSIVE mini-farming techniques make it possible to grow food using:
• 67% to 88% less water
• 50% to 100% less fertilizer
• 99% less energy than commercial agriculture while using a fraction of the resources
These techniques can also:
• Produce up to 6 times more food per unit area
• Build the soil up to 60 times faster than in nature
• Reduce by half or more the amount of land needed
CGA has trained thousands of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who are currently using the system. It is also taught at Pathfinder Primary as part of the curriculum and students often go out into the community to conduct trainings in GROW BIOINTENSIVE methods.
You can support this self-help food raising system by:
Training one community group of about 30 people @ Kshs. 150000 (US$ 1500)
One farmer @ Kshs. 7000 (US$ 70) to attend a 7 day workshop
Provide basic farming supplies @ Kshs 10000 (US$ 100) for seeds, 2 hoes, slasher, machete, 2 spade, sickle and a wheelbarrow
Visit our Donate page and learn more!
