Discover How Schools are Embracing Permaculture to Thrive in a Changing Climate

Imagine a school where the lush greenery isn’t just for show but serves as a vibrant ecosystem, producing fresh, organic food while nurturing the land it grows on. This isn’t a distant dream—it’s the reality for schools across Kenya, where permaculture is revolutionizing education and sustainability.

More than 300 schools, including St Denis Libolina School, Thika Rescue Centre, Buchenya Primary, and Kimua Primary, have embraced eco-friendly farming practices to combat climate change and bolster food security. These schools are leading the charge, showing that a harmonious relationship between humans and nature is not only possible but essential for our future.

Take St Denis Libolina, for example. Nestled on the outskirts of Myanga township, this school has transformed every inch of available land into thriving vegetable gardens and food forests. Thanks to their permaculture initiatives, they’ve not only become self-sufficient in food production but have also generated surplus for the market—all without spending a dime on store-bought vegetables for their boarding pupils.

Gladys Orlando, the school’s head teacher, beams with pride as she discusses the impact of their permaculture project. Not only does it support the school feeding program year-round, but it also integrates seamlessly with the Competency-Based Curriculum, offering students invaluable practical lessons in sustainable agriculture.

So, what exactly is permaculture? It’s more than just farming—it’s a philosophy that embodies the conscious design and maintenance of ecosystems that mimic the resilience and diversity of natural systems. By harnessing the power of nature, permaculture fosters environmentally friendly practices, produces healthier organic foods, and reduces energy and resource consumption.

At St Denis Libolina and beyond, permaculture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Water harvesting, cover cropping, mulching, and composting are just a few of the techniques employed to create an eco-friendly environment where crops flourish year-round. From indigenous vegetables to fruit trees and herbal plants, diversity is key to ensuring a bountiful harvest.

But the impact extends beyond the school gates. Karen Nekesa, a regional officer at ReSCOPE, emphasizes the potential for school-owned land to supplement healthy school feeding programs by up to 50%, all while conserving the environment. With proper utilization, underutilized land in both rural and urban schools can become thriving hubs of sustainable food production.

Bilha Miraba, a teacher at Buchenya Primary School, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the enthusiasm of students and parents alike for practical farming lessons. Despite facing resource constraints, the school’s farming club is a testament to the transformative power of permaculture education.

However, challenges remain. Limited access to climate funds hampers the efforts of schools and communities to fully embrace sustainable practices. Only by empowering local initiatives and investing in green economies can we truly address the urgent challenges of climate change.

As the world grapples with an uncertain future, the lessons from these pioneering schools offer hope and inspiration. By nurturing a symbiotic relationship with the land, we can not only adapt to a changing climate but thrive in harmony with nature. Together, let’s sow the seeds of a greener, more resilient future—for ourselves and generations to come.