Farming Training & Support Services in Kenya | Living Machines

Agricultural Support Services

Living Machines provides services that support sustainable food production projects. We offer practical knowledge, resources, and ongoing assistance to help you manage a productive system.

Our services include detailed training in polyculture farming, a seedling resupply program, and follow-up support for our installations.

Polyculture Farming Trainings & Workshops

We offer multi-day trainings and workshops on the principles and practices of polyculture farming. Polyculture is a method of growing multiple crop species together in a way that mimics natural ecosystems.

This practice can increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and create a more productive farming system than single-crop planting.

Training Curriculum

Our training curriculum is structured into a series of detailed modules. The full program provides a complete framework for establishing a functional farm.

1. Introduction to Polyculture Farming: This module introduces the core principles of polyculture. We explain how growing diverse crops together creates a functional farm ecosystem and contrast this method with conventional monoculture.
2. Understanding Local Agroecological Conditions: Participants learn to conduct a thorough site analysis. This includes assessing soil types, water availability, microclimates, and existing vegetation to inform a practical farm design.
3. Designing a Polyculture System: We provide technical instruction on designing integrated systems. This module covers how to create planting maps, apply concepts like plant stacking for vertical growth, and plan for crop succession over time.
4. Integrating Livestock: This section shows how to properly integrate livestock, like chickens, into a polyculture system. We focus on their role in managing pests, cycling nutrients through manure, and contributing to the farm's economic output.
5. Crop Choices and Guilds for the Region: We focus on selecting appropriate plants for Kenya's climate. Participants learn how to assemble "guilds"—mutually beneficial groupings of plants that support each other by fixing nitrogen, repelling pests, or attracting pollinators.
6. Soil Fertility and Regeneration: This module covers practical, hands-on techniques for building soil health. Topics include creating high-quality compost, using cover crops and green manures, and effective mulching strategies.
7. Natural Pest and Disease Management: We teach proactive, preventative strategies for managing pests and diseases without synthetic chemicals. The focus is on creating habitats for beneficial insects and using natural, on-farm preparations.
8. Farm Planning and Implementation: This section helps turn a design into an actionable plan. We cover project timelines, budgeting for materials and labor, and phased implementation strategies for establishing a new farm.
9. Economic Sustainability & Marketing: A farm must be financially viable. This module covers business planning, identifying local markets for diverse products, methods for value addition, and effective marketing.
10. Community Engagement & Education: We discuss the social components of polyculture farming. Topics include how to share knowledge, build local food networks, and engage with the surrounding community.
11. BONUS: Site Visits or Demonstration Plots: The training includes visits to established polyculture systems. These practical sessions provide valuable context and demonstrate how the principles are applied in a real-world setting.

Ongoing Support and Supplies

We offer continuing services to support the long-term function of your projects.

Seedling Resupplies

A productive system requires a steady supply of healthy planting material. We provide a convenient resupply service for vegetable, herb, and fruit tree seedlings. This service ensures you have access to quality plants when you need them for seasonal planting or system expansion. You can find more details on our seedlings page or contact us through WhatsApp.

Check-ins & Follow-ups

We want to ensure your new system establishes correctly. Every installation project includes a 3-month follow-up service at no extra cost. Our team will check in to offer technical guidance, answer operational questions, and help solve any initial problems. For continued assistance after this period, we also offer affordable subscription packages.

Service Inquiries

Our services are designed for both new gardeners and experienced farmers who want to use more sustainable practices. To ask about training schedules or other services, please get in touch with our team.