Regenerative Permaculture

Overview

Issues of food security and land degradation are quickly becoming major threats to the livelihoods of millions of people across the world. In East Africa, rapid population growth and climate change exacerbate these issues, leaving populations vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and drought. However, human needs can be met through regenerative permaculture practices. These practices can be used to build resilient, sustainable living systems whilst also expanding and returning balance to the natural ecosystems upon which they rely. The study of permaculture is that of ecological design with the core ethics of care for the Earth, care for people, and sharing of surplus. Permaculture solutions are scalable, and students will be exposed to case studies on both Brackenhurst and the Idili Farm Project Demonstration site.

This program is set to equip and empower students with design methods and the skills to observe and apply practical solutions to the needs of specific target groups through the implementation of diversity-focused regenerative practices, resource management, and energy capture.

Location

The fertile hills of Limuru extend approximately forty kilometers north of Nairobi. These hills are most famous for vast tea fields and farmland. Brackenhurst Learning Center, a conference center and educational campus known for the beauty of its grounds, its refreshingly cool climate, and first-class hospitality toward guests lies within these hills. Its rooms are comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers. Brackenhurst provides tasty, nutritious food ranging from traditional Kenyan to international cuisine. The conference center is equipped with an LED projector, TV multi-system, CD/DVD player, and Wi-Fi Internet access thus creating a conducive learning environment for students. Brackenhurst is proud to be home to one of the largest collections of indigenous plants in Africa, with over a thousand tree and shrub species, making it a unique destination for inspiration, exploration, and learning.

Brackenhurst Botanic Gardens (BBG) is restoring indigenous forest in a valley and hilltop that was previously planted with exotic timber plantation species. One of the main challenges is controlling aggressive invasive plant species which soon shade out native species if not kept in check. In 2011, an alliance of botanic gardens was formed between six large botanic gardens (New York, Missouri, Chicago, RBG Kew, Edinburgh and Perth) and 100 smaller botanic gardens worldwide to embark on carrying out ecological restoration of natural ecosystems. BBG was one of the founding members of this Ecological Restoration Alliance which was launched in May 2012.

Learning Outcomes

During this program, students will:

• Demonstrate intercultural language skills through language and culture lessons and meaningful engagement with community members
• Show an understanding of the environmental issues (and social impacts thereof) that affect Kenyan communities and the ways in which these can be addressed in a sustainable manner
• Reflect on the cross-cultural differences between communities and the ways in which these can translate into environmental differences
• Practically apply theoretical knowledge on regenerative permaculture practices

Note: Specific learning outcomes and activities can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team.

Customize Your Program

Our friendly and experienced program designers will work closely with you to develop your custom faculty-led program from conceptualization to execution. We believe every journey to Africa gives students the opportunity to learn and transform and we pride ourselves in our ability to create unique, sustainable and truly African transformative learning journeys.