Acacia Camp – An Agricultural Project for Self-Determination

One of the main goals of the WeCare-Association is to prevent the Maasai from migrating to the slums of Nairobi. In order for them to remain in their tribal area, they need secure livelihoods – the construction of a borehole was a first step, but more is needed in the long term: education, prospects and economic independence.

The idea of a Maasai farm is based on the traditional knowledge of the Maasai as shepherds. In addition to livestock farming, arable farming and dairy farming were also integrated into the project. A student from the University of Bologna accompanied the implementation as part of his dissertation.

Project start and structure

The Maasai provided 18 hectares of land for the project. In December 2016, soil samples were taken and analyzed in Bologna to determine suitable maize varieties. Work began on site on July 20, 2017: Ten men cleared the land, later assisted by an excavator. Within a few days, the construction of the barn and guard hut and the fencing of the terrain began.

There was a huge response: 43 men wanted to work with us, but only ten could be hired permanently.

Dairy farming & aloe vera

On August 20, 2017, 500 aloe vera plants were planted – with the aim of later producing care products. Shortly afterwards, project manager Giorgio Girella bought 20 Holstein dairy cows, two of which were pregnant, from the traditional Gogar Farm in the Rift Valley. They arrived at Acacia Camp on 8 September – the same day they were milked for the first time: 40 liters of fresh milk, sold in Kajiado for around 70 centimes per liter.

The sale financed the wages of the seven farm workers. The very next day, many people were standing in front of the barn with plastic containers – the milk was bought directly from the farm.

Growth & challenges

Vegetables were sown for the first time in fall 2017. Milk production increased, as did demand – people from neighboring villages also came to buy. The first calf was born in November, followed by another in March 2018. Despite setbacks (one cow fell victim to hyenas, two died of illness), the farm has established itself.

Today, the 17 remaining cows produce 15 to 20 liters of milk per day. Ten men earn their wages on the farm, while the chicken coop provides regular work for three young women – they were provided with 100 hens and later 50 chicks. Eggs have also been sold since February 2018.

Four greenhouses for vegetables were built. Tomatoes, corn and other vegetables now grow on the site.

A place of hope

In July 2018, the WeCare-Association team visited the camp: people from the surrounding area stood in long queues in the mornings and evenings to buy fresh milk. There was great joy – at what has been created with joint effort.