How We Farm

Amigos places a high value on the natural resources of Uganda and seeks to use these in innovative and highly efficient ways. Kira Farm is a beacon facility, modelling the effective and sustainable use of natural resources through teaching environmentally friendly farming methods. At Kira Farm we follow, and teach, the practices developed by ‘Farming God’s Way’, combining biblical training, innovative technology and effective management in order to unlock the potential of the land using scientifically sound and no-till agricultural techniques. This is in direct contrast to the usual ‘slash and burn’ method that is destroying much of Africa’s fertile soil. Based on the proven techniques of conservation agriculture, and used across sub-Saharan Africa with tremendous effects, Farming God’s Way results in a dramatic increase in yield alongside improving the long-term productivity of the land and thus reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. We also work closely with Rural Extension with Africa's Poor (REAP)

At Kira Farm we always look for new and creative technologies that can further our quest for environmentally friendly, highly efficient, farming techniques. We hope that as our students return to their villages, they will be able to transfer the knowledge and skills they have acquired and so help transform the farming techniques in rural Uganda.

• Bio-sand Water Purification: Amigos build, and gives training in, innovative Bio-sand Water Filter technology at Kira Farm. Water Filters prevent the boiling of drinking water via wood and charcoal, which is adding to the demise of Uganda’s dwindling tree population as well as being a costly way of purifying water.

• Water Jars: Water shortage and drought are common in Uganda, so at Kira Farm we use water jars to capture rain water. The water jars not only bring extra water to Kira Farm, but the students are given training in building the water jars which they can transfer to their local communities.

• Energy Efficient Stoves: Amigos is working to develop energy efficient cooking stoves that burn far less wood or charcoal. Uganda has rapidly decreasing wood resources and so these stoves are important for protecting the environment.

• Solar Technology: We have gradually implement solar technology throughout Kira Farm, adding to our existing solar water pump/borehole and portable solar lig htings for the many power cuts. We are also working on a project to develop solar lamps in rural areas,