Regenerative Farming (and how our animals help us)

Soil and enhancers

At The Baobab Home, we are committed to restoring and enhancing the health of our soil. Our animals play a crucial role in this process, as they provide natural fertilizers that enrich the soil. At Baobab, we have 40 cows, 75 chickens, and 2 fish ponds, alongside other residents such as bats and worms. Their waste—such as bat droppings, cow manure, worm castings, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass, fish waste, and chicken manure—act as potent enhancers, feeding the soil with vital organic nutrients, encouraging healthy plant growth. We also periodically rest areas of our farm by planting Green Manure Cover Crops (GMCC), and Vetiver grass. These plants help to ensure that the soil remains fertile, preventing erosion and improving water retention.

 

BSF system In collaboration with EntoHack 7G, we established a black soldier fly larvae colony on the farm. We feed the insects the waste from our kitchen, which they break down and eat. The larvae grow in size to become free superfood for our chickens and fish. The more BSF they eat, the closer we get to a truly closed-loop (free) system. The BSF also generate frass which is a an unparalleled fertilizer for the farm. These little bugs are miracle workers.

 

Native seed saving and seed bank At The Baobab Home, native seed saving is a close to heart practice for maintaining biodiversity, ensuring food security, and preventing soil deterioration. In an era of climate change, industrial farming, and biodiversity loss, safeguarding native seeds is not just about preserving plant varieties; it is  critical to sustaining the very foundation of our ecosystem.  Modern agriculture relies on monocultures and high-input farming methods that deplete soil nutrients and reduce its organic content. Native and heirloom plant varieties, preserved through seed saving, are often more resilient to local pests and diseases. This promotes healthier soils and reduces the risk of soil erosion, desertification, and nutrient depletion.  Seed saving and seed banks are a safety net in a volatile world. They empower communities to grow their own food and preserve their agricultural heritage, reducing dependence on commercial seed systems that may prioritize profit over sustainability. Our Seed Bank, located behind the dining hall, is a shadowed, fresh, locked room where our farmers keep their most precious treasure… the seeds that nurture all of the Baobab community! You will find there baskets and jars for each plant used on the shamba, meticulously stored on shelves.

 

Plant medicine 

In our shamba, many medicinal plants grow, each with its unique healing properties. These plants play an important role in providing natural remedies for common ailments.

Some of our plants: neem, artemisia, castor, baobab, seamoss, guava, chaya, jatropha, aloe vera, moringa

Neem

• Neem is renowned for its powerful medicinal properties. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. We use Neem to treat skin conditions like eczema and acne, improve oral health, boost the immune system, and detoxify the body. Neem leaves, in particular, are known to support liver health and purify the blood.

 

Artemisia

• Artemisia, especially Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood), is most famous for its use in treating malaria due to its active compound, artemisinin. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it effective for treating infections, fevers, and digestive issues. Artemisia is also used in traditional medicine to promote menstrual health and improve immunity.

 

Castor

• Castor oil, derived from the Ricinus communis plant, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. We use it topically for muscle aches, hair growth, and minor skin conditions. It can also be used internally for a variety of ailments.

 

Baobab

• Baobab is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, making it highly effective for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and fighting free radicals. Kids love to eat Baobab fruit as candy. The fruit, leaves, and seeds are used to improve skin health, treat digestive issues, and promote hydration.

 

Sea Moss (Irish Moss)

• Sea moss is highly nutritious, containing dozens of vital minerals like iodine, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It’s commonly used to improve skin health, treat respiratory conditions (such as coughs and congestion), support digestive health, and boost the immune system. Sea moss is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain healthy joints.    (We don’t grow this, it’s from the ocean….we just use it so maybe remove?)

 

Guava

• Guava leaves and fruit have strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. We have been using Guava leaf tea for many years to support digestive health, treat diarrhea. Guava leaf extracts are also used to alleviate symptoms of cough and cold and to support skin health by promoting wound healing and reducing acne.

 

Chaya

• Chaya, also known as Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), is highly nutritious and drought resistant green leafy vegetable. We grow it all over the farm and eat it often. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is used to support liver health, lower blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. Chaya leaves are a wonderful immunity enhancer.

 

Jatropha

• Jatropha is a potent plant with medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. It is used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, sores, and infections. The oil from Jatropha seeds is used to alleviate skin conditions, promote healing, and soothe burns. It also has potential uses in promoting liver health and regulating blood sugar levels.

 

Aloe vera

• Aloe vera is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its numerous health and skincare benefits. Its gel is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We use it to soothe skin irritations, burns, and wounds and drink it for help in reducing acid and asthma. 

 

Moringa

• Moringa is a fast growing deciduous tree that can reach a heigh of up to 40 feet. Its leaves, seeds, and flowers all have powerful health benefits. It is highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants. It is known to reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol. 

 

Communities that safeguard medicinal plants play a vital role in preserving both biodiversity and traditional healthcare systems. By cultivating and conserving plants like the Mwarobaini tree (Neem), known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, they not only safeguard natural resources but also provide local healthcare solutions. For example, Artemisia annua, widely cultivated for its antimalarial compounds, has saved countless lives in malaria-prone regions. These plants also have far-reaching effects beyond individual health—they support livelihoods through herbal medicine trade, preserve cultural traditions, and promote ecological stability by fostering sustainable land use.