The Organic Farm
The school’s organic farm has become an integral part of the project in recent years, primarily for the provision of fresh produce for our school-meals programme and home-economics department, but also more recently by raising vital revenue for the charity by adopting a more commercial approach to the use of its land. In the long term we hope to demonstrate the opportunities in ethical and sustainable farming that could negate the need for young people to travel to cities for employment.
By partnering with local agri-businesses as well as those further afield, we aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project as a whole, while also adding additional learning opportunities for our students and the wider community of Wioso.
We have recently brought in experts from the Centre for No-Till Agriculture (link) in nearby Amanchia to advise on profitable and sustainable farming methods. All crops are grown organically and the farm attained organic certification in 2017.
The School Farm
The management of the school farm is integral to the whole Alma Mater Education model. Around four acres of land is given over to growing food for the students. Produce such as plantains, cassava, maize, tomatoes, chillies, ginger and turmeric etc., ensure that the pupils have a nutritionally balanced menu.
All our staff and students are given breakfast and a hot, nutritious lunch every school day. Those who board also get a hot dinner each evening. Currently about 60% of the produce we use comes from our farm, and we are constantly working towards full self-sufficiency.
In Agriculture, Business, Science and Home Economics, our students work with our farm staff to incorporate the land around the school into their learning, and this is proving to be hugely beneficial to both parties.
Commercial Farm
A vital part of the Alma Mater model going forwards is the commercial organic farm. At around 20 acres, it will provide a vital income stream for the school. It will grow a range of crops for local, regional and international markets.
The key crops identified for profitability are cocoa, cabbages, chilli peppers, spices and onions.
Sustainable Farming
The Alma Mater Farm is committed to working in service with its local environment and community. Fully organic and sustainable farming practices are implemented at all times, and we promote a no-till approach to land preparation to preserve the soil’s structure and its nutrients.
These organic practices include mulching to help preserve water, and to keep weeding to a minimum. Legumes also help to preserve nitrates in the soil, and so there is much intercropping with beans to support soil nutrients.
Crop rotation is also a vital part of sustainable farming.