Javan and his permaculture fish farm

JB has mentored many younger people and adults in the ways of permaculture. PPI Kenya's school gardens have brought food into food-insecure communities, trained students in permaculture skills, and empowered (mostly women) to create market gardens at home.

One success story is Javan, a former student at a school with a food-security garden and fish pond. Javan's family lives on a freshwater stream. He's rented land from a neighbour and built four highly productive fish farms.

Javan drove us to visit his farm, in the minivan he purchased with the profits of his business. Just for context, there are few motorbikes, or even bicycles in this area, as there is little extra money for luxuries.

We met Javan's lovely family, toured the gardens, saw the ponds, and tried our hand at fishing. Then, at the end of our time there, we we had a most unique experience (for us!). We sat in a circle, and each person, in a very specific order, shared words of appreciation. Our family then received many gifts. We were out of our element, and tried our best to follow the lead of the others. Lillian, through JB, extended an invitation for Javan and his family to join us for the upcoming farewell dinner, a small gesture of balancing out the scales of generosity.Read more