Our Programmes | G-BiACK

The Method

8 Elements of GROW BIOINTENSIVE

All our farming programmes are grounded in the scientifically proven GROW BIOINTENSIVE method — 50 years of research by Ecology Action, California.

01

Deep Soil Preparation

Double-digging beds to 60cm loosens soil for deep root penetration, water retention and aeration.

02

Composting

Cold composting of organic matter returns nutrients to the soil, building fertility without any chemical inputs.

03

Biointensive Spacing

Close, hexagonal plant spacing forms a living mulch that conserves moisture, suppresses weeds and maximises yields.

04

Companion Planting

Growing complementary plants together creates natural pest management and maximises the use of space and nutrients.

05

Carbon Farming

Growing 60% of the bed in carbon-rich crops like grains and sunflowers to feed the compost cycle sustainably.

06

Calorie Farming

Allocating 30% of beds to high-calorie crops like sweet potato, cassava and beans to secure household nutrition.

07

Open-Pollinated Seeds

Using and saving only open-pollinated, heritage seeds — protecting farmer independence and biodiversity.

08

Whole System Approach

Applying all elements in synergy creates a self-sustaining, regenerative farming ecosystem on even the smallest plot.

Programmes in Depth

Each Programme, Explained

Farmers working double-dug beds at G-BiACK Thika

01

Food Security

Food Security & Biointensive Farming Programme

This core programme trains smallholder farmers in the 8 Essential Elements of GROW BIOINTENSIVE agriculture — enabling them to produce 2 to 6 times more food per square metre using only locally available resources, zero chemicals, and significantly less water than conventional farming.

Training takes place both at the G-BiACK campus in Thika and through community outreach across Central, Eastern and Nairobi Counties. Trainees receive hands-on practical instruction in double-digging, composting, seed saving and bed management.

3–4 week residential training packages available at G-BiACK campus

Farmer-to-farmer extension and community outreach visits

Follow-up farm monitoring and technical support

Animal husbandry: chickens, rabbits, dairy goats and beekeeping

Community seed bank indigenous variety conservation Kenya

02

Seed Sovereignty

Seed Sovereignty & Conservation Programme

G-BiACK champions the fundamental right of farmers to save, use, exchange and control their own seeds. Our seed sovereignty programme establishes community seed banks, trains farmers in seed selection, cleaning and storage, and preserves indigenous varieties at risk of being lost.

The programme is at the heart of the annual Mbegu Yetu Forum, where seed savers from across Kenya come together to exchange varieties, share knowledge and celebrate agricultural heritage.

Community seed bank establishment and management training

Indigenous variety documentation and conservation

Annual Mbegu Yetu seed sovereignty forum

Farmer-to-farmer seed exchange networks

03

Environment

Environmental Restoration Programme

G-BiACK’s campus includes an active tree nursery with avocado and other indigenous species. The environmental programme trains communities in tree planting, rainwater harvesting structures, biogas installation, energy-saving cook stoves, and solar systems — reducing deforestation and household energy costs.

Tree nursery and community afforestation drives

Rainwater harvesting — G-BiACK’s “man-made river” enables year-round farming

Biogas and energy-saving cook stove installation

Solar system installation for off-grid communities

Women empowerment sewing clothing making Kenya

04

Women & Youth

Women & Youth Empowerment Programme

G-BiACK believes that sustainable development must place women and youth at the centre. This programme builds economic independence through practical skills training using the centre’s 10 sewing machines, pottery workshops using local clay, basket weaving and agri-business development.

As Samuel says: “Women are much more vulnerable to poverty. Here we have programmes to help the women through training in agricultural techniques and other trades.”

Clothing-making using 10 industrial sewing machines

Basket weaving and pottery with local clay materials

Agri-business and market linkage training

Youth re-entry into farming as a dignified career

Programme 05 — Flagship Event

Mbegu Yetu Forum

Mbegu Yetu — Swahili for “Our Seeds” — is Kenya’s premier annual seed sovereignty forum, convened by G-BiACK in Thika. It unites hundreds of farmers, seed savers, youth groups, community leaders, researchers and advocates to celebrate indigenous knowledge, protect agricultural heritage, and reclaim food sovereignty one seed at a time.

The forum features seed exchanges, farmer testimonies, field demonstrations, policy discussions and cultural celebrations. It is free to attend and open to all.

Next Forum 28 August 2026

Location Thika, Kenya

Admission Free — Open to All

Register Interest

Training Options

How to Train with G-BiACK

Training programmes are flexible and designed around the needs of each applicant — whether an individual, a farmer group, a school or an NGO partner.

Residential Campus Training

3–4 week hands-on training at G-BiACK’s Thika campus covering all 8 GROW BIOINTENSIVE elements with daily practical work on the demonstration beds.

Community Outreach Training

G-BiACK staff travel to farmer groups across Central, Eastern and Nairobi Counties to deliver in-situ training and follow-up farm visits.

School & Youth Programmes

Tailored programmes for schools, universities and youth groups wanting to introduce biointensive agriculture as an education or livelihood pathway.

Open Farm Days

Quarterly open days welcoming donors, researchers, NGO partners and the public to tour the 160-bed demonstration farm and meet the team.

Hands-on biointensive farming training at G-BiACK

Ready to Enrol?

Contact us to discuss your training needs. Programmes are available in English and Kiswahili. No prior farming experience required.

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