Description
Our Journey into Permaculture Arboretum Vanilla Farming in Jinja, Uganda
In our Permaculture Arboretum Model Farm located in Mbiko village, Jinja District, we showcase the cultivation of premium crops, including high-quality Vanilla Beans and Robusta Coffee. The agricultural systems of the Permaculture Arboretum are founded on Permaculture and Agroforestry Principles, promoting ecological, social, and economic sustainability. The farm’s success enables us to encourage and educate our neighbors, small-scale farmers, young entrepreneurs, and women, fostering regenerative farming in commercial production.
The work is to quest our dream of a self-funding model which builds on mechanisms of social, ecological and economical impact . Our profits are invested in building the Tropical Permaculture Education Institute of Africa and running Permaculture Innovation Hub , to increase technical Permaculture adoption at diverse levels.
Our Climate and Altitude: Uganda’s equatorial climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, creates optimal conditions for Vanilla Beans. Situated at elevations between 1085 to 1,500 meters above sea level and with approximately 75% humidity, our farm provides an ideal habitat for these precious orchids.
Shade and Soil: Vanilla thrives in shade, growing under natural tree canopies. The soil, carefully nurtured to a loamy, sandy loam with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5, provides excellent conditions. Regular application of organic compost (e.g. Banana leaves and elephant grass) and rabbit manure further enriches the soil.
Mulching and Irrigation: We utilize banana leaves and elephant grass as natural mulch to retain water. To maintain continuous moisture, even during the dry season, we employ a drip irrigation system.
Spacing and Support Structures: Our Vanilla plants are spaced 2 meters apart in rows. Each plant climbs a canopy tree, offering both shade and stable support for Vanilla growth.
Fertilization and Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Natural liquid fertilizer, primarily sourced from fermented rabbit urine, supplies essential nutrients to plants and serves as a supplement to enhance the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological composition. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, commonly used in permaculture, are implemented to control pests such as aphids and mites. A key strategy involves planting lemongrass in rows to prevent the spread of pest infestation between fields.
Pollination, Pruning, and Training: Daily manual pollination is conducted when each flower reaches the light yellow stage. Regular pruning and training of the farmers ensures growth and protects against pests and diseases.
Harvesting and Storage: Our Vanilla Beans are hand-harvested when fully mature, displaying a light green or yellow hue, biannually. Careful post-harvest processing, including blanching, sweating, and sun-drying, preserves the beans’ quality and unique aroma. Airtight containers and vacuum packaging maintain the beans’ quality.
Join us on this journey and explore the art and science of Vanilla cultivation while contributing to our community’s rich agricultural heritage. If you’d like to see the farm, visit us anytime! If you want to experience the taste of Ugandan Permaculture Vanilla, place your order here.
