Welcome to Ndege Farm, a place where nature and agriculture harmoniously blend. Our name, 'Ndege', means 'birds' in Swahili, reflecting the vibrant birdlife that thrives amidst our fields and trees, symbolizing freedom and the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Our slogan, 'Maparachichi', translates to 'Avocados' in Swahili, highlighting our farm's special focus on cultivating high-quality avocados. This choice of name and slogan embodies our commitment to creating a sustainable, nature-friendly farming environment where avocados and other crops flourish, supported by the thriving ecosystem around them.
At Ndege Farm, we invite you to experience the harmony of nature and sustainable agriculture, where the chirping of birds merges with the rustling of lush avocado trees, creating a serene and productive oasis.
The Family at the Farm
A New Life Experience in Ndera, Kigali
Welcome to our slice of paradise in Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda. Since September 2021, we have transformed a former macadamia farm into a sanctuary of biodiversity and sustainable livestock farming. Our approach is driven by a strong desire: to teach our children the art of cultivation, producing their own food, and living in harmony with the land. We aim to instill in them respect for animals and an understanding of where the food on their plates comes from.
Our farm is a vibrant ecosystem, growing avocados, beans, pomegranates, bananas, and much more, all selected for their quality and adaptability to the Rwandan climate. Our herds of cows, sheep, and goats are raised with care and respect.
Margot and Chatsi, our devoted dogs, are the guardians of this peaceful haven, offering security and companionship. We are committed every day to merging modern agriculture with sustainable practices, thus contributing to an energy-independent future for Africa while preserving our planet.
Main crops
Avocado
On a sprawling 20,000 square meter area of our farm in Ndera, Kigali, we have meticulously planted 1,000 'Hass' avocado trees. These trees, known for their rich and creamy fruit, thrive in Rwanda's climate. Each tree, given the space to flourish, is a part of our extensive avocado orchard.
Avocado trees generally take about 3 to 4 years to begin bearing fruit, with optimal productivity reached around 5 to 7 years. In this prime environment, we expect each tree to produce approximately 200 to 300 avocados annually once mature. Therefore, with 1,000 trees, our farm is poised to yield an impressive 200,000 to 300,000 avocados each year. This substantial harvest not only signifies our commitment to sustainable agriculture but also positions us as a significant contributor to the local and regional avocado market.
Sugar can
On 2000 square meter we cultivate sugarcane, a crop well-suited to Rwanda's tropical climate. Sugarcane typically requires about 9 to 16 months to reach maturity in this region. From this area, we anticipate an annual harvest of approximately 20 to 30 tons of sugarcane, a substantial contribution to both our farm's productivity and the local market.
Beans
In the interspaces of our 1,000 'Hass' avocado trees, we have strategically planted beans. This intercropping approach optimizes land use and promotes a healthy agroecosystem.
Beans, adaptable to Rwanda's climate, benefit from the microclimate created by the avocado trees, while also contributing to soil health. With their relatively short growing cycle of about 60 to 70 days, beans allow for multiple harvests throughout the year.
From the bean crops nestled among our avocado trees, we anticipate harvesting approximately 1 to 1.5 tons per hectare per cycle. This could amount to an estimated total of 3 to 9 tons annually. This practice not only maximizes our land's productivity but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable and innovative farming techniques.
Secondary plants
Pomegrante
We have a small but flourishing grove of 30 pomegranate (grenadier) trees. These trees, known for their resilience and the nutrient-rich fruit they bear, are an integral part of our agricultural tapestry.
Pomegranate trees thrive in the Rwandan climate, requiring minimal additional water once established. Each tree, when fully mature, can produce approximately 20 to 25 kilograms of fruit per season. In Rwanda, pomegranates typically have their main fruiting season from September to December, with some varieties offering a lighter yield in a secondary season.
From our 30 trees, we anticipate an annual yield of around 600 to 750 kilograms of pomegranates. This harvest not only adds to the diversity of our farm's produce but also contributes to our goal of sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.
Macadamia
Before acquiring our farm the land was primarily used as a macadamia farm. The previous owner later transitioned the focus to various crops, including maize, before we took ownership. Today, we proudly maintain a grove of 50 macadamia trees, a nod to the land's rich agricultural history.
These macadamia trees, amidst our diverse crop selection, are well-suited to the Rwandan climate. Mature macadamia trees can yield about 10 to 12 kilograms of nuts annually. With our 50 trees, we anticipate an annual harvest of approximately 500 to 600 kilograms of macadamia nuts.
This yield, alongside our other agricultural ventures, is a testament to our commitment to preserving the farm's legacy while embracing sustainable and diverse farming practices.
Sweet potatoes
On a dedicated 5000 square meter plot of our farm in Ndera, Kigali, we cultivate sweet potatoes, a versatile and nutritious crop. This area is well-suited for sweet potato cultivation, taking advantage of Rwanda's fertile soil and favorable climate.
Sweet potatoes grow relatively quickly, typically ready for harvest in about 4 to 5 months after planting. This shorter growth cycle allows us to plan for multiple harvests throughout the year.
From this 5000 square meter area, we expect to harvest approximately 10 to 15 tons of sweet potatoes per hectare per harvest. Given the size of our plot and optimal growing conditions, this translates to an estimated total yield of around 50 to 75 tons annually. This substantial production of sweet potatoes not only diversifies our farm's output but also contributes significantly to our sustainable farming initiatives and the local food supply.
Fishing
At Ndege Farm, we're proud to feature a thriving pond where we cultivate tilapia, a versatile and popular fish. This pond serves a dual purpose: it's not only a source of sustainable aquaculture but also a spot for recreational fishing, offering a delightful experience for both family and visitors.
Fishing for tilapia in our pond is more than just an activity; it's an immersive experience in sustainable living and enjoyment of nature's bounty. The joy of catching a tilapia, followed by the pleasure of cooking it, is unmatched. Our favorite way to savor these moments is by preparing the tilapia with a special touch - grilled with a delicious 'sauce poireaux façon Vitshumbi'. This culinary delight, combining the fresh, mild flavor of tilapia with the rich, savory taste of leek sauce, is a tribute to both local and international cuisines.