Impact Campaign
The Garden
Phase 1 of the Fight for Food garden installation is situated in Ngong town, 30km north-east of Nairobi. Installed and managed by Fight for Food's technical lead Samantha Nyakeya, this garden acts as a showcase of the potential indigenous solutions to the food security issues Kenyans are facing today.
Meet the Hero Crops
Four special plants we have our eye on this season—each with its unique qualities and potential to contribute to a resilient food system:
This first season in our garden is buzzing with promise. We're sowing a diverse range of indigenous seeds and vines, many of which have been saved from previous years and shared by our network of friends. Among them, you'll find murenda (jute mallow), nderema (also known as vine spinach or Malabar spinach), and mitoo (also known as slenderleaf). We're also grateful to the Seed Savers Network for sharing a variety of seeds with us, some of which we'll be growing specifically for the seed bank. While not all seeds may reach maturity—gardening is, after all, an exercise in patience and adaptability—we're eager to nurture them and observe which ones thrive.

Of these variety of crops, here are four special plants we have our eye on this season:
  • Glass gem maize
    The Glass Gem maize (Zea mays), known for its stunning multi-colored kernels, originates from the efforts of Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer in Oklahoma, who meticulously selected and saved seed from cobs that exhibited vivid, translucent colors. The maize represents the significance of preserving biodiversity and the art of seed saving, which has important implications for regions like East Africa, including Kenya.
  • Mitoo, also known as slenderleaf
    A versatile plant native to East Africa, mitoo (Crotalaria brevidens) is celebrated for its resilience, nutritional value, and its role in traditional medicine. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this leafy green is drought resistant and grows well in various soil types, making it a perfect candidate for food security efforts​.
  • Nderema, also known as vine spinach
    Nderema (Basella alba) is a fast-growing vine plant that thrives in tropical climates. Its leaves are a popular ingredient in Kenyan cuisine, known for their rich, slightly sweet flavour. Not only is this vine spinach a hardy and high-yielding plant, but it's also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet and boosting health​.
  • Saget, also known as spider plant
    Indigenous to Kenya, saget (Cleome gynandra) is a nutritious vegetable that’s gaining popularity for its health benefits and adaptability. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions, including droughts, and it improves soil quality. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, the spider plant offers great nutritional benefits, making it a significant contribution to a balanced diet and a sustainable food system.