In June 2023, the time had come: a part of our German LIMBUA team was able to travel to Kenya to get to know our colleagues on site and to take a look behind the scenes of our social business.
The nursery of the macadamia
Visiting the LIMBUA sites at Mount Kenya has been a long-awaited wish for the German colleagues. They started with the tree nursery in Kathangari: The nursery is known for its macadamia, avocado and mango tree seedlings, which are raised by the Kenyan employees with a lot of love and expertise according to the latest scientific findings before they are given to the smallholder farmers.
Nursery manager Regina Rwamba explains details of the macadamia seedling
The German team was accompanied by the experienced plant experts who explained with passion and knowledge the different types of trees as well as their grafting. In the process, they did not only learn interesting facts about the different varieties, but also about the importance of the trees for the ecosystem. After all, more than 200,000 of these organic seedlings have been produced by now.
Discover new things in the LIMBUA tree nursery
The organic mixed farm - and what it means
The visit of several smallholders on their organic mixed farms around the LIMBUA sites was also part of the program. The welcome was warm and touching and fresh organic snacks like jackfruit, bananas or avocado could be enjoyed directly from the farm. The farmers took a lot of time for the team and showed and explained them the exotic plant world and the cultivation of the organic products.
LIMBUA organic smallholder farmer with her family
A mixed farm is a type of agriculture, which combines the cultivation of diverse plants on one piece of land. Unlike monoculture, which grows only one type of crop on a field, it offers many benefits: On the one hand, it promotes natural diversity and soil richness, as different plants require different nutrients and thus fertilize the soil in a varied way. On the other hand, animals such as chickens or cows can serve in a mixed farm by controlling pests or providing fertilizer. Especially for small farms like those run by the farmers associated with LIMBUA, mixed farming is a sustainable and ecological alternative to monoculture.
Experiencing the macadamia harvest first hand
The German team was able to experience first hand how such a mixed farm works and at least get a small impression of the everyday life of the smallholder farmers. Helping with the macadamia and avocado harvest as well as with the purchasing was something special, because many of the tasks involved have little to do with the everyday life in a European office and require above all physical skills. The removal of the thick, green macadamia skin and the selection of the nuts was also mastered under the guidance of the African colleagues.
Removing the green macadamia skin together on the farm
Collaboration during processing
Of course, the visit to the LIMBUA production facilities in Ena and Kianyaga was one of the absolute highlights. What the German team knew from pictures and videos so far, now became visible and tangible: Here, the visitors were finally able to watch live the process of processing the delicious nuts and learn how a high-quality, ready-to-eat product is created from the harvested raw materials.
To lay hands on the hard macadamias themselves and crack them - only to discover how much skill and dexterity it requires - was quite impressive for our employees. After all, up to 150 kg are required to crack the hard shell of the macadamia - and still not damaging the buttery nut inside.
Macadamia selection by hand
Also the packing and container loading and unloading in the logistics department was not to be missed: Getting to know and experiencing what the Kenyan team does on a daily basis. Regardless of the sometimes very hot temperatures, a lot of physical work is taking place in the LIMBUA locations in Kenya.
Cooperation in LIMBUA logistics
Composting is fun!
Especially the processing of the organic compost with the use of modern technology was particularly enjoyable. The organic compost is a nutrient-rich substance that improves the fertility and overall health of the soil. Composting is a natural process in which organic materials from the production of the macadamias, mangoes and avocados decompose over time to produce nutrient-rich compost. These materials provide the necessary base for healthy growth.
By composting the residues of production, such as avocado pits or other plant residues, LIMBUA removes them from the waste stream and instead provides a valuable resource for smallholder farms to promote healthy plant growth.
Processing of organic compost
Team spirit across continents
In addition to the immersion in the processes surrounding the LIMBUA production, one of the main purposes was, of course, getting to know the teams personally. Away from the screen, towards direct exchange. Visions and goals were discussed together and it was emphasized once again that LIMBUA not only attaches importance to ecological aspects, but also to social responsibility and local value creation.
The exchange between German and Kenyan employees was inspiring for everyone and showed that it is possible to combine successful business with sustainability - across continents. A valuable experience for all participants, which illustrates that successful cooperation between different nations is possible.
Thank you to all the team members involved from the bottom of our hearts for their commitment, passion and openness.
