Have you ever fathomed what the Biblical Garden of Eden looked like? Well, in Sipili, Laikipia West seats such a reflection – Dincom Eden Villa Estate.
This is a garden with a variety of fruit trees, only that all the products are edible, with no forbidden fruit. You only pay a small fee at the gate, enter and choose the many fruits you want, eat them, but do not carry them.
The 7.5-acre family land owned by one Charles Mureithi is fully covered with fresh fruits across all seasons. This is in a bid to promote green tourism, after getting the experience in Japan over a decade ago.
I studied the Implementation and Promotion of Agribusiness in African Countries course in Japan in 2011. When I came back, I put what I studied into practice.
said Mr. Mureithi.
According to the farmer, what started as just a passion has since grown to attract global attention. Many people from across the world occasionally pay him a visit to get a natural feel of the fruits they otherwise have never seen on trees.
When I was starting this farm practice in 2005, it was a result of passion and only for domestic consumption; now I have 32 different types of fruit trees.
he said. Some of the tropical fruits like Mangoes and avocadoes do not do well in European countries, which makes them visit my land to see them on trees and eat them while fresh.
the farmer added.
Mr. Mureithi is a professional Swahili/CRE teacher – currently working at Lariak Secondary School. He operates the farm with his wife and three sons plus an employee.
Mr. Mureithi with his students from Lariak Secondary School
In addition to green tourism, Dincom Eden Villa Estate also engages in training primary and secondary school students, and also trains farmer groups on best farming practices and caring for the environment. Also found in the Estate are livestock, bees, and tree nursery among others meant to address climate change.
With some partners, 16 representatives from 16 African countries came for training on my farm.
Mr. Mureithi said. We have so far received three national awards; being the best farmers in 2016, best in climate resilience(best climate-smart agriculture) in 2021, and Green Architecture of the year in 2021.
The farmer is in the process of constructing cottages on the farm as more people keep requesting for the same to spend a night or two in the vicinity. People intending to have small parties like birthdays, engagements, or wedding photo sessions can also, do the same in the land.
Through the aid of the County Government of Laikipia, the farmer has been able to exhibit some of his products in Nyahururu town.
Contact Mureithi on 0700 568 795 or 0734 585 500.