Honde Valley is an epitome of natural beauty
nestled in Eastern Highlands, the Valley is a testament to nature's splendor, with year-round banana cultivation at the backdrop of the Mutarazi Falls. While the land still thrives and the people emanate warmth and hospitality, the region grapples with challenges intertwined with its environment. Mono-culture and droughts disrupt agricultural sustainability, emphasizing the delicate balance of water management crucial for both landscapes and livelihoods. Tackling the absence of sustainable farming practices and ensuring access to indigenous seedlings becomes a shared effort to preserve the valley's charm and support its resilient community.
How We Can Make a Difference
Regenerative Agriculture
We’re establishing a self-sustaining food forest that produces organic indiginous and exotic crops year-round, offering food security, enhancing biodiversity, and better water management, against soil depletion and climate change vulnerability.
Community Empowerment
We're empowering local families, especially women and youth, through the education smallholder farmers and job opportunities, fostering financial inclusion, and fighting against rural-urban migration.
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Eco-Tourism
We’re creating a biodiverse landscape that attracts eco-tourists, contributing to sustainable and diverse income streams for the community, making the bush-life an authentic experience for all.
Why Food Forest
for Regenerative Agriculture?
A food forest is an ecological farming approach that emulates the intricate ecosystems of jungles, where human communities coexist harmoniously with the forest, which in turn provides them with their food
- Soil Improvement & Reduced Erosion
- Efficient Water Management
- Self-Regulating; No Pesticides Needed
- Diverse, Enhanced Food Security
- Community Engagement&Income
- Resilience to Climate Change
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Carbon Sequestration
Our Vision
This project is inspired by a remarkable woman we've come to know as Ambuya, who embodies resilience and generosity. Despite facing adversity, she has graciously opened her home to many and diligently tends to her late husband's land to sustain herself and her community.
Ambuya's kitchen is a sanctuary of warmth and nourishment, always bustling with visitors seeking not only a meal but also her wisdom and healing touch. Through her wholesome food and storytelling, she extends support and guidance to all who seek it.
Our vision is to transform the farm operations and further mostly arable land into a thriving, regenerative food forest, enriching the lives of Ambuya's family and the wider community. By doing so, we aim to alleviate some of Ambuya's responsibilities, allowing her to focus more on what she does best: healing the community.
We believe in the power of community-driven change. Our project is fueled by a dedicated team spanning across the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
An Pegels is the driving force behind our mission to create sustainable food forests in Honde Valley. With a passion for community development and environmental conservation, An brings invaluable expertise and a genuine commitment to empowering local communities. Her journey began with a deep-rooted passion for healthy food chains, cultivated during her career in hospitality. Recognizing the interconnectedness of food production and consumption, she was inspired to embark on a mission to transform landscapes into thriving ecosystems while preserving their natural beauty. Through the Honde Valley Food Forest Initiative, An aims to not only provide nutritious food but also to foster environmental sustainability, social equity, and ethical food practices. An is deeply committed to ensuring the project's long-term sustainability by prioritizing profitability. Leveraging her expertise in business development, she strives to create a self-sustaining model that benefits the community for generations to come.
Our collaborative team consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared goal: to transform landscapes into thriving ecosystems by regenerative agricultural practices. From indigenous and exotic agricultural specialists to community organizers, each member plays a vital role in realizing our vision.
Community Empowerment at the Core
At Honde Valley Food Forest Initiative, we believe in the power of local knowledge and participation. Our project is not just about planting trees; it's about fostering self-sufficiency, resilience, and economic empowerment within the communities we work with.
We understand the importance of transparency in gaining your trust. That's why we're proud to share our journey openly, from the inception of the idea to the ongoing learning process. We're not just a project; we're a community-driven movement with a genuine desire to make a difference. Follow us on Instagram for our stories.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you're a supporter, volunteer, or partner organization, there's a place for you in our growing community. Together, we can create lasting change and build a brighter future for Honde Valley and beyond.