Organic Farms
Farmers learn how to improve their soil through composting methods and readily available materials.
The Sumba Foundation’s organic farm project teaches local farmers new farming methods. This project introduces new and healthier foods to the community and provides them access to our tractors and water pumps to maximize productivity.
Farmers learn how to improve their soil through composting methods and readily available materials. Seeds are provided to farmers who need them, and the Sumba Foundation staff provides technical advice and monitors each farm’s progress.
Sustainability is initially provided by the School Lunch Program. Long beans, eggplant, tomatoes, water spinach, and mung beans are purchased weekly from the farmers, who allocate 10 percent of their crops to our School Lunch and Malnutrition Programs. Any surplus produce is sold by the farmers at the local markets.
We have farms at four different locations: Katang, with 23 farmers; Matanyira, with 8 farmers; Galu Kopi, with 11 farmers; and Welajung with 8 farmers. These farming communities are all using the income generated from their crops wisely. Our surveys show that many of them, with their new income, are now sending their children to universities in Java and Kupang.
Help with Organic Farms
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Supply a group of farmers with seeds to start planting their crops $100
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Buy a water pump for farmers to supply water at two farming locations $120
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Supply farmers with irrigation piping to water their crops $250
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Buy a 5,300-liter water tank to store and distribute water from wells to the farms outside the villages $600