ABOUT
History of the Gathengera Practical Permaculture Center (GPPC)
The Gathengera Practical
Permaculture Center (GPPC), located in Naivasha, Kenya, was founded by James
Kagwe, a visionary leader in sustainability and waste management, and the CEO
of Waste to Best Environmental Action. The center was established to pioneer
permaculture and agroecology while preserving indigenous practices, promoting
community resilience, and protecting biodiversity. Over the past 6 years, GPPC
has evolved into a hub for sustainable living, offering training in
regenerative farming, eco-building, and circular waste management solutions.
GPPC’s
journey began with its focus on utilizing permaculture principles and has grown
to impact communities through projects like resource value mapping, organic
composting systems, and market garden development. The center features
innovative natural building structures, water harvesting systems, and food
forests, showcasing practical solutions for sustainable farming and waste
management. Today, GPPC stands as a model for ecological harmony, drawing
visitors and farmers alike while continuing to inspire and empower communities
across Kenya.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Projects by Gathengera Practical Permaculture Center (GPPC):
- Permaculture Trainings and Land Design:
- Training and designing land for indigenous women and girls in Baringo County (2024).
- Grey wastewater management project for the Congregation of Religious Sisters in Nyeri (2024).
- Market Garden Development:
- Established a garden for indigenous foods at Tangaza University in Kisaju, Kajiado County (2023-2024).
- Community Waste Management:
- Conducted resource value mapping on Shella Island, Lamu County, enabling community waste management programs (2020-2023).
- Demonstration and Learning Hub:
- Showcasing sustainable building techniques, water harvesting, and regenerative farming practices.
- Eco-Building and Camping:
- Development of natural building model structures and hosting camping activities with over 50 tree species in the botanical garden.
Projects by Waste to Best (Under GPPC):
- Waste Recycling and Repurposing:
- Operating a Resource Recovery, Segregation, and Transfer Center in Naivasha (since 2015).
- Organic Composting:
- Establishing compost systems at Tangaza University in Nairobi (2023-2024).
- Black Soldier Fly Farming:
- Promoting the use of larvae for animal feed to add value to waste.
- Community Waste Management Programs:
- Resource value mapping in Lamu County to develop community waste management systems (2020-2023).
- Consultations and Training:
- Providing training and consultancy on sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions.
Key Differentiation:
- GPPC focuses on permaculture, agroecology, and sustainable farming practices, promoting ecological harmony and community empowerment.
- Waste to Best, as a subsidiary, specializes in waste management, recycling, and creating value from waste to support circular economy initiatives.
