Self-Sufficient Food System in Nyali, Mombasa | Living Machi

For a client in Nyali, Mombasa, we designed and installed a complete, self-sufficient food system. The goal was to create a reliable and integrated source of fresh vegetables and fish capable of supporting up to ten people directly on their property.

This project showcases how a residential space can be converted into a productive hub for food. By combining protected agriculture with aquaculture, the system provides year-round harvests and reduces reliance on outside food sources.

An Integrated System for Vegetables and Fish

The system works by creating a closed-loop environment where fish and plants support each other. The main growhouse provides a controlled space for growing vegetables, while a separate propagation house ensures a constant supply of new seedlings. The fish ponds offer a source of protein and nutrient-rich water for fertilizing the plants.

Project Components:

• 12m x 10m Growhouse: The primary structure for year-round vegetable cultivation.
• 6m x 4m Propagation House: A dedicated area to nurture seedlings and ensure continuous planting cycles.
• 4m Tilapia Fish Pond: An integrated pond, likely used to supply nutrient-rich water for the growhouse.
• 10m Outdoor Fish Pond: A larger pond to increase the capacity for fish production.

This installation in Nyali is a working example of a resilient, family-scale food system. It combines multiple components to create a diverse and self-sustaining source of nutrition.