"Obtain a Yield": How to apply this Permaculture Principle at PerrineKope Farm?
At 700 meters above sea level, nestled in a lush and humid region, PerrineKope Farm is evolving into a model of how small-scale farming can merge sustainable practices with the pursuit of tangible yields. Led by Jacques, with the support of his wife, Tagdaba, and Robert, who joined in 2023, this small family farm began its journey in 2021. Their ambitious mission: to apply agroforestry and permaculture principles to a challenging landscape, demonstrating that this approach can secure sustainable growth while addressing immediate needs.
Journey to Obtain a Yield at PerrineKope Farm
Before addressing food production, PerrineKope Farm's first priority was creating shelter for the farmers. With these basic needs met, the journey to sustainable food cultivation and agroforestry could truly begin
1. "Beginnings are always the hardest times"
Jacques set out to clear the dense bush that surrounded the farm, whilst preserving the trees and planting fast growing trees like banana trees.
Next step was to cultivate the basics. The initial crops—patates douces (sweet potatoes), manioc (cassava), ignames (yams), soja (soy), and taro—were essential to feed both the small farm crew and the builders working on critical infrastructure like the water pumping system and solar panels.
Permaculture emphasizes the importance of taking time to observe and understand the land before making permanent changes, but, as the saying goes, "you can't work on an empty stomach".
To balance these needs, we had to learn from our neighbors and adopt a flexible approach—testing and trying crops that wouldn’t have long-term impacts. This initial focus on cultivating basic, temporary crops allowed us to address immediate needs while observing and learning from the environment, finding a way to navigate this apparent contradiction.
2. A New Phase of Growth: Nursery, Animals, and Vegetables
PerrineKope Farm began then to branch out from basic survival crops to a more diversified model. The introduction of a tree nursery marked a significant step toward long-term growth. Jacques and his team began experimenting with planting trees that would eventually provide fruit, condiments, spices and other yields. Alongside this, the farm welcomed its first animals, providing another source of nourishment and income potential.
The first vegetable garden was also started this year, focusing on plant associations to maximize efficiency and promote healthy growth. By using techniques that align with permaculture principles—such as companion planting—Jacques was able to experiment with different crops without depleting the soil, ensuring that each step taken was a sustainable investment in the farm’s future.
This period saw the farm begin to transition from short-term sustenance to a model where long-term yield was the goal. Every action, from planting new trees to raising animals, was part of a carefully planned journey toward resilience and growth.
3. From Vegetables to Trees
An exciting progression has been made with the planting of trees from the nursery. The selection includes both indigenous and tropical species, chosen for multiple purposes: capturing carbon, providing food for farm animals, and producing valuable yields. The variety includes fruit trees like papayas, pomegranates, guavas, mulberries, passion fruit, pineapples, avocados, and citrus, alongside crops like coffee, cacao, and nuts such as macadamia and cashew. Spices like vanilla and cinnamon trees have also been added to enhance the farm’s diversity.
Meanwhile, the vegetable garden continues to evolve with careful experimentation, adjusting planting times to match the rainy and dry seasons. Jacques' strategy is clear: grow crops that are scarce in the market and align production with demand, ensuring the farm remains competitive year-round.
This diverse approach is steadily increasing the farm’s long-term yield potential, creating a more resilient and sustainable system.
Looking Forward: Building Toward Sustainability
The path to sustainable yields is never straightforward, but PerrineKope Farm is determined to continue evolving. With each new season comes new tests, new crops, and more insight into what works best for the farm’s unique climate and market conditions. The big nursery, with its growing collection of fruit and spice trees, stands as a symbol of the farm’s future potential.
In the coming years, the goal is clear: continue to "Obtain a Yield" by carefully balancing experimentation with tradition, ensuring that the farm remains not only productive but also ecologically sound. Whether through expanding the variety of crops, refining planting techniques, or continuing to engage with local markets, PerrineKope Farm’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and growth.
For more about our journey at PerrineKope Farm, visit our PerrineKope page to follow us on Instagram and see our latest updates. If you're interested in how permaculture principles can be applied to West African farming or business behaviors, feel free to contact us—we’d love to explore these ideas with you!