by David Fogg
Eric Maundu is a man of diverse creative vision. Maundu is the creator of Kijani Grows. Based out of the prolific melting pot that is Oakland’s American Steel Studios, Maundu’s Kijani Grows produces and installs aquaponics gardens for schools, homes, and corporate environments. Aquaponics is a natural and organic way of growing plants and fish together through a circulating water system and solar power. Aquaponics combines hydroponics, via water-based planting, and aquaculture via fish farming. This dynamic process uses significantly less water than most urban and commercial farming, doesn’t attract soil-based bugs, and produces both fish and plants.
Maundu’s work is extremely practical for urban settings wherein there is often less resources and space for sustainable gardens. Maundu witnessed the struggle for land, water, and resources in his native Kenya and has created a unique fusion of biology and technology here in the Bay Area. His computer controlled gardening utilizes sensors, relays, and microprocessors. It even uses social media networks to regulate the growth. For instance, Maundu has programmed gardens to Tweet problems: i.e. not enough water, or when there may be an over-abundance of food.
Oakland and Guatemalan groups discuss agriculture, the environment and culture via Skype
A gift of Maundu’s labors is in his willingness to share with the community. His One School One Garden (OSOG) program uses aquaponics to educate students worldwide about the environment and ways in which to enhance nutrition through alternative farming. His newest project, Guns to Gardens, or “G2G”, is an endeavor where Maundu and colleagues are converting a JROTC rifle shooting range into a commercial, smart aquaponics, indoor farm. G2G is an entrepreneurial component of the OSOG program, which has been underway at Castlemont High School in east Oakland. In regards to the students he has been working with, Maundu states, “(t)he transformation right before our eyes is amazing. Once you’re earning their respect, they are a joy to work with”.
The G2G process began with Maundu modeling the aquaponics gardens and indoor greenhouse in digital 3D using Sketchup. They are currently preparing the range room by removing the existing sound proofing and stray bullet deflectors. The environmental assessment of the room came out clean for weapons residue, and so now the surfaces are being sealed for the protection of the gardens, and to remedy potential moisture problems. An adjacent room from the previous range will become a classroom/workshop in which kids can earn money building and installing gardens for the immediate community. There is great promise in Maundu’s pursuits. He is working towards strengthening and educating our community, especially in regards to younger people. Sustainable, low impact gardening may become necessity as urban areas become “smaller”, and with G2G, a life giving force is born from one of implied destruction.