Hack a farm

Agriculture Zero Task: Implementing sustainable solutions at Caoba Farms using the Three Sisters method, presented as a children's story.

Current situation of the farm

The farm we chose, Caoba Farms, is located in Guatemala and operates using transition farming practices, combining organic methods with artisanal and manual labor. The farm currently employs rotational monoculture and uses surrounding plants for pest control alongside their own organic mixtures. Despite these efforts, the farm faces challenges in efficiently managing its land and labor, as well as in passing down its artisanal practices to future generations. The reliance on a few key individuals for knowledge transfer creates a fragile system that could falter if these individuals are unavailable. Additionally, their primary focus on profit limits the farm’s ability to fully embrace sustainable, biodiverse farming methods.

A lot of lettuce

---

Hacking the farm with the three sisters

To address these challenges, we propose implementing the Three Sisters method, a polyculture approach that fosters biodiversity and symbiotic plant relationships. Originally practiced by Indigenous communities, this method involves planting corn, beans, and squash together. Each crop supports the others: corn acts as a structure for beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash covers the ground, reducing weeds and retaining moisture. Adapting this method to Caoba Farms, we’ve replaced corn with lettuce as the main crop and identified beans and carrots as its "sisters." This approach reduces labor, improves soil health, and increases overall yield while aligning with the farm's organic ethos. By introducing this innovative yet traditional farming technique, the farm can boost efficiency and sustainability without heavy reliance on external resources.

---

Passing down knowledge through storytelling

To ensure this knowledge reaches future generations, we chose to present our solution in the form of a children's story, "The Three Sisters." By framing the farming principles as a tale of cooperation and symbiosis, we make these practices accessible and engaging for younger audiences. This approach not only preserves the farm's traditions but also inspires a new generation to embrace sustainable agriculture with creativity and curiosity.

Front

The Three Sisters

In the heart of Caoba Farms in Guatemala, three plant friends: Lettuce Lucia, Zara the Carrot, and Beany the Bean, embark on an adventure to save the farm by teaching everyone the importance of working together. Their story is about friendship, mutual support, and the beauty of nature's harmony.

P. 1

On a sunny morning at Caoba Farms, where the air smells of fresh earth and the trees sing with the chirps of birds, three little seeds lay side by side. “We’re going to grow big and strong!” said Lettuce Lucia, twirling her green leaves proudly. “But we’ll need to help each other,” said Zara the Carrot, stretching her roots deeper into the soil. “And together, we’ll make this farm thrive!” chimed in Beany the Bean, climbing a nearby trellis.

P. 2

The three friends looked around the farm. Some crops were droopy, and the soil was tired. The farmers were worried. “The farm isn’t growing like it used to,” said Lucia sadly. “We need to do something to help!” said Zara, her root twitching with determination. “I’ve heard stories of how plants like us can work together,” said Beany, her tendrils pointing at the sky.

P. 3

Lucia explained, “I can grow quickly and cover the soil, keeping it cool and moist!” “And I can dig deep with my roots, making the soil soft for everyone,” added Zara. “I’ll climb high and bring nitrogen to the soil to make it rich!” said Beany proudly. Together, they devised a plan to grow side by side, just like the ancient “Three Sisters.”

P. 4

The farmers planted the three sisters together. Lucia spread her leaves like a blanket, Zara pushed her roots down deep, and Beany’s vines wrapped around a tall stick, reaching for the sun. Before long, the soil was healthier, the pests stayed away, and the farm flourished with life.

P. 5

The farmers were overjoyed. “We’ll never grow plants alone again!” they said. The children on the farm learned the story of the Three Sisters and promised to carry on the tradition. “We did it!” said Lucia. “Together, we’re unstoppable!” added Zara. “And the farm will always have friends like us to keep it alive,” Beany said with a happy wiggle.

Back