Thayu Farm: Growing Together
Growing Together: Children, Livestock & Sustainability at Thayu Farm
Phase 2 of the chicken project, goat multiplication, and expanding farm operations set the stage for a thriving, sustainable future.
Thayu Farm has always been more than a project. It is a place where children, community and land come together with a shared vision of sustainability and long-term care. Recently we welcomed the children from the Tesifa Children’s Home along with the wider Tesifa community to the farm — a meaningful moment that reminded us why this land exists and who it is meant to serve.
As the children spent time on the land, it became clear once again that Thayu Farm is not only about producing food, but about teaching stewardship, responsibility and care.
Testing Systems and Learning Well
After completing Phase One of the chicken project in 2024, we intentionally slowed down to test systems on a small scale. A limited number of chickens were kept as a proof of concept while new staff adjusted to farm life.
Even during this testing phase, the farm achieved approximately 6% sustainability, confirming that the model works, even before refined systems or full capacity.
Learning Through Challenge
The testing season in 2025 was not without its difficulties. As systems were trialled and refined, we faced losses within the flock. A hard but honest part of learning what works and what does not in a real farm environment. These moments exposed weaknesses in processes, oversight, and experience that could not be corrected on paper alone.
Alongside this, the year brought necessary changes within the farm team. Through a period of reshuffling and adjustment, the right people were ultimately put in place, individuals who are responsible, teachable, and committed to the long-term vision of Thayu Farm. We believe this was a season of preparation, where God was building the foundation and shaping the team needed for what lies ahead.
Today, the farm is supported by staff who have consistently demonstrated reliability, growing knowledge, and care for both the animals and the land. This stability has allowed us to move forward with clarity and renewed confidence.
With these lessons learned and a capable, reliable team now in place, we are ready to expand operations and move into the next phase of the chicken project.
Phase Two: Building with Purpose
With systems tested and a capable team now in place, Thayu Farm is moving into Phase Two of the chicken project. This phase focuses on increasing the flock to a full capacity of 1,000 chickens, providing a reliable source of fresh eggs for the Tesifa Children’s Home while also generating income to support both the children and ongoing farm operations.
Phase Two is being funded through our “Sponsor a Chicken” campaign, which allows supporters to contribute directly toward feed, housing, and care as the flock grows. By participating, donors can be part of building a sustainable food system that benefits both the children and the wider farm community.
Learn more or take part in the campaign here:
www.tesifatz.org/sponsorachicken
Goat Growth Through Better Stewardship
What began last year with 15 goats has now grown to 35, reflecting improved care, stronger systems and better stewardship. We expect to have our first culling this year, providing meat to FPCT Tesifa Children's Home as well as a cull sale.
Expanding the Land We Steward
We are currently fencing the full 5 acre property, expanding from the original 1 acre that has been in use. This will allow for growing of necessary food for the Children's Home as well as the livestock at Thayu Farm
Thayu Farm is still very much a work in progress — shaped by learning, correction, and steady commitment. Each challenge has sharpened our systems, strengthened our team, and clarified what sustainable growth truly requires.
As we expand the land under care, grow livestock responsibly, and prepare for the next phase of production, we do so with greater confidence than before. Even while testing systems, the farm reached measurable sustainability; a reminder that what is being built here is both viable and scalable.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to walk this journey with us. If you’d like to follow life at the farm more closely, we share regular updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and progress as it happens on Instagram.
Follow Thayu Farm here: @thayufarm_tz
