How can ecological, fair production and economy become even more of a standard?
I have long been concerned with the topic of how ecological, fair production and economy can become more of a standard? What can we as ecological producers do better, or even take other companies along with us on this path? How can we motivate consumers, companies, the country and its people and politicians to make it fun and meaningful to work sustainably? In our search for answers and good examples, we, POLOLO, came across SEKEM in Egypt through our friends at People Wear Organic. Could it be that we can find an answer there? In the middle of a country that suffers from poverty, water shortages, overpopulation and educational deficits?
At the end of October we set off on a journey with the IVN (the association for sustainable natural clothing). In a country full of problems and conflict, we were able to find interesting answers. Our week-long journey left a deep impression on us - full of exciting encounters and inspiring moments. Let us take you with us and give you a little insight into our experiences.
Site visit Egypt: Sekem focuses on sustainable and fair production
SEKEM can perhaps best be described as a living vision of a sustainable future: on the one hand, a business enterprise that holds its own in global competition, and on the other hand, a place where the earth and resources are treated in such a way that they also enable future generations to live a good life.
The SEKEM initiative was founded in the 1970s by Ibrahim Abouleish, who was determined to tackle Egypt's environmental and social challenges - from pollution to water shortages and educational deficits. His goal was to use resources sparingly while creating fair living conditions.
Today, more than 2.500 people work at SEKEM, supported by a global network of partners, sponsors and friends. SEKEM encompasses much more than sustainable agriculture and innovative water extraction: schools, kindergartens, a university, medical care and the development of renewable energies - especially solar energy - are part of the initiative. It is particularly important to actively involve Egyptian small farmers in order to promote social justice and to jointly shape a sustainable future.
Compost – the basic building block of sustainable agriculture
At the SEKEM farm near Cairo, we were able to experience the core element of biodynamic farming: compost. It ensures soil fertility - a basic requirement for healthy plants and for all food and cotton production. Given that only about 10% of Egypt's land is suitable for agriculture, soil fertility is crucial to ensure the sustainable supply of a growing population.
The compost produced on the SEKEM farm is delivered to various regions in Egypt in order to make even the most barren soils (such as desert soil) fertile without chemical additives. The production follows biodynamic principles and goes beyond classic composting: In addition to plant and animal materials, cow dung is also buried in cow horns - a traditional process that is intended to strengthen the soil energetically and improve soil quality. This method has impressed us deeply and shown how important it is to care for the soil for the future.
Cotton – grown in a water-saving manner
Together with Constanze Abouleish, the daughter-in-law of Sekem founder Ibrahim Abouleish, we were able to experience the cotton harvest in the Nile Delta and get our hands dirty. There, organic cotton farming means avoiding the use of chemicals and using biodynamic methods that keep the soil healthy and fertile in the long term, thus requiring less water - a decisive advantage in times of climate change and increasing water shortages.
Specially planted trees around the cotton fields shade the soil, break the wind and thus protect the fields from drying out. The trees also raise the groundwater level. Near the Nile, the farmers can use groundwater and wells. Organic farming ensures that the water stays in the cycle: it does not simply seep away, but feeds trees and plants. These biodynamic farming methods are environmentally friendly and conserve water resources. The longer the farmers cultivate the fields organically, the more efficiently they work - they save up to 90% of water. SEKEM is thus creating a sustainable basis for cotton production. The highlight for the Pololo team, after all, many of our products are based on organic cotton.
Climate Heroes: Today's Farmers
Climate change affects us all - an answer to the question of how we can reduce and bind CO₂ emissions came from Helmy Abouleish, the son of the founder and current managing director of Sekem: "Farmers are the climate heroes of our time." Biodynamic farmers do more than just provide food. Through sustainable methods, they preserve the soil for future generations and actively bind CO₂.
Every farmer who switches to biodynamic farming contributes to soil fertility in the long term. Instead of monocultures, crops such as cotton and grain are grown in rotation, as well as rest periods, to protect the soil. But what motivates farmers who still work conventionally to switch to organic farming? Climate certificates offer them financial support.
This approach has already led thousands of small farmers in Egypt to commit to biodynamic agriculture. Sekem's stated goal is for 40.000 farmers to practice sustainable agriculture in the next few years. This way, climate protection and agriculture can go hand in hand - Egyptian farmers (just like our farmers here in Germany, of course) are role models for a sustainable future.
The green desert of Egypt – How do you make land arable while protecting the climate and the livelihoods of small farmers?
I admit that when we first heard about "Greening the Desert," we had a few questions in our heads. How can we make many hectares of desert soil fertile? And without using a huge amount of energy and water? Without endangering other ecosystems?
In recent years, SEKEM has acquired desert areas to develop model farms there. In the remote region of Wahat El-Bahareyya, about 500 kilometers from the SEKEM mother farm, Helmy Abouleish personally guided us through his ecological future project.
Here, the desert is being greened in an impressive way - with the targeted use of solar energy, high-quality compost, a well-thought-out selection of plants and minimal but necessary well water. What is particularly impressive is that organic farming reduces the need for water from year to year.
The decades of knowledge of the SEKEM team is applied here to achieve the seemingly impossible: to transform desert soils into fertile land and at the same time create a sustainable, future-oriented model for agriculture.
CO₂: The Challenge of Our Time
Agriculture can be a key to CO₂ sequestration - every farmer who cultivates biodynamically is actively contributing to reducing emissions. But how do you motivate farmers who have long been farming conventionally to switch to biodynamic farming? Climate certificates offer a solution: small farmers receive financial support that ensures them a stable existence. But for most farmers, it's about more than just money - it's the recognition and appreciation of their work as a contribution to climate protection that gives them strength.
Although I am usually rather critical of certificate trading, we have seen here that it actually works and brings about positive change. Thousands of Egyptian small farmers have already switched over, and in the next few years this number is expected to rise to 40.000. With their efforts, they are showing how climate protection and agriculture can go hand in hand and proving that sustainable solutions are possible when people come together and strengthen each other.
Together for a sustainable future
The trip to Egypt impressed us. We met people who are working for a sustainable world. This strengthens our own commitment by showing that we can all make a contribution to preserving our planet.
We are convinced: Every step counts. And maybe one day your path will lead you to SEKEM. There is a guesthouse there that gives visitors a direct insight into the work and the visions on site. If you have any questions about our trip, please contact us.
Best regards, Franziska & your Pololo team
