Regenerative agriculture thrives on principles of working with nature improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, conserving water, and enhancing productivity. But for smallholder farmers across Africa, the big question is: thrives on principles of working with nature improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, conserving water, and enhancing productivity. But for smallholder farmers across Africa, the big question is:“How can I farm regeneratively without expensive equipment or advanced machinery?” without expensive equipment or advanced machinery?”

- Designed for small plots and low capital

- Require minimal maintenance

- Can be locally made or adapted

- Empower youth, women, and older farmers

- Fit perfectly into agroecological and permaculture systems

a) Broad fork (U-Bar Digger)

- Breaks up compacted soil without inverting layers

- Improves water infiltration and root growth

Powered by human strength—no fossil fuel needed

- Ideal for raised beds, small gardens, and transition from degraded soil to living soil.

b) Hand-Held Ripper or Jab Planter

- Opens the soil, drops seeds, and covers in one motion

- Perfect for conservation agriculture 

- Saves time and labor on no-till plot

-Reduces erosion and works well with cover crops

c) Compost Thermometer + Simple Sifter

- Ensures compost reaches the right heat (55–65°C)

- Sifter separates fine compost for seedlings

- Boosts biological life and organic fertility.

a) A-Frame Level or Water Tube Level

- Simple tool for marking contour lines to build swales, bunds, and terraces.

- Requires 3 sticks, string, and a stone—or a clear hose and water

- Ensures water moves slowly and evenly,preventing erosion.

b) Mulching Tools: Machete + Sickle

- Cut grasses or crop residues for use as mulch

- Protects soil moisture, reduces weed pressure, feeds microorganisms

- Mulching is one of the most powerful low-cost water savers.

c) Low-Pressure Drip Irrigation Kits

- Use gravity-fed tanks and simple emitters

- Works with rainwater harvest tanks and roof gutters.

Conserves water while improving yield by 2x or more.

a) Pitting Bar or Auger Stick

- Dig deep planting holes for fruit trees, nitrogen fixers, or alley cropping.

- Conserves moisture in tree basins

b) Tree Guards (Made from Scrap Materials)

- Protect seedlings from grazing and wildlife

- Made from bamboo, wire mesh, or recycled plastic

c) Pruning Knife or Lopper

- Maintain food forests and chop & drop systems

- Manage shade, biomass, and soil cover

a) PH & EC Soil Test Strips

- Simple color-based tests to check soil acidity and salinity

- Helps farmers apply correct soil amendments

 b) Soil Infiltration Ring (DIY with Pipe)

- Measures how quickly water enters soil

- Indicates compaction or improvement in structure

c) Homemade Berlese Funnel

- Identifies soil insects, earthworms, and beneficial microbes

Know your soil life = grow your farm right.​

a)Compost Bin or Pile (With Shade Net or Pallet Walls)

- Turn kitchen waste, manure, crop residues into rich humus

 b) Pitchfork or Compost Turner

- Accelerate decomposition and aeration

 c)Worm Bin (Vermicompost)

- A small box with red worms, fed organic scraps

- Produces liquid fertilizer (“worm tea”) and black gold compost

Compost replaces chemical fertilizers, builds soil carbon, and is 100% local.