dutch design week, 17-25 oktober 2026 eindhoven

Kindred Crop

Humanitarian Kit for Nutritional Independence

Hosted by Liam Hayes

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Entrance fee

Free access

Accessibility

Tactile
Dogs are allowed
Toilets available
Fully wheelchair accessible

Opening hours

11:00
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Kindred Crop is a kit that helps refugees grow fresh, healthy food in harsh, arid conditions using minimal water and readily available, upcycled materials.

The Challenge: Limited Access to Fresh Food

In refugee camps, life often revolves around limited resources. Many rely solely on basic staple rations for sustainance, with little access to nutritious produce, especially in arid regions. Kindred Crop addresses this challenge by providing a way to grow food locally, even in dense refugee camps, where electricity and a stable water supply may not exist.

The Solution: A DIY Kit Built from What’s Available

Kindred Crop is a self-assembled, closed-loop farming system designed for harsh environments. Leveraging available materials like tent poles and tent fabric, the system enables users to grow fruit and vegetables with minimal water input. The kit includes basic tools, custom parts, and simple instructions, all developed in collaboration with key NGOs. The design makes use of upcycled, locally available resources to ensure practicality and sustainability.

The Impact: Practical Independence in Difficult Conditions

Kindred Crop does more than grow food: it’s a tool for reclaiming control in a situation where most choices are limited. By producing fresh, nutritious food, users can supplement basic rations, avoid nutrition-linked maladies, and reduce dependence on aid. It is a practical step towards autonomy, designed for people navigating some of the toughest conditions in the world.

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The Kit: Custom Parts and Tools
The Kit: Custom Parts and Tools
Zoghara Refugee Camp in Syria: Growing Food
Zoghara Refugee Camp in Syria: Growing Food

programme.hosted_by.about Liam Hayes

An Industrial Design student, now studying for my masters degree at the TU/e. I have a drive towards design projects that solve societal problems, therefore believe in fair, social, and ethical design, and repairable, sustainable consumer products.

Partners

Sponsored by Kindred Crop
Sponsored by Kindred Crop
Sponsored by Kindred Crop

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