COMMUNITY GARDENS

Our great hope was that once a nearby source of water was available community gardens would be set up and the opportunity taken to improve general livelihoods by growing both life-sustaining crops and those that could be sold in Chipata. However, over time, we have discovered that success rests very much on the enthusiasm and drive of local leaders, which is not always easy to find.

Mr Khunga and the Makhaza village community, aided by Stephen’s great store of agricultural knowledge, have been a shining example, earning good sums from growing and selling ginger in particular. However, as John Hunt Primary School is situated so close to the garden it was agreed with the Headmistress that it would become a hands-on educational project for the children, showing them the very best methods of growing life-sustaining and cash producing crops. These are early days but the children’s diligence is already showing signs of success.