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Youths change communities' attitude towards agriculture PDF Print
Written by Imelda Mokhatu   

The Aminuis Youth Centre is currently overseeing three gardening projects in the Aminuis area. They are the Aminuis Gardening Project, the Okombepera Gardening Project and the San Gardening Project.
Eben Muniaro, the Regional Youth Officer, said these gardening projects are run by the communities themselves.

He said Aminuis’s project is doing well but the produce is mostly for own use, but the community sell some of their products. He said the Aminuis Gardening project's main product is grapes, but it also grows other fruits and vegetables. This project is well developed as the community has sub-surface irrigation and has no water problems.
Muniaro said Aminuis’ water is a bit salty, but it is not affecting the gardening project negatively.
The Okombepera Gardening Project is in the beginning stage, as the community is busy with the clearing of bush, he said. This project will be for commercial purposes, and the land the community is clearing is 3 to 4 hectares.
Muniaro said this project will be finished by July, the clearing of bush, laying of water pipes, and building of a dam. He said what might be a problem is water that is the only hiccup the community might face.
He said the community of the Okombepera Gardening Project will focus on planting oranges, grapes, guavas, as they want it to be a long term initiative.
Muniaro said, “The Aminuis community needs training in agriculture, as they are used to livestock farming. We want to try and change their attitude, as people do not know much about agriculture. They need training on how to grow plants and general agronomy, how, when and why to use chemicals, and the seasonal effects.”
He said, they will ask the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry for assistance with plants and training of the communities. The San Gardening Project is more than three months, but they also experience water problems since they are required to pay for water. Muniaro said their main produce is cabbage, but they also grow fruits and vegetables. He said the communities will appreciate whatever kind of help or assistance.

 
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DATE: Fri 19 Dec -
Thu 08 January 2009
Volume 22 No.50