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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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