Ngulube is a civil servant and is one of many city dwellers growing a diversity of vegetables and herbs in their backyards and balconies.
“I learnt the low-input gardening technique from a local non-governmental organisation. At my flat I have planted covo, spinach, onions and carrots in three horizontal 50kg bags. The bags produce enough to feed my family,” said Ngulube.
After mixing loamy soil and cow manure, Ngulube feeds the mixture into a perforated grow bag.
“The bags I use retain water better than an open garden. I also use less water and the maintenance of the garden is very low,” he said.
Not only does Ngulube’s produce feed his family, he is able to sell some to family members and neighbours.
The Matabeleland North Agritex Extension Officer, Treggie Mpofu, told The Zimbabwean that production from low input gardens had become popular in urban areas such as Hwange, Lupane and Binga where there is low rainfall.
“We are training a lot of farmers in urban and drought prone areas. We encourage farmers to practice keyhole gardening which requires minimal acreage,” said Mpofu.
A keyhole garden is comprised of a compost basket with stone walls which absorbs heat from the sun and protects crops from cold during winter. The garden uses a number of layers to retain moisture and nourish the soil, making it more productive than a conventional garden. Mpofu said keyhole gardens were popular among the elderly and sick.
The concept of low input gardens is being spear headed by the Joint Initiative Project, which is working to reduce urban vulnerability in 12 communities in six urban areas.
Post published in: News