By Eric Wamanji
There is a remarkably high demand for sacks in Kibera. This is not to mean that this shanty is preparing for the visitation of doomsday preacher, Dr. David Owuor, the man who baptized area MP, Raila Odindga, nor is Kibera ready for penance following the many ills it is always accused of including uprooting a railway line.
No. the sacks, are, well, transforming the culture and social engagement here big time – through farming. It is a silent revolution.
Kibera might not have the sophistry of Israel’s technological flair. They are worlds apart. But there is an uncanny semblance: Kibera, just like Israel is attempting what would hitherto be considered impossible –farming.
And this is a classical case of urban farming in search of food security, nutrition and women empowerment all rolled in one.
Indeed, if farming is an indication that a people are settled, Kibera’s prove of its place is in her gardens of sacks. And Kibera’s new unity could be found through farming.
Gardening is the universal language here. It has united all the communities. All people of varying social, political or cultural persuasions are now under one hue of green- the colour of peace.
“When we started, we just thought of solving the food problem. But we discovered that the concept came with other benefits,” Emanuel Ranck, Solidaret’es Country Director, explains.
“It has brought people together. It has enhanced a sense of community as the farmers work jointly and they consult each other. The youth too are finding something meaningful to do such that cases of insecurity have remarkably reduced,” he says.
True. You should see the women coming for training and seedlings. They are jovial and in a camaraderie that conceals their diverse backgrounds. Even the youth are now “disciplined and resourceful.” They have something to look forward to.
Ranck agrees. “We take the youth as a special constituency. We supply them with farm implements and we also offer logistical support so that they can excel in this project,” he says.
Besides, the residents also sell their surplus hence a source of income. So far Beatrice Nekesa of Soweto East has earned about Sh. 3000. More will come, she hopes.
But one would easily dismiss this kind of urban farming in a place like Kibera on hygiene grounds.
The worry is not lost in Rinck. Indeed, a study carried indicated that the produce is suitable for consumption. “Tests on water found some metals, so were tests on soil which were contaminated with bacteria. It was found that the plants are not affected. However, tests on the leaves found some bacteria which with proper cooking they are destroyed. so the vegetables are fit for use.”
“We’re also busy. We no longer sit idly to gossip,” chuckles Fatuma. But it is school children too who are gaining big time. Used to a diet of starch, schools can now manage green on their relief food. The greens are grown right in their gardens. Twitter: @manjis