Salima communities tout backyard gardens

Communities in Traditional Authority Pemba in Salima District have commended Care Malawi for introducing backyard gardens, saying they have boosted the fight against malnutrition.

During a media tour of the area on Monday, some women were seen watering their gardens while others were plucking pumpkin leaves.

In random interviews, the women said they grow beans, pumpkins, tomato, onions and mustard in their gardens.

One of the community members, Veronica Selemani said the organisation trained them on how to construct a backyard garden that is safe from animals.

She said: “We grow different vegetables to enrich our meals because we do not want to consume the same type of vegetables every day.

“We also sell the vegetables and raise money to buy other food resources and basic necessities.”

Selemani also said Care Malawi encouraged them to grow orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and maize and venture in livestock farming.

Shakira Ali, one of the promoters who work with 312 households, said she was happy that people embraced the initiative.

“At first it was difficult to convince people to have backyard gardens, but now almost everyone is growing their own vegetables,” she said.

Ali also said Care Malawi through its Improving Food and Nutrition Security Project conducted awareness campaigns on six food groups.

“Many people thought that only people in cities and towns can afford six food groups. However, the project taught them to prepare nutritious food using locally available resources,” said Ali.

Salima district agriculture extension development officer Mercy Kapesi hailed Care Malawi for introducing the project in the district.

She said: “Many people in rural areas lack animal proteins, fats, and legumes in their diets, but through Care Malawi’s livestock pass-on programme and backyard gardens initiatives, they are consuming six food groups.”