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Tsenulo Moyo
AMIDST the hustle and bustle of city life, a beacon of hope shines brightly, and a community of dedicated elderly gardeners thrives in Old Luveve. Despite the challenges posed by an El Niño-induced drought in Bulawayo, the gardening project has become a vital support system for about 15 elderly residents from the suburb.
The garden provides a source of fresh produce, fostering food security and improving nutrition for the elderly.
It also offers a therapeutic activity, promoting physical and mental well-being for the elderly. Additionally, the garden creates a sense of community and belonging, providing a space for social interaction and support.
This garden project has proven to be a great help to the economically disadvantaged elderly who have had to turn to the soil for survival.
With no source of income, they plant vegetables, onions and tomatoes which they sell and eat in their homes.
Bakali Blamu Mhlanga (80) said they started the garden project 20 years ago, with the support of the government.
“We started this project through the intervention of the government and we grow vegetables for our consumption. This garden project helps us as we can also sell what we plant and be able to put food on the table in our homes,” he said.
Annah William (72) another member of the community garden project said it has significantly benefited her and other members by providing a means to grow their food, such as vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and maize.
She said this has not only helped to improve their food security but has also fostered a sense of community and self-sufficiency.
“We can say we manage to sleep having eaten through what we plant in these garden projects even though the economic situation is bad,” William said.
The thrust hinges on nutrition, income generation and urban agro-industry development to create a critical mass for local industrial beneficiation of both indigenous and exotic vegetables and fruits.
Judiah Ndlovu (72) chairman of the garden project said they manage to help the elderly to support their families.
He said the main challenge they face is the lack of a borehole to supply water and a fence to shield animals such as donkeys from trampling all over their plants.
“But I want to encourage more people in the future to engage in garden projects as it is a form of survival for many people, especially the elderly.”
Online Reporter