Drought-Resistant Fruit Tree Plantations

This is a very exciting project for us, as not only will there be an environmental benefit – particularly in a drought-stricken country whose soil struggles to retain water – but these plantations will help schools cover the cost of their feeding programs and potentially expand to take on more orphans and those who would otherwise be unable to afford school fees!

Our first school plantation will be at Sister Dolores’ Primary School in Homa Bay, Kenya. This is the second year of severe drought in Kenya and unsurprisingly the famine is affecting the poorest people first! Having a drought-resistant fruit tree plantation will not only protect the school from the effects of drought, but will also supplement the children’s diet and supplement the school’s income. Once the school nursery is established (approximately 1-2yrs) the expected return (in Kenyan Shillings) is 120,000 – more than five children’s annual school fees!

The cost of setting up 1 school tree nursery

• Tubes for soil = £98
• 5 watering cans (to be used by the children) = £24.50 (£4.90 each)
• 20 jembes (an all-round gardening tool sometimes called an Azada in this country) = £49 (£2.45 each)
• 10 spades = £32.65 (£3.26 each)
• Cost of pesticides (may be required on a more regular basis) = £28.50
• Cost of fertilizers (annually) = £13
• 1 sprayer pump for pesticides = £65
• Cost of seed (pawpaw, mangoes, citrus etc.) = £11.50 (25p a seedling)
• Cost of start-up labour = £39
• Total cost: Approximately £361.15

Maintenance will be by the school children giving them some agricultural experience. We will encourage our partners to use more naturally-sought fertilizers & pesticides but we must understand that this is a subsistence economy and what is important to them is the food not environmental ethics. It is definitely our heart to teach them what we can (as it will mean a better future for the land and for them) but at present our main priority is the drought and famine that they are battling against.

How to Support?

• You can give a certain amount a month (£25  will reach the above total in approximately 15 months)
• Fundraise – e.g. dig in a community park or allotment: 1 hour = 1 watering can etc.
•  Alternative Gifting - perhaps a spade or 25 fruit seedlings; a gift for someone you love that has everything?

To Support please download a form here.

We may need to continue supporting the plantations after set-up with further seeds, pesticides & fertilizers until they are self-sufficient. We will also continue to expand the project into other schools & across East Africa. We will also, in time, be looking to give agricultural training by experts in subsistence-economy development. It is our heart to see at least 3 plantations by 2011 though, of course, it would be wonderful if we can achieve more!