Down on the farm in Kenya
Global Gangers from Syomunyu Primary School in Kenya spent a day at a farm where people can learn about the environment.
The farm is growing lots of different vegetables, to show visitors how to protect the soil and save water so that they can grow these things at home, too. Because the land is hilly, ledges called 'terraces' are built along the hillside, so that every bit of land is used. Low walls stop precious water from running away. They are made from soil and called 'dykes'.
Many of the vegetables grown are special varieties that can grow without needing much water. These also produce seeds that the farm shares with the community. Our Global Gangers joined in with some weeding and got a surprise they discovered carrots!
The children also joined in jobs like harvesting maize. Here Wayua, 10, is removing the cobs from the maize stalks and piling them up. When the cobs have dried out, the pieces of corn are taken off the husks and stored in sacks. They can then be used as food, or for planting more crops. The husks are used for firewood, compost and food for the animals, so nothing is wasted.
It's important to learn to farm well so that we have enough to eat,' says Kyale, 12. 'My favourite job at home is ploughing I really enjoy driving a plough led by a bull. But what I like best of all is fishing because fish are delicious!'
Meet more Global Gangers who are trying to put things right.
Organic farming in the UK
Environment clubs in Ethiopia
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Christian Aid/Elaine Duigenan
The veg are grown using dykes and terraces
Christian Aid/Elaine Duigenan
'My favourite food is rice as it makes a change from Ugali (a kind of porridge made from maize). We don't often have money to buy rice, so when we get some, it's like a celebration!' says Wayua (on the right)
Christian Aid/Elaine Duigenan
Kyale
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