Urban Agriculture
JeCCDO teach carers of orphan children in Debre Berhan how to grow produce
from their own yards. Even the smallest gardens can produce nutritional vegetables through container growing or, as illustrated opposite, through basket gardening, where the seed is sown successionally in order to ensure fresh produce all year round. The picture opposite shows how plants can be protected from the cold weather in Debre Berhan by wicker covers
Urban agriculture in Debre Berhan
Debre Berhan is located high in the northern mountains of Ethiopia. The climate is cooler than much of the country with frosts not uncommon. JeCCDO has worked closely with the local agricultural research centre in Debre Berhan to develop the growing of hard fruits such as apples and pears, which are not traditionally grown. JeCCDO has taught local people how to grow these using methods such as using wicker shelter containers that protect the fruit from frost. The local people are able to sell their produce in the local market.
The agricultural training centre in Debre Berhan does not only benefit those living in urban areas. Situated as it is in a rural environment, local farmers visit to learn about agricultural techniques such as the one pictured opposite. The area under cultivation is surrounded by shallow ponds which absorb heat during the day and release it during the night, the released heat warming the air and preventing extreme frosts from damaging plants.
Seeds can be expensive to buy and can be of variable quality. JeCCDO has created a seed bank in Debre Berhan providing seeds to the poorest people allowing them to grow produce. JeCCDO teaches local people how to grow plants for their seed.
Read: What is urban agriculture? |
