St. Kizito's Garden Project

Location:   The Village of Kunkujang Mariama.

Project History

The Project began in 1997 with an allocation of funding from the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel

The Application was made on behalf of St. Kizito's Youth Group. The initial allocation was used to sink a well, build a store and pen for sheep. Cashew trees were planted on the perimeters of the property. Unfortunately the Parish Youth Group did not follow up the development of the site. A bush fire destroyed the many of the trees and the well died up from lack of use.

In 2006 funding was obtained from  Ireland to develop the site. A task force from the Parish Pastoral Council were given the responsibility of developing the project.

Early in 2007 a perimeter wall was built thus securing the 175 x 75 meter site.  A house was built on the site and gardener was employed to begin the process of developing the garden.

Before the rains of 2007 the garden was cleared and ploughed. Cassava, a drought resistant plant, was planted.

Current Situation

The Task Force are currently drilling a borehole. It is hoped that the borehole will be operational in late march 2008. Plans are already in place to develop a vegetable garden on the part of the site that has not be used for the Cassava. the Cassava will be harvested in late June 2008. Further clearing of tree stumps will take place at the beginning of the rains, July 2008. Fruit trees will be planted in July and it is possible that the Cassava will be replanted for another harvest.

A Self Reliant Project

The garden project will become a income source for the parish of St. Kizito's. It is hoped that the project will create further employment in the village of Kunkujang thus helping to relieve poverty in that area.