Alternative livelihoods for Ex Poachers, Kenya

Dear Supporter, 

Following on from our last report, early in 2013 the group had been inspired to start an orchard after conversations with Tsavo Pride – a successful locally operating NGO started and run by previous GVI staff and volunteers. In April 2013, a group of GVI volunteers assisted in the research and planning stages of the orchard project using workshops to create a long term plan for the area. The plan now includes everything from composting to selling fruits and from ecological windbreakers to transferring knowledge on growing.

Recently, a group of 10 GVI volunteers travelled to Kaasani to support the group in the execution of the first steps. The first steps included a mapping exercise, facilitating more exact planning, a fence construction project, to provide security to the orchard, and the install of a rainwater harvesting facility ensuring a sustainable source of water. With six days of hard work digging holes for fence poles, fencing, cement mixing, painting and putting up gutters, the team contributed directly to the community’s infrastructure. The result of our efforts were a perfectly fenced and thus secure 100m x 100m piece of land, a completely plastered and painted very smart looking room which is to be used for environmental education and awareness, full gutters on the main buildings, and a solid floor for the communal harvest store.

The bulk of the fruits of this orchard project are anticipated to be seen in 10 years time which is a long time away, however the blisters on our hands and feet, and the dusty sets of cloths from the brown earth are our fruits for now. GVI has supported and continues to support the Kasaani group and two other groups in the area on their long term objectives to acquire new skills facilitating alternate livelihoods. 

Many thanks for supporting this project

Zeno Wijtten

GVI Kenya Country Director

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org