The Aboena community garden is 4.5 km to the south of Ihosy, in the Ihorombe region.
This garden takes up 15 ares and was established by 7 members: 4 women and 3 men. It gets help from Slow Food International’s support in realising the gardens in Africa project. Its members grow sugar cane, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, “petsaï” (leafy vegetable from Brassica family), “ tissam”, “anamalao”, leeks and paracress.
They have never collaborated with support projects. The project financed by Slow Food is the first they get help from.
They grow vegetables all year because the garden is near a river called “Vavaranon Ihosy”, which provides irrigation.
Previously, each member had his own plot of land. After talking with Slow Food, they realised that a communal garden was more mutually beneficial.
Following their training, they now use organic fertiliser like manure from zebus, pigs and birds. This garden represents an opportunity to exchange information and seeds with other local farmers.
The members have thought about reducing the rice paddy area to just their own consumption so they can leave space for other vegetables and legumes.
Area
Ville d’Ihosy, Ihorombe region
Coordinator
Pierre Olivier Randriamampionona