This seemingly new method to us is an Israel farming method. We learnt about it from Washaya, a former teacher – now Irish potato farmer from Zimbabwe. Using a Toro adage that literally means: when you travel and see good things, bring them back home, upon return, we tried it out on the AVAP farm (our institution website: http://www.avap.biz) in Kyenjojo district. We made adjustments, based on repetitive farming of the crop and sure enough, eventually yielded fruit just as she had said. Each bag on average yielded up to 10kgs. What we liked about this method of farming was (1) the ability to yield so much in a very small space (2) irrespective of the weather, the farmer can plant the crop all year long (3) water, moisture and fertility in the soil are contained and controlled (4) easy to apply, manage and control pests and diseases (5) no risk of damage during harvest (6) lower costs of irrigation in drier months and (7) no soil erosion at all.
With this knowledge, now developed to a concept, we are ready to roll it out.
Irish potatoes have several nutritional benefits. Important to a healthy diet, onemedium-sized (5.3oz=0.15kgs) skin-onpotatohas 110calories. It is not only an excellent source of Protein, Carbohydrates, Vitamins C and B6 but also a good source of potassium (more than a banana), iron and fiber. More, it is fat, sodium and cholesterol free (https://www.potatogoodness.com/nutrition/). This makes it a vital ‘easy to grow and obtain’ food in the household as a means to avoid and eradicate malnutrition.
At the end of the day, we expect (1) Increased household income from sell of the Irish potatoes irrespective of the season. This enables the farmer invest in diversified income sources and manage household expenses like medical, education, welfare and more. (2) Increased employment at the farms. As the project grows, there will be need to employ labor to manage the growing farm(s) (3) Increased skill in profiting from backyard farming (4) Improved food security in the home. The farmer will be able to buy other food types as well as other personal items (5) Practical sustained income generating source even to small space owners.
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