The SOMISA SA Sustainability team recently visited the Boudry Schools participating in a pilot school gardening program to monitor the progress of crops.
The school garden program grew from the 2023 seasonal cowpea (black-eyed beans) cultivation initiative, which distributed cowpea seeds across 25 schools to support institutional feeding programs. Initially gardens were planted with trees that raised the nutritive value of the lunch programs, such as Moringa oleifera. Subsequently, gardens have been expanded to use the understory for growing crops. Not only do these crops supplement the lunch programs, but they also provide students with opportunities to learn about a multitude of environmental concepts such as soil quality, the water cycle and botany among others.
Through the growth of this agricultural capacity, a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, onions, cabbage, lettuce, okra, eggplant, peppers and carrots have been harvested to aid the quantity and diversity of canteen meals.
The West African Resources
$WAF team has been actively involved with teachers, children and school committees to assist with technical training and hands-on support ensuring appropriate maintenance and monitoring of crop development.
The project has resulted in improved school attendance, particularly where food support is a key factor in school participation.