Jul10 Sd2006

A garden at Lesibovu

Some years ago World Vision in Swaziland had gone to
Lesibovu with the idea of a community garden and began
a project with 14 local women.The organization spoke to
the chief about a piece of land, built an irrigation system
with sprinklers, put up fencing and provided seeds. Initially
it seemed a successful project but after a short time the
flaws caused the fields to be totally abandoned.

When designing the irrigation system for this garden a
watering trough for cattle was also included; unfortunately,
it was built within 30 feet of the garden. So as the gardens
grew cattle were constantly pressing against the fence to
reach the produce. It was not possible to keep the animals
out and the garden was discontinued since these women
did not have funds to rebuild an appropriate fence.

In Swaziland cattle are not kept in compounds and one
wonders why this fact was not considered in the original
design work. Additionally, the sprinkling system is poorly
conceived as the roots, not leaves, need watering; this
method of irrigation is the most inefficient and wasteful.

Projects like this are not sustainable because local people
have not played an active role in solving their own crises,
they are recipients but rarely consulted for imput. Human
dignity is reduced as individuals are told "what is best". Their
knowledge, wisdom and significant contribution are never
realized.

It is this same group of women at Lesibovu with whom
Mphandlana Shongwe will begin working as we develop
an organization entitled "Sustainable Development Initiative".
Our intention is to plan farming projects which will not
erode in a short time but lead to communities that blossom
with potential. Last week over $1000 was sent from Canada
- if you'd like to contribute please reply.

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Yesterday's Sunday News indicates that once again "tis the
season for lusting". August usually marks the reed dance
when the "flowers of the nation" (teenaged virgins) dance
before the king and he chooses his annual wife.
July 9 Drunk soldier abducts girl for king

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Saturday's Swazi News had a surprising story that FW
de Klerk was advising the king of Swaziland. So we ask,
if de Klerk is advising Mswati, who is Mandela advising?
July 8 F.W. de Klerk is king’s advisor

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News this week
July 8 Swaziland signs deadly agreement with USA
July 7 Minister quizzed on decline of donors
July 7 External forces working against SD’s prosperity
July 7 Jan accused of being a dictator
July 7 Jail MP Titus says DPP
July 6 PUDEMO calls for isolation of Swaziland
July 5 America determined to help SD says Lucke
July 4 Murder & torture at royal residence
PUDEMO’s Mlumati Declaration July 2006
July 3 Mission accomplished - ILO delegation