2024-07-12 08:13:48
In the Central African Republic, agriculture helps to combat unemployment in the surrounding areas. In the Voudambala district of Bangui’s fourth district, residents are excellent market gardeners. The roads are still very artistic but they provide the products of the capital and the surrounding villages with fresh vegetables.
Located at the foot of Bas Oubangui Hill, Voudambala area is crossed by rivers and its land is suitable for market garden activities.
From morning to sunset, Armand Omingui, 42, water, clean and monitor the progress of his plants. ” This great site is mine and this is where I work, it shows. I grow all vegetables and many fruits. I plant produce from my garden on beds 15 meters long and 1 meter wide. »
He has been doing this work for 25 years. But Armand and his team always work in a very artistic way. ” If we don’t have strong tools, we use shovels, spears, pots, water bottles, buckets and linen. As fertilizer, we use plant wastes, animal wastes, house wastes which are very rich organic fertilizers. », explains the producer.
Still many challenges
Despite the fertility of the soil, every year, the market gardeners of Voudambala face great problems. Marcel Tari is the owner of a market garden located near a river. ” During the six months of winter, the river and the well live, it is difficult to work, he groaned. There are also forest fires that destroy homes and the environment. In addition, we do not have the means to move our products to markets. »
Every day, traders come to the source and carry products in forest taxis or on motorcycle taxis to markets. But this process is not good for the quality of fruits and vegetables, notes Rodrigue, a user. ” I have been collecting market garden products for decades. They are always fresh and nutritious, he rejoiced. But lately, residents have been suffering from high prices. I also noticed that some vegetables are picked before maturity, others are sometimes spoiled or overripe. »
A source of income
Despite these problems, many people like Yvette manage to make ends meet thanks to the market. “ Here we sell vegetables by vehicles. There are boards of 6000, 7000, 15 000 and 20,000 CFA francs. After each harvest, I get by 300 or 350,000 CFA francs. Thanks to this job I cover my family’s needs », Yvette explained.
According to the head of the Voudambala district, more than 500 people practice market gardening in this district of 2,000 inhabitants. But with the expansion of the city, the market area is getting smaller and smaller.
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