Pulling up the roots of poverty & planting the seeds of change

The 300 acres of land gifted by the community to Amani is used to cultivate grain, fruit and vegetables. It is also used to rear pigs, and cows are kept for milk production.

The district and its surrounds have an ideal climate for growing grapes and it is one of the few areas in the world where vines produce two crops per year. Amani receives technical assistance and training from a commercial wine company and a government extension agency, and believes that wine, table grapes and raisins will provide a bright and sustainable future for its operations. Apart from providing income and sustainability, there are other benefits from Amani’s agricultural activities. Grain and other produce are used to feed the hungry through its emergency relief program. The agricultural program also provides a venue for vocational training of college students in agriculture faculties at various institutions, as well as local farmers.

In addition to demonstrating technological advancements in sustainable agriculture, the program provides employment opportunities and the training of permanent staff in improved methods of farming, irrigation, growing new crops such as grapes. It also gives the whole subsistence farming community access to advanced facilities such as grain mills and oil presses.