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NGCDF SPONSOR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE.

NGCDF SPONSOR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE.

A dream come true, as I launched Mtimtoto Matunda, an initiative under my rallying call Sima Wukiwa. In a bid of combatting poverty and an effort to contribute towards climate action.

I have started distribution of 16,000 hass avocado seedlings to pupils in grade 3, 4 and 5 (a pledge i had made during campaigns) in the next 6 months. I brought from Nairobi 3,500 already grafted, 2,500 root stocks and 10,000 seeds ready to start off the Mtitimtoto~Matunda initiative. This is in addition to Mtimtoto~Mazingira for infants that has been going on for two years now.

In partnership with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), I brought in officers to train 20 youths under my Badilisha Maisha youth movement on how to graft and establish an avocado nursery. The training continues tomorrow after which we shall have local expertise to propagate enough not only for my onward distibution to school going children but also to farmers at an affordable price. Currently a seedling cost 350/= here in Wundanyi, meaning the 16000 will have costed us Kes. 5,600,000 at market price.

Why Hass Avocado??

It takes 5 years for maximum production but it will start producing at 3 years. A tree will give 1,000 fruits from year 5 and sells at Kes.10 bob each. Life span 4p years. Meaning an avacado tree will fetch Kes.10,000 minimum (however current price per Kg is 75 bob)

So with the 16,000 trees (assuming 90% success rate) we shall earn Kes.144,500,000 from year 5. This will translate into money in people’s pocket and therefore improving the living standards of our people and hence reducing poverty levels. Every household with 5 trees will earn a minimum of Kes.50,000, an amount adequate to take their child to boarding secondary school.

My plan is to distribute 50,000 in three years, and sensitise/rally my community to purchase on their own from the trained youths and other suppliers another 50,000, we shall have a total of 100,000. Translating to Kes.1 billion pumped into the Wundanyi economy…..I cant wait… I am convicted that one day this will be a reality..and achieve my vision of Sima Wukiwa. I have developed a

monitoring tool that will ensure success of this initiative.

The distribution started today afternoon with class five pupils of Ng’onda, Kungu and Mbauro Primary getting 5 seadlings each. The distribution exercise continues next week.

I am embarking on a research around Pixie Oranges for the lowlands. Helping me in this is Mr. Eric Kiongo an agronomist who played a key role in Makueni’s success in Pixie orange production

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