Charmaine Boois
Witkraans, Aranos Constituency, July 26 – In a remarkable display of resilience and ingenuity, 40-year-old Johannes Ngoma has defied the challenges of unemployment by cultivating a thriving backyard garden at his home in Witkraans, Aranos Constituency. Determined to provide for his family and improve their financial situation, Ngoma turned adversity into opportunity.
Having experienced the hardships of unemployment prevalent in the area, Ngoma lived with his 81-year-old mother and nine other family members in a home owned by the church. Faced with these difficulties, he took matters into his own hands and launched the backyard garden project. Initially driven by the need to meet his family’s basic necessities, the project quickly evolved into something much more significant.
Strategically sowing a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, beetroot, onions, and maize meal, Ngoma ensured a continuous supply of produce throughout the year. His dedication and hard work paid off as the garden flourished, providing an abundance of vegetables.
Not only did Ngoma’s garden satisfy the nutritional needs of his large family, but it also became a source of additional income. Recognizing the surplus, he started selling the excess vegetables to his neighbors, significantly easing the family’s financial burdens.
“We mostly rely on my mother and brother’s monthly pension,” Ngoma shared. “In the past, animal farming sustained us, but due to poverty, we had to sell some of the livestock and use the rest for our sustenance.”
Now, Ngoma envisions greater independence and sustainability for his family. His aspiration is to expand the garden into a self-sustaining enterprise. However, he faces challenges due to land constraints and is appealing for government assistance in this regard.
“We seek assistance from the government, especially in acquiring more land. Our ultimate goal is to achieve self-reliance and break free from the shackles of poverty that have haunted us for so long,” Ngoma expressed.
Johannes Ngoma’s determination and resilience have not only transformed his family’s fortunes but have also inspired the local community. His backyard garden is now seen as a model for sustainable living and a potential solution to combat unemployment and poverty in the region.
As the garden continues to flourish, Johannes Ngoma stands tall as a beacon of empowerment and hope, touching the lives of residents in the area. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary ability each person possesses to effect positive change, even in the face of adversity. ~Namibia Daily News
