09 Feb 2015

Backyard gardening has yielded positive results for the 36-year-old woman of Diphuduhudu in Letlhakeng Sub-district.

One of the backyard beneficiaries, Ms Tekoyame Ngadu’s said through her business,she was able to feed her family. She started growing vegetables in 2012 after government assisted her, adding that she managed to soldier on because she was passionate about growing vegetables.

In an interview, the mother of two said was provided with a plot, shade net, 5000L Jojo tank, seedlings, a wheel barrow, spade and rake amongst others to start her garden.

Ms Ngadu planted green peppers and tomatoes, noting that she started planting different kinds of vegetables in June 2012, but due to stiff competition from other backyard garden owners, she decided to capitalize on the two vegetables only.

She said currently, there were  about 10 backyard gardens operating at Diphuduhudu.  She said good conduct and customer service had worked wonders for her, as she had managed to beat her competitors.

Ms Ngandu lamented lack of market, adding that she sells her vegetables to civil servants, other individuals and at weddings and any other ceremonies held in the village.

As a way of marketing her products, she visits government offices and also travels to nearby villages such as Letlhakeng, Ngware and Botlhapatlou to sell the vegetables.

She cited as challenges shortage of water and pests that destroy her vegetables. The determined and committed Ms Ngandu said despited the hardships of lack of water, she would continue to achieve her dream of being a successful business woman.

Ms Ngandu said she was grateful to the government for providing her with a source of income. ENDS