KWEPU Orchard

The main source of livelihood for the people of Rusinga Island is fishing, and only a few engage in horticulture along the lakeshore. The supply of fruit in Rusinga is very poor, most fruits such as avocados, mangoes, oranges and others are supplied from Kisii, several kilometres away.

KWEPU receives a grant from BaRuIs e.V. to fence a piece of land, install a storehouse and cistern. In November 2022, the land will be reclaimed.

Agroforestry will be started to increase biodiversity, soil moisture and fertility, to enable diversified food production and to secure the yield in the long term. In addition to the cultivation of vegetables, which bring short-term yields, varieties such as avocado, mango, orange and lemmons, which only bear fruit after several years, among others, are planted on the planned fruit plantation.

The business plan shows a complete amortisation already after the third year and, in addition to self-sufficiency, also provides stable revenue from the sale of fruit and vegetables from then on.