Ncheta Island is a small island in the Bangweulu swamps in the upper Congo River basin in northern Zambia. 

The people of Ncheta Island have few resources, and their lives have been made harder in recent years because of extreme drought. This part of Zambia is one of the world’s least-developed regions. Families have not always had enough food for regular mealtimes and not enough water for their gardens or for basic needs. 

When we at FARM STEW saw the situation on Ncheta Island, we decided to help. FARM STEW is a US-based NGO dedicated to sharing resources and knowledge with the world’s “least of these” (Matthew 25:40), so that they can become more self-sufficient and live more abundant lives. 

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Of the world’s hungry people 75% of them are trying to survive on what they grow. Rural farmers in villages throughout the world can have a more abundant life by learning to properly tend and keep the land. It is FARM STEW’s mission to help them do this.

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FARM STEW employs local trainers – familiar with the language and culture of the areas they work in – to teach families in rural parts of Africa and Latin America more effective agriculture methods, better sanitation and nutrition, and financial skills.

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On Ncheta Island, FARM STEW first installed a borehole well, which supplied fresh water to three villages. Next, trainers brought seeds and, now with enough fresh water, helped families to plant productive kitchen gardens, filled with plants that could provide complete nutrition for each meal. 

Now the families of Ncheta Island have a more ambitious project they are cooperating to create. Together, they are planting a one-hectare (or two-and-a-half acre) orchard garden, using the principles of agroforestry to incorporate trees into the garden. A perimeter of trees will surround the entire rectangular garden, providing a “living fence” –  a windbreak and protection for the young plants inside. 

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The families are planting avocados, papayas, bananas, lemons, organs and fertilizer plants, as well as soybeans, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables and herbs planted between the main crops. When the orchard garden begins producing, it will provide a variety of fruits and vegetables for the families tending it, as well as additional produce that can be sold for cash. 

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The mixing of trees and vegetable plants in this agroforestry project offers a variety of benefits, including reducing soil erosion, improving soil structure, and increasing productivity. 

The Ncheta Island community is excited about the prospects of its new orchard garden.

On the third day of Creation God first created life by having the Earth produce plant-bearing seeds.

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:11-12, NKJV)

Seeds are a gift, a precious resource that God has given to humans to grow nourishing fruits, vegetables and other foods. 

While the families living in Ncheta Island don’t have a Whole Foods store or a grocery delivery service, and need their gardens to meet their basic needs, families living in other parts of the world can also reap great benefits from planting and tending their own kitchen gardens. Let the people of Ncheta Island, Zambia, inspire you. The food that you grow in Michigan or Melbourne, Syracuse or Santiago is no less nutritious, and the beautiful experience of picking a perfectly ripe tomato that you have watered and weeded is unmatchable. 

FARM STEW has created a holistic curriculum to teach families about nutrition, the importance of rest, temperance and all the other components we need to live healthy and fulfilled lives. The lessons that FARM STEW has put together about planting a productive kitchen garden can be used by families in Zambia, Uganda, the Philippines, and Colombia — as well as the United States, Australia, France and the developed world. While the need in these countries is not usually as great, the benefits of growing your own garden are still enormous. Why not try it this spring?

FARM STEW teaches carefully-researched methods for planting a nutrient-rich Rainbow Kitchen Garden. 

A Rainbow Kitchen Garden must contain at least three different vegetables. One should be orange (such as pumpkin or squash or carrots), one should be green (such as kale, collards, or spinach), and the last is another rainbow color, like beetroot. 

Eating rainbow-colored food gives diversity — a necessary characteristic of a healthy diet. 

Here is the FARM STEW tried and tested garden plan for maximum output in a small space.

RAINBOW GARDEN IMAGE HERE

As you can see, each bed is 110 centimeters (43 inches), or 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) wide with 40 centimeter (15.7 inch) paths between them. This plan is drawn for a bed length of 5 meters (16.4 feet), although it can be expanded.

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In the bed on the left, the bean and green seeds are sown directly in 3 rows, with 1 row exactly in the middle and a row on either side exactly 37.5 centimeters (1.2 feet) from the middle. (Seed spacing will be different for each variety.)

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In the middle bed above, fruit seedlings (like okra, peppers, and tomatoes) are transplanted in two rows with a distance of 75 centimeters (2.4 feet) between them. They are spaced by measuring 37.5 centimeters (1.2 feet) from the middle. Cabbage (and peas) can be direct seeded with this same spacing. This will give the best potential for them to get fresh air and sunlight, even when the plants are full-grown.

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In the bed on the right, the root crops seeds are planted directly in the soil in rows with 18.5 centimeters (7.2 inches) between each row. These seeds are so tiny that often they are best mixed with sand to spread them out so that less seed is wasted. These seeds should be covered with less than 1 centimeter (half an inch) of compost.

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There is so much wisdom in the Bible that can improve our farming and gardening. For

example, we read in this verse that God values the straight paths: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

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In farming, straight rows and proper plant spacing are essential. The greatest enemies of maturing crops are weeds and fungal diseases. Straight rows make weed management easier. Proper spacing also makes it possible for each mature plant to get the fresh air and sunshine it needs. Making a straight path in the garden is a key to success. See how good God’s word is!

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Today, be inspired by the Bible and by the families of Ncheta Island. Visit your local garden store. Ask your gardening neighbor for seedlings. Order some seeds. Get your compost ready. Start preparing the soil. 

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“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV) and when the harvest comes, you will be glad you did.

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