A SPECIAL CHALLENGE
Vegetables are expensive in some provinces on Mindanao, for various reasons: Sometimes the soil is unsuitable for cultivation, or the cultivation is done very unprofessionally, at times it rains in torrents and a few days later the sun burns mercilessly. The tropical climate allows trees to grow well, but is a strain on the tender vegetable roots. Vegetables grow very well in the mountainous regions, but then transportation makes them more expensive.
THE MAMA EARTH SOLUTION
Mama Earth builds “Veggie Houses” that eliminate quite a few of the disadvantages mentioned above and do not incur transportation costs. These hydroponic houses, with a footprint of 300 square meters, are made of bamboo, as are the tables on which the various local vegetables are grown. The roof is made of a UV-resistant tarpaulin that keeps out the rain but also filters the sun. There is no need to worry about soil conditions, as the plants grow in a mixture of river sand and rice husks. The supply of nutrients takes over a special mixture, which is diluted with water, added to the plants.
2015 – THE PROJECT STARTS
In up to 60 plant half-tubes, a “Veggie House” can supply many kilograms of vegetables each week and provide an income for three families. Soon our “model house” will go into operation. That it works is no question, because we have been trained in Marahan / Marilog. Tasty tomatoes and even strawberries grow there. We will keep you informed.
2016 to 2019 – FIRST SUCCESSES
Our project “Veggie House” (vegetable house) has progressed well. Under a UV-stable plastic tarp and a bamboo frame, the cultivation of local vegetables is accomplished in a simple way (hydroponic): Plants grow in bamboo poles cut in half, filled with river sand and rice straw, with a nutrient liquid flowing through them. A “house” of 300 square meters can provide sufficient income for up to three families in the long term.
