Prison uses gardens to improve nutrition

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Gwanda is using a thriving integrated garden to grow more food for inmates while equipping them with knowledge and skills as part of its rehabilitative effort.

The 0,9ha garden, a model for agro-forestry practice, is being spearheaded by prisoners under the supervision of correctional officers.

In his presentation during a tour of the garden by ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu and Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Nobert Mazungunye, the farm manager, Correctional Officer Kudzaishe Vika said they planted a variety of vegetables, cow peas, tomatoes, and cabbage.

There is also an orchard for citrus and mango trees, a fish pond, and a nursery for lemon seedlings.

Correctional Officer Vika said they are focusing on agro-forestry.

“We have a variety of projects in this garden and these are crop production, where we have covo, spinach, cow peas, tomatoes and cabbage. We also have a fish pond while a second fish pond is under construction,” he said.

“We recently resuscitated our orchard and we also have a nursery that has lemon seedlings. In terms of our plans, we intend to introduce citrus as well. This project is being done in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.”

Inmates working in the garden have been trained by relevant stakeholders to run the project.

Deputy Minister Mazungunye commended the work that is being done to equip the inmates with skills.

He said equipping prisoners with life skills is the main component of the rehabilitative process. Deputy Minister Mazungunye said upon their release, inmates have to be reintegrated into society and contribute meaningfully towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

“I’m impressed by the work which is being done here by the prisoners. It shows that the prison is playing its role. The main objective of this rehabilitation process is to ensure that once released, the inmates become productive citizens and significantly contribute towards development of the country,” he said.

“Such projects as farming are relevant as they are in line with Government’s development agenda. I’m also pleased that this project is in line with the smart modern farming methods which farmers are being encouraged to adopt.”

Dep Minister Mazungunye said the agricultural projects being run in prisons are also assisting in ensuring that inmates are well fed, an indication that Government is committed to improving their welfare.

Agro-forestry which has been identified as key in sustaining food security and nutrition involves the mixing of crops and or livestock taking advantage of their symbiotic and abiotic interactions.

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