At Bread and Water for Africa®, we have been promoting foodself–sustainability in Africa for over two decades. The COVID-19 era has increased the need more than ever.

The COVID-19 outbreak in Zambia is having a devastating impact on the economy of the country, and on our longtime partner there, the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre.

Due to rampant inflation, the prices of staple foods increasesignificantly pretty much with each passing day, reports Kabwata founder and director Angela Miyanda.

“Prices of essential foods have gone up greatly,” says Angela who is struggling to keep those 32 girls and 18 boys currently living at Kabwata under her care fed, and additional 23 children living with extended family and foster care arrangements

“From the time of the infection in Zambia, the economy has not done well, leading to major problems for many families and charitable organizations. Some charities have since closed down for not have the vision of sustaining the program beyond donor funding.”

But Angela does have that vision.

Over the years, thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, we have been able to support projects leading to self-sufficiency, such as a fish farming project which provides fish for the children as well as generates income for the orphanage, as well as a banana plantation.

Now, Angela has another vision in mind, made particularly necessary at this time due to the coronavirus pandemic, to construct an 80mx40m greenhouse to grow crops including tomatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, onions, cucumbers and what she calls “local vegetables.”

In addition to the greenhouse, she is hoping to construct a chicken coop that will provide eggs for the children and for sale at the local market.

“The intention of having the greenhouse is to grow crops for long-term sustainability, and that will be beneficial to the children,” she explained. “This will help us to reserve funding for other needs such as education and healthcare.”

Angela has already drawn up plans for the proposed greenhouse including a budget of just under $10,000 for the aluminum structure, polythene for covering, sprinklers and accessories, and construction costs.

All she needs now is the funding to build it.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought sudden changes in the lifestyle of Zambia,” says Angela. “With the prices of essential commodities having gone up so much it has become hard for the orphanage to be buying these commodities for the children.

“It has always been the intention of the project to stand alone to avoid being dependent on donor support. We still believe to achieve this one day.

“Thank you, supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®