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Our Voices Ndumberi's pig-rearing project
Our Voices Ndumberi's pig-rearing project
| Ndumberi's pig-rearing project |
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Ndumberi is a small village half a kilometre from Kiambu town, and on its outskirts is Pastor Peter Ng’ang’a’s shamba,* shaded by banana plants and avocado trees. As part of his many duties the Pastor is a member of the KAIH support group in Ndumberi and has been nominated to coordinate an income generating project for its 32 members, 16 of whom are people with intellectual disabilities aged between five and 25 years.
 Back: Regional coordinator Stephen Waweru with project coordinator, Pastor Peter Nganga
Front: Gidion Wamugi, Ziporah Wanjiru and Feristas Mumbi, who have intellectual disabilities
Pastor Nganga explains: “The group decided that it would like to start rearing pigs so that it could sell the meat to provide a shared income for all the members. Many of the parents in our group struggle financially, as caring for a child with an intellectual disability makes it difficult for people to work, and some even feel forced to leave their child at home alone. We also find that our young people with intellectual disabilities become bored and lonely, and need a useful occupation that can help them to be involved in family and community life. We knew that a project of this kind would help to solve both problems.
 “With funds from our partner, FDUV, we purchased our pig and in February 2011 she produced her first litter of seven piglets. The intial purchase cost 16,000 Ksh*, and once the piglets are weaned and fattened we can sell them to Farmers Choice for around 7,500 Ksh each*. We can expect to see two litters each year, so even with the cost of feed our group stands to benefit financially.
“The project also provides a useful occupation for our young people with intellectual disabilities and teaches them to be responsible. By working with their peers and parents they build a stronger social network and are more connected to the community. Our next plan is to move the pigs to a location nearer Kiambu town so that the young people can reach the project more easily and become more involved. We are currently working to secure the funds for a new pig house.”
Regional coordinator Stephen Waweru is pleased with the success of the project: “Activities of this kind can really help to lift groups out of poverty and provide valuable life skills for people with intellectual disabilities. They also show that, with a little help to get started and by working together, we can help ourselves and do not need to rely on handouts.”
* A “shamba” is a homestead or small-holding
* Equivalent to approximately 115 GBP/ 130 EUR/ 190 USD
* Equivalent to approximately 55GBP/ 60 EUR/ 90 USD
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