Nelly Bassily | November 4, 2013
This week’s story from Kenya talks about mango growing as a good way to earn income, and mentions that growing mangoes fits into an “ecosystem-based” approach to farming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and maintaining soil moisture.
More fresh mangoes are eaten worldwide than any other fruit. Demand for mangoes is high, in part because there are many kinds of processed mango products, including dried strips, juice, canned fruit, and pickles (achar). Mango trees are hardy and bear abundantly, which means they can be grown on small plots of land, except in higher altitudes. The investment required is relatively low for a good income. In Kenya, where mango growing is popular among farmers in marginal lands, a little more than half a hectare of mangoes, about 180 trees, can deliver a good income.
Our script of the week is a mini-drama that features a man who learns about the potential profits of growing mango trees.