THE PROJECT IN ACTION
OACK has been working on ensuring protection and use of the world’s biodiversity since 2013. The project is focused on the cultivation of tamarillo, an important source of food and financial income in Kenya. Through their innovative methods, the community has increased production of tamarillo by grafting its fruits onto bugweed plants, vastly increasing its resistance to drought. Bugweed’s roots extend far into the soil, meaning they are anchored more strongly and can reach water sources unavailable to shallower plants. This results in a longer growing season for the plants meaning they can be more productive. There is the added advantage that the tamarillo plants become more resistant to soil-borne diseases and pests.This renewed strategy has provided multiple advantages: it has improved biodiversity and preservation of the area, the population’s health has generally improved and the community is better nourished both in term of quality and quantity. As an added benefit, thanks to the fruit sales the local economy has experienced a significant boost!