With COVID-19 the supply for food will continue to be an issue for some considerable time on Koh Samui. Local families already have small gardens, growing a variety of vegetables and some also have egg-laying chickens. As a longer-term solution Sisters on Samui are looking to help with the establishment of more community gardens. Families can become more self-sufficient by growing and harvesting their own fresh vegetables and fruit.
Our first project in Chaweng was started by the Baan Mankhong village residents with a few small garden beds of vegetables planted and harvested during the COVID lockdown. Sisters on Samui provided additional financial contributions which helped to prepare more land for planting and the purchase of building materials and soil for the gardens. The residents of the village provided all of the hands-on labour, sourced recycled materials to prevent erosion and they will continue to maintain the garden.
Since we started the Community Garden initiative we have seen that with more people leaving, we need to now look at the most efficient way to make it work for a long term continuation for all those in need. We are looking at local Thai and Temple schools – where families and children can be the workforce and that they are those benefitting, and creating self sufficiency.
If you’d like to get involved in our Community Gardens initiative, please email greensistersonsamui@gmail-com.
