Farming project
Pemba's coast line is pilled with hundreds of lateen-rigged dhows used by the locals for fishing. Reminders of a trading and fishing tradition inspired by the Arabs nearly 800 years ago.
Currently there are very few farms in the Pemba area and most of the vegetables and fruits which are available are imported from South Africa. These imported foods are expensive and not consistently available. Zemun's farm will produce high quality that will not only supply its local community but also the community of Pemba, substituting the high priced imports for locally grown and better valued quality foods.
1. Essential oils
Rose geraniums for the cultivation of essential oils. The Rose geranium has a floral scent similar to that of the geranium, but with a slightly rosy hint. It may be used in the aromatherapy treatment of acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, and oily skin. The rose geranium is native to South Africa.
Essential oils are used for aromatherapy, perfume, cosmetics and many more. They are also known as volatile oil and ethereal oil. They are produced by the distillation from the plant material of the rose geranium. Read more
2. Cashew nuts
The first western people sighting the cashew tree was by the Portuguese.Ê They invaded Brazil in the 1500's. Portuguese seamen brought the seeds of the cashew nut tree from Brazil to be planted by the early settlers along the east coast of Africa. The trees took root and thrived. It was not long before cashew trees were growing wild along the entire coast of Mozambique. They spread to Kenya and Tanzania.
Cashew trees flourish in extreme heat in the tropics and are readily found near the equator. There are currently over 2000 cashew nut trees located on Zemun. These existing trees will be natured and cultivated, while at the same time the tree count will be increased by planting new trees.
2. Vegetables
Zemun will grow vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots and lettuce to begin with and later expand to grow a wider selection. The vegetables will be gown under a shade cloth cover approximately 1ha in size and will irrigated with a drip system. The vegetables will be supplied to Pemba stores as a substitute for high priced imports, offering the residents of Pemba a cheaper option without sacrificing quality. The supply of vegetables from Zemun will also be more consistent than imports.