One of the challenges during my first few nights in Zambia was to avoid being woken by the numerous roosters who seemed to be crowing in close vicinity to my bedroom. Just because Lusaka is a city of 2 million people does not mean that agricultural activities do not take place. Indeed, they are essential for assisting the incomes of many residents, particularly in the compounds.
A variety of livestock are kept, although chickens are most popular. Every day I see countless chickens which, I presume, provide the eggs that are available at the market for K500 (12 cents) a piece. I have also seen a few goats and at school for awhile guinea pigs were being raised. Apparently, consuming guinea pig is good for some sort of ailment, but I have yet to be offered it. Unfortunately the guinea pigs were stolen, thus ending that project.
Now that rainy season is coming, it also means that it is time to grow maize. Every spare plot of land - even if it just a few meters wide - has been transformed into a cultivated field ready to plant with maize. I guess every little bit helps. There are some fairly large open spaces in parts of the city, especially around the university, which have been transformed into these tiny plots, but people also put in a crop wherever they can - along the side of the road, in their yard, etc. It will be nice to moniter the progress of the crops as I make my way to school every day.
Wouldn't it be great to have a chicken or two? Fresh eggs every morning, and then when you want to cull part of your flock, a wonderful dinner. Seems like a good deal to me.
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