How GiftTrees Training Helps Farmers Protect Crops and Increase Income

For many farmers, pest infestations and disease pose a serious threat to their income. After months of tending a forest garden, it is common to wake up and find large sections of crops damaged or destroyed by invasive bugs.

This was the reality for farmers like Elisante Simon. Invasive species such as Haematopota pluvialis and Enallagma cyathigerum destroyed up to 16 per cent of his previous harvest, significantly reducing both yield and produce quality.

Through GiftTrees' educational programmes, Elisante learned how to manage pest and disease problems using natural, practical methods. These training sessions focus on understanding the long-term benefits of crops planted in a forest garden and how different species can support one another.

For example, onions serve multiple purposes. Once onion leaves sprout, they release a scent that helps deter bugs, protecting nearby crops. Invasive species often target carrots, but planting carrots alongside onions helps deter pests, resulting in healthier crops and more successful harvests.

As a result of applying this knowledge, Elisante has been able to control pest issues and see his forest garden grow by around 5% each month through continued GiftTrees training.