Residents planting crops, raising hope in urban farm

A vacant lot that once stood as a stark reminder of gang violence for residents of Dunkirk in east Kingston is now being used for farming.

A four-bedroom home was burned out at the site more than two decades ago, and the residents described the transformation as a positive change. The land, which was once overrun with thick shrubs and trees, took nearly three weeks to clear before planting could begin.

"If you saw what it was like before, you would understand," said Marlon, one of three farmers working the land. "One time you couldn't even see the high wall."

He said the project is deeply personal, having lost a family member to gang violence.

"It was just bush before, and every time you pass you know say a house burn out because of certain vibes," he said.

"So this is how we change the space now, because that's all we can do," he added as he walked around the farm picking up leaves that fell from bordering trees.

But Rohan told THE STAR that the effects of Hurricane Melissa fuelled the project.

"When we see what Melissa do - food price gone up, the west don't have no food - and we had the space a waste, it made sense we start and the ground fertile," he said.

The farm is now bordered by zinc fencing and divided into small plots marked by sticks and safety mesh while seedlings are grown in reused "rum cups" instead of traditional trays.

"We have to recycle and use what we have," the farmers said with a laugh.

Marlon, along with fellow residents Rohan and Rasta, started the project about three months ago. Since then they have planted crops including pineapple, pak choi, tomato, Scotch bonnet pepper, plantain, okra and sweet pepper.

"We plan to do more things, little by little," Rohan said, pointing to the remains of the burnt structure. "We even plan to build a chicken coop so we can use the manure as fertiliser."

While the project may appear small, the men said its main goal is to inspire youth in the community.

"It's really to show the youths there is a different way," Marlon told THE STAR. "When you grow up in a place like this, the only thing you know is gun, so this shows there's another way to spend time."

Rohan added that the effort has already begun to influence others beyond the confined area.

"Other men come over, see what we are doing, and say they're going to clean up spaces in their area and try something like this," he said.

However, beyond agriculture, the clean-up has also provided a sense of security.

"When the place clean, nobody can hide in the bush and come do anybody anything, because a man will jump up on the wall and come over," Marlon said. He added that this makes it easier to avoid hassle with police.

"When them pass through and see youth out here or at the bar, them would want to search the place in the bush but now everything just low," he said.

Still Rohan added that safety also extends to health concerns.

"When you clean up, you realise why there were so many mosquitoes and rats. So it just makes sense we just keep the place clean."

The men say the hope is to provide a market so they can make money to not only reinvest in the farm, but also feed persons in the area.

"We will sell what we can, and of course everyone in the little space can bring home something," Marlon told THE STAR.

But both men admitted that the farm takes time and effort, so they schedule their time properly.

"We all work, so we come before and after work. Even the other day I stop after work, but today is my day off, that's why you see me here. Rasta deh work that's why you don't see him but we all take care of it," Marlon explained.