Jabi Junior Secondary School Garden
Location
Jabi, Abuja
Year
2024
Project Type
School Garden
Partner
Sahel Consulting, African Food Changemakers
Project Overview
In August 2024, Greener Cities Collective implemented a scaled school garden at JSS Jabi, turning an underused section into a functional learning space focused on environmental education and food systems.
With support from Sahel Consulting and African Food Changemakers, students and teachers participated in practical gardening activities that showed how small spaces can produce food and build shared responsibility.
Key Facts
Garden Area: ~25m x 10m (planted area ~40%)
Participants: ~75 students, 3 teachers, ~30 volunteers
Timeline: ~1 week (planning to setup)
Edible Crops: Okra, Spinach, Ugwu, Waterleaf, Hibiscus
Fruit Trees: Orange, Pawpaw, Guava
Approach: Compact raised beds and upcycled planters designed for easy maintenance
Process & Approach
Planning
The school was selected for accessibility and staff readiness. Site selection considered sunlight, soil condition, and water proximity.
Design
The layout was simplified for scale and speed, using compact raised beds, clear planting zones, and a small seating/reflection area.
Implementation
The team cleared and marked the site, built beds using reused materials, then planted crops and trees with students and volunteers.
Community Engagement
Students worked in small teams while teachers and volunteers supported supervision and technical guidance. Creative painting and signage activities increased ownership of the space.
Impact Metrics
~75
Students Engaged
~30
Volunteers
~1 week
Planning to Setup
25m x 10m
Garden Area
Lessons Learned
What worked: The smaller project scale enabled quick setup and active student participation.
Challenges: Limited implementation time reduced the depth of training and highlighted the need for clearer post-installation maintenance roles.
Recommendations: Establish a student garden committee, allocate more learning time, and provide simple maintenance guides for continuity.