Barker's enthusiasm for the development of vegetable gardens does not appear to be matched by the local people, who often seem reluctant to participate in the project. The endless inspections of the 'bunds' (sloping terraces) and 'dimbas' (gardens) by Barker feels uncomfortable, as if the people involved are being policed and, as is often the case, reprimanded for their lack of interest.

Here Barker again acknowledges the lack of local interest in her project and the perceived need to 'make them' do the work – in this case hoeing the 'bunds'.