Here in rural Uganda we are mainly dealing with an agrarian society. Everyone farms. It's not a choice... it's a matter of survival. Farming practices are passed down from generation to generation, but in poor communities these practices are rarely developed. The incorporation of modern technology and advances in agriclutural practices are desperately needed. Without these advances, an agrarian society will become weak and unable to meet the demand of a growing population.
They need training! They need to be taught how to intigrate new practices with the old way. How to do things like make organic fertilizers and pesticides from local recourses to produce a higher yeild and healthier crops. I am by no means well educated in the area of agriculture, but I know a man who is!
We are working with a local farmer named Anthony Magambo. He is heading up the agricultural department of Bringing Hope to the Family. We helped finance the beginings of this new arm of BHTF and are excited about where it's headed.
Anthony is starting by developing new farm land to supply the needs of BHTF as an organization. Food costs are one of BHTF's biggest expences. Being able to meet the organization's food demand will be a huge step on the road to self-sufficiency.
He is also training the girls at the vocational school and has started an experimental community training program, with the intent of one day having a centralized demonstration farm.
Here are a few pics from a day spent with Mr. Magambo...
Magambo talking with David about a new banana plantation he recently planted to supply food to Home Again Orphanage.
Newly planted banana trees.
These bananas are called matooke and are one of the main sources of food here in Uganda. These trees are about 18 months old.
Beans are commonly mixed in with banana trees or potato fields.
This is a nursery that is being cultivated by the girls at the vocational school. This is their practical hands on training.
Kale, one of the few green vegetables eaten on a regular basis... and it's pretty bitter!
Maize, more commonly kown to us as corn. Here in Uganda they grind it up and make a flour called porsho.
Magambo and David talking about these newly planted potatoes!
Pepperoncini's... a new cash crop to western Uganda.
Magambo planted 2,300 pine trees! This is a long term investment that makes good use of land with poor soil.
A new piggery! This initative was funded by our friends from Canada.
Meeting at Faith's house with the top management from BHTF about lots of exciting things... especially the new agricultural projects!Compassion=Action,
-Travis
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