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We visited Kisii and Rongo the week of May 28 – June 1. This was our first trip there since going to the same locations with the Bright Hope World team led by John Vlaming. From mid-April to mid-May, we experienced abnormally heavy rainfall that led to many roads being rendered impassable which made it difficult to travel.
The climate seems to be back to normal. We used the time to make arrangements to reconnect with the farmers and also get some feedback from them. Since the coverage area is quite vast and we wanted to cover most of it, we decided to meet only officials who lead groups and are also farmers themselves. We met in designated venues.
We managed to gather as much information as we could and also visit at least one farmer using the Foundations for Farming principles in every group we visited. Unfortunately, we didn’t take pictures. This was intentional. There have been accusations going around that we just take pictures to get money and are somehow using them in deceptive ways, so we wanted to offset that narrative.
This group has about 60 members. During training, we divided them into two. We had the following as their feedback.
• The teachings were very good, and they really wanted to implement the Foundations for Farming methods. Some even left some land fallow after the training so that during planting season, we could go to plant with them. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to go back but they are still very expectant.
• Others wanted to really hear much more. In other words, they wanted a repeat of the teachings so that they could understand better and know exactly where to start. This calls for another training as soon as possible.
This is a group of about 35 members. After the training, they have established that 20 people actually went straight ahead to implement the teachings. This is what they had to say:
• The work is quite tedious but very neat. Compared to other crop stands around, the ones under Foundations for Farming principles are the best. They look healthy and are growing fast.
• For the first time, those who are following the principles are experiencing a tremendous decrease in the problem of weeds. This being their first year practicing it, they expect to see a very big change concerning weeds.
• They experienced heavy rains and strong winds. To their surprise, their crops didn’t break or fall as compared to those in the neighbouring farms. To them this is a mystery and a very positive sign.
• Compared to previous years, even with the heavy rains experienced, soil erosion has been negligible. Previously you could easily observe massive soil erosion. They are hoping to see a restoration in their soil.
• They are expecting a good harvest
One other thing is that people around those who are implementing FfF principles are asking a lot of questions. They want to know more because the results of using this method are good and very visible.
We visited one family, and we could see the joy in their face: husband and wife. We visited their farm where they grow maize and mung beans and indeed the crop stand was amazing. In fact, they decided to buy us a soda to show their appreciation. This was so encouraging.
This is three groups in one. Several members did implement in small unit areas and observed the results.
Florence: She worked with a 10x10 piece of land in the first season of trial and observed the following;
• It is quite a lot of work when you start since you have to work up to standard
• Materials to cover the soil are not so easily available
• Weeds are a challenge in the first season but in the long run its manageable.
• The harvest is good in a small area. In 10 by 10 she was able to get 20 tins of 2kg each.
• For a second season, she has doubled the area and the crop stand is very good.
• There is high percentage in germination.
Hudson: This is the group leader. He observed the following;
• The harvest is good from a small area.
• There is increased production
• High germination as compared to the conventional method
• Even with the strong winds, the maize crop didn’t fall
• They are observing decreased soil erosion
• Many people are being encouraged to try out this farming method.
These are two separate groups but also have experienced the following;
• The soils are showing signs of improvement since there is increased organic matter in the soils.
• There is increased production per unit area and some of them have managed to strike a deal with the schools where their children are studying to use some of their harvest as school fees.
• With the use of natural pest management, they have cut down the cost of buying the toxic chemicals from the agrochemical stores.
• Those who were using the famous weed killer chemicals, at least two of them have reformed and now they are pushing to restore their soils.
• There is still more they wish to learn especially how to make their own organic manure.
Monyenye (Group Leader)
• His family decided to plant vegetables on a large scale using the FfF principle of zero tillage
• The crops are doing so well compared to previous years and the community around is amazed
• From the sales, they have managed to even rent another piece of land to grow more vegetables
• They have also shown a friend from a neighbouring community how to do it and from the report, the vegetables are doing very well.
• A chief whom they are related with has requested with his (Monyenye’s) help that we plan to train that other community quite far from Monyenye’s home.
This group is proposing that they use land belonging to a church to set up a demonstration so that they could see first how it really works. We managed to talk to a senior pastor, and we will be getting feedback later.
There is still much to be done but so far there is good progress.
We have made some steps forward. The heavy rains slowed us down a bit, but we are working on things step by step. So far, we have managed to construct a two-doored toilet made of bricks and the backs of the tree stumps of the already cut trees has been done to prevent regrowth. Most of them have already completely dried up.
Next Course of Action
1) Survey
We have already contacted a surveyor for purposes of confirming the boundaries of the property just before we do the fencing. Once the budget is approved, this will be done. (Hopefully within the next two weeks).
2) Rocks Unearthing
There are big rocks scattered on the land and on the designated driveway. We have contacted the owners of an excavator within Rongo town, and this will be done once the budget is also approved. We are hoping it should be done concurrently with the survey.
3) Fencing
Once we have done both the survey and rocks unearthed and placed in one corner, then we want to have a proper fence to keep away intruders so as not to interfere with the activities on the land. This will also keep away animals such as stray dogs and other wild animals from roaming around and causing destruction. We will also be submitting a budget for this.
4) Land Layout
We have agreed on how we would wish the layout of the land to look, and we will be sending them to Rev. Ibrahim and Diane and to John Vlaming to have a look at it also for a final draft.
5) Social Media Handles
We shall be having a social media account so as to reach many areas and tell people what we are doing in Rongo. This will include a website that is key in telling people what we do.
This is our current focus. We have more ideas for the future.
Francis and Jesse