CMC Secretary

I’m on a 1.5 acre farm. On the farm I have two dairy cows. I’ve also planted pastures and a few banana plantations, sweet potatoes, and local poultry. Although it is dry now, I’m preparing the field to plant maize and beans in the wet season. Through training at the centre, I’ve improved soil fertility by using composting and using animal manure and slurry (mixture of animal dung and water) for fertility. I’ve also benefitted from the training on dairy cow management. In agriculture, the demonstration plots have helped me to know the planting and use of different variety of vegetables. I’ve also learned how to improve the local poultry I have through treatment and proper use of feeding. My chickens are now healthier and I expect the number to increase from 13 to maybe 100 by the end of the year. I’ve also learned that there is strength in forming groups with other farmers for marketing purposes.

My vision is to be a good producer of organic products, primarily milk and chicken.

Personally I’m very impressed with the coming of this project to this community. As a community we’ve really benefitted. The laneway leading to the tarmac didn’t use to look like this, with a new power line that brings opportunity for growth. I’ve seen our boys getting employed because of the construction of the building.

There is a water problem in the community, but this center will bring water to the community that will help the community tremendously. The next dry season, the whole field will be green. Bringing the water should help the center become self-sustaining because we can grow crops year round.

I’m excited about the future of this centre and how it can continue to help the community. For example, we had a meeting in January that has already borne fruit because farmers are talking about bringing milk together to market as a group, which will reduce the workload for individual farmers and bring us much better prices.