The arid and semi-arid areas are generally attributed, to prolonged droughts, famine, poor nutrition and many other negative attributes. Knowledge sharing with communities living in the semi arid zones of Laikipia has reversed the trend. The number of people leaving their former occupations to adopt modern farming methods is on the rise.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Knowledge makes the difference
Monday, August 16, 2010
Do you sit on a Gold mine?
Many people in dry lands knows the value of water, to say that ‘water is life’ is more relevant to them than those in higher potential areas. People here have to go an extra mile and excavate the ground in search for the precious commodity.
One farmer Mr. Kanyoko who is a teacher by profession thought of digging a borehole though he had no information about it. One day as he was chatting with his colleague they happened to talk about water, and in the process he got information about a man who have successfully located for over 200 wells. Mr. Kamau who works for ‘Tree is life trust’ (T.I.L.T) is well known because for his involvement in many activities. Mr. Kanyoko contacted him and was helpful in locating a good site for sinking the well.
How to locate underground water.
Mr. Kamau uses two ‘L’ shaped copper wires. The wires are held loosely in front of the body as a person moves freely in an open field. The wires are held loosely to allow free swinging towards the area with underground water, at some point the wires crisscrosses and that is the exact center for sinking the well.
Costing and the advantages of Borehole.
The cost of digging a borehole is Ksh 200 for the first ten feet and addition of Ksh. 50 for every 10 additional feet’s, meaning that the cost is dependent on depth and hardness of the hole.
In his farm he grows tomatoes, mangoes, cabbages and kales, both for domestic and commercial purposes. He is also planning to start fish farming. Currently Kanyoko have got over 3,300 plants of cabbages and 1000meters of drips irrigation lines.
Methods of pumping water from the borehole
Mr. Kanyoko gets water from his borehole by pumping using a generator, he also have a motor engine that he uses, because the borehole is less than 100 meters from the garden where he does his drip irrigation.
Future plan
After realizing that he was sitting on a ‘gold mine’ Kanyoko is now planning to make money throughout the year. ‘‘ When the water started flowing out of the borehole, I saw money flowing nothing else” said the happy Mr. Kanyoko. He is also planning to be self-employed in the garden by starting other new projects like zero grazing. But all these are dependent on the outcome of the current projects.
Recommendation
Mr. Kanyoko recommends that people do the same, that is dig borehole and harvest underground water that will help them boost their farm out comes and this would increase their living standards. The government should also help farmers by digging many boreholes at the villages level.
Report written by Sam Githumbi and Bett Kipsang
Friday, August 13, 2010
Free ICT Training at NG'arua Maarifa.
Introduction.
Ngarua Community Knowledge Center (C.K.C) is located at sipili trading center, Ngarua Division of Laikipia west District. The center offers computer trainings, and various information to communities free of charge. The need to offer such trainings stemmed from the vision of ''connecting communities with knowledge'', through ICTs.
Training empowers people to access information and hence facilitate free flow of information to communities through the ICT tools available at the CKC. There is no doubt that, information sharing through ICT equipment is the strength of our network. A lot of information are disseminated through the internet, CD-Roms, Emails, books and other multy-media channels.
That communities must be empowered with ICT skills is therefore crucial, so that they can research and process information with little need for assistance.
Demand for training.
We have now observed a risen demand for computer training from members of the community. Great enthusiasm is shared across a wider prism of age and gender. Criteria for selection of trainees is open and fair for all. We enroll students on first come first serve basis, where admission is also free from bias or any kind of discrimination.
Our endeavor to reach a diversified group of people, have led us to device means of sellecting trainees that ensure fairness and effectiveness in trying to accommodate everybody, since our training's are open to everyone irrispective of their; gender, age, Ethicity, physical dissability, social class, location, group or religious affiliation, etc.
Considering that our facilities enable us to train only 42 students, attending three sessions of 14 per day.
Each session goes for two hours, and once enrolled, one lot continues untill they finish all the 9 packages plus typing skills to make 10 packages, arrangement are being made to award a certificate upon succesful completion of the trainings.
The duration of training is three months for beginners, but can change depending on individual's entery level.
Induction
On the second and third week of May 2010, the management committee started inductions for the newly recruited trainees. The one day induction seminar is used for trainees to be taken through the background knowledge of the center, for them to understand ALINs objectives, program's activities, and networking initiatives.
Other aims of doing this is to instill a sense of responsibility and ownership of the center by the community. They were encouraged to participate in the centers information sharing activities and networking.
Since they represent fast and diverse locations they will be resourceful in information dissemination and identification of unique features for documentation.
For training purposes trainees were asked to assist by contributing articles, say, one articles each per month, this will translate to 42 articles. Which are then researched, refined and shared through the OKN, blogs, Baobab journal or KEA, JotoAfrica among other channels.
We also intend to introduce the trainees to photography to enhance their documentation skills, whereby they learn from us and share the knowledge with others.
To make sure that we accommodate peoples preferences we encouraged them to apply for trainings stating their full names, age, location, preferred time of study, special needs, etc. the information was provided by filling a form. They were also encourage to say what other information they would like to access so that we identify resource persons who can come and provide such information.
In the long run, we endeavor to build good rapport and relationship between our trainees and the center so that they join the network and advance our initiatives of knowledge sharing. It's our hope that by so doing we will create a network of good ambassadors who will access, implement and pass information far and wider.
Feedback from trainees.
After understanding our objectives and activities, they shared with us some important information that would not have come out. We learnt from the area assistant chief that, many people come to the center and read an advertisement posted on the notice board calling for people to apply as clerks by the Independent Interim Electoral Commission. (IIEC). The assistant chief also hailed the quality of work being delivered at the center. He also reported of a meeting he attended at the district headquarters where the area MP, praised the Ngarua focal group and the people of sipili for the creativity and great innovations which are hardly seen in other places.
Swahili Proverb ''Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo''
By
Bett Kipsang
ALIN Field Officer
Ngarua CKC.
Ngarua Community Knowledge Center (C.K.C) is located at sipili trading center, Ngarua Division of Laikipia west District. The center offers computer trainings, and various information to communities free of charge. The need to offer such trainings stemmed from the vision of ''connecting communities with knowledge'', through ICTs.
Training empowers people to access information and hence facilitate free flow of information to communities through the ICT tools available at the CKC. There is no doubt that, information sharing through ICT equipment is the strength of our network. A lot of information are disseminated through the internet, CD-Roms, Emails, books and other multy-media channels.
That communities must be empowered with ICT skills is therefore crucial, so that they can research and process information with little need for assistance.
Demand for training.
We have now observed a risen demand for computer training from members of the community. Great enthusiasm is shared across a wider prism of age and gender. Criteria for selection of trainees is open and fair for all. We enroll students on first come first serve basis, where admission is also free from bias or any kind of discrimination.
Our endeavor to reach a diversified group of people, have led us to device means of sellecting trainees that ensure fairness and effectiveness in trying to accommodate everybody, since our training's are open to everyone irrispective of their; gender, age, Ethicity, physical dissability, social class, location, group or religious affiliation, etc.
Considering that our facilities enable us to train only 42 students, attending three sessions of 14 per day.
Each session goes for two hours, and once enrolled, one lot continues untill they finish all the 9 packages plus typing skills to make 10 packages, arrangement are being made to award a certificate upon succesful completion of the trainings.
The duration of training is three months for beginners, but can change depending on individual's entery level.
Induction
On the second and third week of May 2010, the management committee started inductions for the newly recruited trainees. The one day induction seminar is used for trainees to be taken through the background knowledge of the center, for them to understand ALINs objectives, program's activities, and networking initiatives.
Other aims of doing this is to instill a sense of responsibility and ownership of the center by the community. They were encouraged to participate in the centers information sharing activities and networking.
Since they represent fast and diverse locations they will be resourceful in information dissemination and identification of unique features for documentation.
For training purposes trainees were asked to assist by contributing articles, say, one articles each per month, this will translate to 42 articles. Which are then researched, refined and shared through the OKN, blogs, Baobab journal or KEA, JotoAfrica among other channels.
We also intend to introduce the trainees to photography to enhance their documentation skills, whereby they learn from us and share the knowledge with others.
To make sure that we accommodate peoples preferences we encouraged them to apply for trainings stating their full names, age, location, preferred time of study, special needs, etc. the information was provided by filling a form. They were also encourage to say what other information they would like to access so that we identify resource persons who can come and provide such information.
In the long run, we endeavor to build good rapport and relationship between our trainees and the center so that they join the network and advance our initiatives of knowledge sharing. It's our hope that by so doing we will create a network of good ambassadors who will access, implement and pass information far and wider.
Feedback from trainees.
After understanding our objectives and activities, they shared with us some important information that would not have come out. We learnt from the area assistant chief that, many people come to the center and read an advertisement posted on the notice board calling for people to apply as clerks by the Independent Interim Electoral Commission. (IIEC). The assistant chief also hailed the quality of work being delivered at the center. He also reported of a meeting he attended at the district headquarters where the area MP, praised the Ngarua focal group and the people of sipili for the creativity and great innovations which are hardly seen in other places.
Swahili Proverb ''Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo''
By
Bett Kipsang
ALIN Field Officer
Ngarua CKC.
Tree planting.
Seeds are delicate and should be sown on fine soil before transplanting. The following procedure can be helpful when making a seed bed and sowing the seeds;
Ø Dig a small piece of land about 100cm by 50cm and make sure the piece is on a raised level compared to other places.
Ø Break up the soil boulder to ensure the soil is smooth.
Ø Make furrows depending on the size of the seeds. If the seeds are large, make deep furrows and if seeds are small, make shallow furrows.
Ø Place the seeds on the furrows and make sure that the seeds do not overlap.
Ø Sprinkle some smooth soil on the top of the seeds in order to cover them.
Ø Make a shade for the seedbed by placing supporting objects at each corner of the seedbed.
Ø Then crisscross some light straight and stiff objects like wires on top of the seedbed.
Ø Then place some dry grass on top of the wires and make sure that the grass allows easy penetration of water and sunlight.
Ø Apply enough water to the seedbed after the above task.
Ø Make sure you apply enough water everyday by use of a watering can or sprinklers.
Ø After the seeds have germinated and are about 5cms long uproot them gently and place them in small nylon papers which are already filled with fertile soil.
Ø Make small holes on the papers to allow easy root penetration and lose of excess water.
Ø Arrange the seedlings somewhere and provide some shade.
Ø Continue applying water until the seedlings reach a height of 10cms.
Ø Plough thoroughly the piece of land that you want to plant your trees.
Ø Make holes of about 50cms deep and 35cms wide. The distant from one hole to another should be about 100cms for better growth.
Ø Return some soil to about 10cms in height.
Ø It is advisable to apply some manure or fertilizer and some pesticides to prevent the trees from attack by pests and diseases.
Ø Carefully remove the seedlings from the papers to avoid soil breakup that can lead to distortion of roots.
Ø Plant the seedlings and do not fill the hole with soil since it requires some space to hold water.
Ø Apply enough water to the seedlings after planting.
Ø Make sure you apply enough water on daily basis until when the seedling is stable and able to be sustained by rainwater.
Why Trees are important.
ii. They are useful in soil conservation because the roots holds the soil firmly, branches and leaves act as wind breakers thus preventing water and wind erosion.
iii. Tree provides material for building and construction.
iv. They are used in fencing to prevent animal from destroying farms.
v. As a source of fuel inform of wood and charcoal.
vi. They help in the refreshment of air since they use the carbon dioxide that is exhaled by animals and produces oxygen that is needed by animals and human beings.
vii. Forested are is a good shelter for wild animals and birds.
viii. They act as natural beauty.
People should therefore, try as much as possible to plant more trees so as to reclaim our God given beautiful land. Trees should be planted in all parts of the country while doing both a forestation and reforestation. Irresponsible clearing of trees leads to deforestation. This can be avoided by making sure that two trees are planted, whenever one is cut down.
There is no doubt that trees are the backbone, of human’s very survival. Yohannes GebreMichael and Ann Waters-Bayer, from
In the government’s a forestation campaigns, protected areas are often planted with exotic species for fuel or fodder or simply for vegetation cover. If the country’s inhabitants could plant more and more, the problems caused by climate change could soon be alleviated.
.
Naomi Ndichu. Is a resident of Sipili, she is a form four leaver, currently studying computer packages at the
.
The Tallest Kales of Ngarua.
Kale or borecole is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), green or purple, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms...wikipidia’’
Sukuma Wiki is a popular Kenyan side dish that can be made out of collards or kale.
In Kenya, the plant traditionally used is a tall- growing cabbage variety elsewhere known as "walking stick cabbage" for the tall woody stalk it produces. It is often served with ugali, a porridge made from maize. Translated literally from Swahili, sukuma wiki means 'to push out the week', implying that it is a staple used to stretch the family meals to last for the week.
Ordinarily Kales are known to attain a knee level height or slightly taller, before it dries up or cease to be productive; but not here in Ngarua, in Mr. Kiarahus farm, Kales are clocking two and a half meters and still producing healthy leaves. When the Isinya focal group came to Ngarua on an exchange visit, they marveled at the up normal height of the green leafy ‘‘Sukuma wiki’’ they thought it was a unique species, but they were informed that it was the ordinary kales! Then what is the difference? What the secret of planting kales in Ngarua? ‘‘They asked”.
The fertility Drenches.
Kales require very fertile grounds, rich in manure and humus; to begin with, one must dig up a drench called a fertility drench. The drench is usually 2 x 2 ft and any length depending on farmer preference. The top rich soil is removed to one side and the inner profile is left aside. Dry matter like maize stalks or any other vegetation are laid at the bottom of the drench, green vegetation are then placed on top of the dry ones, animals manure are placed on top of the green matter and the top soil are then returned to cover the drench with small proportions of animals manure.
The sub-soil is placed along the edge of the drench to form a shallow basin where the water can be trapped during rainfall of incase of irrigation. During dry season, it’s advisable to pour water into the new drench for at least one week before planting, but when moisture is adequate planting can commence immediately.
Plant are transplanted from the nursery and sowed with a spacing of 2 x 2 ft. To prevent them from loosing too must water; new plants are mulched using dry matter. Green matter can attract pest like termites, cut worms and other small beetles which can destroy the plants.
Kales planted in this method grows very tall and produces healthy leaves for a longer time thus increasing the amount of profits and withstanding extreme weather changes.
The method is therefore recommended for dry areas.
Nutritional value of ‘Sukuma Wiki’ Kale is considered to be a highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant properties; kale is considered to be anti-inflammatory.
Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane (particularly when chopped or minced), a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties.
Information sourced from the internet http://kitchengardeners.org/recipes/sukuma-wiki-kenyan-style-sauteed-greens and by direct observation.
By
Bett Kipsang
FO Ngarua Maarifa Center.
Sukuma Wiki is a popular Kenyan side dish that can be made out of collards or kale.
In Kenya, the plant traditionally used is a tall- growing cabbage variety elsewhere known as "walking stick cabbage" for the tall woody stalk it produces. It is often served with ugali, a porridge made from maize. Translated literally from Swahili, sukuma wiki means 'to push out the week', implying that it is a staple used to stretch the family meals to last for the week.
Ordinarily Kales are known to attain a knee level height or slightly taller, before it dries up or cease to be productive; but not here in Ngarua, in Mr. Kiarahus farm, Kales are clocking two and a half meters and still producing healthy leaves. When the Isinya focal group came to Ngarua on an exchange visit, they marveled at the up normal height of the green leafy ‘‘Sukuma wiki’’ they thought it was a unique species, but they were informed that it was the ordinary kales! Then what is the difference? What the secret of planting kales in Ngarua? ‘‘They asked”.
The fertility Drenches.
Kales require very fertile grounds, rich in manure and humus; to begin with, one must dig up a drench called a fertility drench. The drench is usually 2 x 2 ft and any length depending on farmer preference. The top rich soil is removed to one side and the inner profile is left aside. Dry matter like maize stalks or any other vegetation are laid at the bottom of the drench, green vegetation are then placed on top of the dry ones, animals manure are placed on top of the green matter and the top soil are then returned to cover the drench with small proportions of animals manure.
The sub-soil is placed along the edge of the drench to form a shallow basin where the water can be trapped during rainfall of incase of irrigation. During dry season, it’s advisable to pour water into the new drench for at least one week before planting, but when moisture is adequate planting can commence immediately.
Plant are transplanted from the nursery and sowed with a spacing of 2 x 2 ft. To prevent them from loosing too must water; new plants are mulched using dry matter. Green matter can attract pest like termites, cut worms and other small beetles which can destroy the plants.
Kales planted in this method grows very tall and produces healthy leaves for a longer time thus increasing the amount of profits and withstanding extreme weather changes.
The method is therefore recommended for dry areas.
Nutritional value of ‘Sukuma Wiki’ Kale is considered to be a highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant properties; kale is considered to be anti-inflammatory.
Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane (particularly when chopped or minced), a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties.
Information sourced from the internet http://kitchengardeners.org/recipes/sukuma-wiki-kenyan-style-sauteed-greens and by direct observation.
By
Bett Kipsang
FO Ngarua Maarifa Center.
Turkey Farming in Ng'arua.
Introduction.
A turkey is a large black or white kind of bird that is kept in homes as part of poultry. With good management turkeys are very productive and farmers keep them as a source of income. One can start turkey farming with only one or two turkeys. A female turkey can be reared alone then taken to the male one for mating so that it can lay quality eggs for incubation
Management.
A turkey chick can take about 5 to 7 months to mature. Once it matures, it can lay about 7 to 10 eggs for the first time, it gets broody and starts sitting on the eggs for 28 days before they hatch, that is the incubation period for turkeys. A turkey can lay up to a maximum of 15 eggs and sit on them all.
Once a turkey hatches, it is somehow careless about what the chicks’ eats, for proper upkeep of the chicks it is advisable to isolate them from their mother. One is supposed to keep the chicks inside a wire mesh cage and let the mother to just hung around outside the cage because it can eat all the feeds leaving the chicks hungry, her food should be kept separate next to the cage. After 3 months, the mother turkey can start laying again and the process continues.
Feeding the chicks.
The chicks need to be fed on chick mash 3 times a day for about three months, before introducing any other type of feed. In the morning, it is advisable to give them little warm milk before anything else.
It is believed that milk makes young chicks healthier and hardy to boost their immunity against diseases. After giving them milk you provide them with clean water and feeds as well. Turkeys feed on young plants, maize, any leafy green vegetables, grains etc.
Cleaning their cage
Cages should always be very clean and hygienic to avoid any attack by diseases, it’s supposed to be cleaned very early in the morning using wood ash, alternatively, one can place a sisal rag or nylon instead of sweeping every day. In the evening, one is supposed to let the mother in so that she can cover the chicks and shield them from cold during the night. In the morning the rag needs to be removed and replaced with a clean one. After removing the used sag, place it in the sun so that it can dry and latter on shake if to remove dust. The same route-en is repeated on daily basis, until the chicks are big enough to fend for themselves.
Advantages rearing turkeys.
Turkeys are good because, one can sit on more than 15 eggs depending on the body surface area. They can also sit on chicken eggs, hatch them successfully, and take care of them nicely. During the day, no one can enter the home compound without being noticed because male turkeys tend to be furious and noisy to strangers, it can even attack.
A mature turkey cost up to Ksh 1,500 while a 3 months old chick can cost from 450 to 500 Ksh and the cost of an egg is Ksh 25to 30. With proper management, turkeys can be very profitable. It is believed that turkeys have the sweetest meat than any other meat. Turkeys can also be kept for beauty in the home.
Challenges
In spite of the positive advantages of turkeys, they also have some disadvantages. They birds can easily be attacked by wild animals especially while sitting on the eggs. They can also be easily stolen especially at night because they can be held and taken away without making noise. They are also very destructive to the crops if not kept in a closed place.
Turkey chicks are also prone to disease like sleeping sickness and pneumonia.
Written by:
Sam Githumbi.
Mobile: 0715147245.
githumbisamuel@yahoo.com
Or ngaruamaaifa@alin.net
A turkey is a large black or white kind of bird that is kept in homes as part of poultry. With good management turkeys are very productive and farmers keep them as a source of income. One can start turkey farming with only one or two turkeys. A female turkey can be reared alone then taken to the male one for mating so that it can lay quality eggs for incubation
Management.
A turkey chick can take about 5 to 7 months to mature. Once it matures, it can lay about 7 to 10 eggs for the first time, it gets broody and starts sitting on the eggs for 28 days before they hatch, that is the incubation period for turkeys. A turkey can lay up to a maximum of 15 eggs and sit on them all.
Once a turkey hatches, it is somehow careless about what the chicks’ eats, for proper upkeep of the chicks it is advisable to isolate them from their mother. One is supposed to keep the chicks inside a wire mesh cage and let the mother to just hung around outside the cage because it can eat all the feeds leaving the chicks hungry, her food should be kept separate next to the cage. After 3 months, the mother turkey can start laying again and the process continues.
Feeding the chicks.
The chicks need to be fed on chick mash 3 times a day for about three months, before introducing any other type of feed. In the morning, it is advisable to give them little warm milk before anything else.
It is believed that milk makes young chicks healthier and hardy to boost their immunity against diseases. After giving them milk you provide them with clean water and feeds as well. Turkeys feed on young plants, maize, any leafy green vegetables, grains etc.
Cleaning their cage
Cages should always be very clean and hygienic to avoid any attack by diseases, it’s supposed to be cleaned very early in the morning using wood ash, alternatively, one can place a sisal rag or nylon instead of sweeping every day. In the evening, one is supposed to let the mother in so that she can cover the chicks and shield them from cold during the night. In the morning the rag needs to be removed and replaced with a clean one. After removing the used sag, place it in the sun so that it can dry and latter on shake if to remove dust. The same route-en is repeated on daily basis, until the chicks are big enough to fend for themselves.
Advantages rearing turkeys.
Turkeys are good because, one can sit on more than 15 eggs depending on the body surface area. They can also sit on chicken eggs, hatch them successfully, and take care of them nicely. During the day, no one can enter the home compound without being noticed because male turkeys tend to be furious and noisy to strangers, it can even attack.
A mature turkey cost up to Ksh 1,500 while a 3 months old chick can cost from 450 to 500 Ksh and the cost of an egg is Ksh 25to 30. With proper management, turkeys can be very profitable. It is believed that turkeys have the sweetest meat than any other meat. Turkeys can also be kept for beauty in the home.
Challenges
In spite of the positive advantages of turkeys, they also have some disadvantages. They birds can easily be attacked by wild animals especially while sitting on the eggs. They can also be easily stolen especially at night because they can be held and taken away without making noise. They are also very destructive to the crops if not kept in a closed place.
Turkey chicks are also prone to disease like sleeping sickness and pneumonia.
Written by:
Sam Githumbi.
Mobile: 0715147245.
githumbisamuel@yahoo.com
Or ngaruamaaifa@alin.net
Maarifa Center; The Mother of Knowledge.
You are the mother of information,
You are the source of knowledge,
And the also the source of change,
To the whole of Sipili community,
Thank you ‘BIG’ Ng`arua Maarifa.
Your services are excellent,
They enable us to excel,
In all our undertakings,
Through the new techniques,
You are our success source.
You are never tired of us,
Coming again and again
We are your daily visitors,
Through your welcome,
You are the chosen ones.
You offer efficient services
Which are freely charged
Computer training is free
Access to internet is free
Lending of books is free
And many other services.
From the youngest to the oldest,
All are welcome to the centre,
With any need is welcome,
Once you enter move out changed,
You are the key to development.
You prepare open days and teach a lot,
We get informed on new technologies,
New methods of organic farming we get,
New method of marketing is launched etc,
Ng`arua C.K.C may you live forever.
By: Githumbi Sam.
You are the source of knowledge,
And the also the source of change,
To the whole of Sipili community,
Thank you ‘BIG’ Ng`arua Maarifa.
Your services are excellent,
They enable us to excel,
In all our undertakings,
Through the new techniques,
You are our success source.
You are never tired of us,
Coming again and again
We are your daily visitors,
Through your welcome,
You are the chosen ones.
You offer efficient services
Which are freely charged
Computer training is free
Access to internet is free
Lending of books is free
And many other services.
From the youngest to the oldest,
All are welcome to the centre,
With any need is welcome,
Once you enter move out changed,
You are the key to development.
You prepare open days and teach a lot,
We get informed on new technologies,
New methods of organic farming we get,
New method of marketing is launched etc,
Ng`arua C.K.C may you live forever.
By: Githumbi Sam.
How to tame corruption.
The word Corruption is mentioned virtually everywhere everyday! The most common connotation is that it carries, negative attributes. It is commonly associated with underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment, projects failure etc. People are encouraged to fight corruption, but unless they answer correctly the question ‘‘what is corruption?’’ no meaningful results may be expected.
Then what is corruption?
Corruption is a vice. It can be termed as dishonesty in a society that does not value virtues. In any given country, corruption is a thwart to the economic growth. According to me, corruption is bribery, misappropriation of public funds or abuse of office.
I can also say it is negligence and failure to comply with the laid down procedure and regulation. So many factors compel one to participate in corruption.
Some of the factors we may have are;
a. Selfishness and greed:
We may find that one can get money from a certain welfare Association and instead of using them for the success of the welfare, he/she grabs them to sustain him/herself.
b. Lack of transparency and accountability:
This is lack of clearness and answerability in day-to-day activities
c. Unfair discrimination:
This is where one misuses position to extract or demand favors like bribes.
All the above factors intertwine one another like a weaver’s bird nest.
Corruption adversely affects an individual and the society. This deteriorates the economic status of any country, society or organization hence increased poverty level.
Ways to cub corruption;
We can use the following methods to cub corruption:
1.Avoid bribing.
2.Be fair and just.
3.Use proper accounting methods.
Hence, we will be able to uplift our economy and eradicate poverty, which has become a thorn to our flesh.
By: Hellen, a computer student at ngarua community knowledge centre.
Then what is corruption?
Corruption is a vice. It can be termed as dishonesty in a society that does not value virtues. In any given country, corruption is a thwart to the economic growth. According to me, corruption is bribery, misappropriation of public funds or abuse of office.
I can also say it is negligence and failure to comply with the laid down procedure and regulation. So many factors compel one to participate in corruption.
Some of the factors we may have are;
a. Selfishness and greed:
We may find that one can get money from a certain welfare Association and instead of using them for the success of the welfare, he/she grabs them to sustain him/herself.
b. Lack of transparency and accountability:
This is lack of clearness and answerability in day-to-day activities
c. Unfair discrimination:
This is where one misuses position to extract or demand favors like bribes.
All the above factors intertwine one another like a weaver’s bird nest.
Corruption adversely affects an individual and the society. This deteriorates the economic status of any country, society or organization hence increased poverty level.
Ways to cub corruption;
We can use the following methods to cub corruption:
1.Avoid bribing.
2.Be fair and just.
3.Use proper accounting methods.
Hence, we will be able to uplift our economy and eradicate poverty, which has become a thorn to our flesh.
By: Hellen, a computer student at ngarua community knowledge centre.
Our Environment
The environment means what surrounds us. These comprises of living things like plants, animals, insects, microscopic organisms and non-living things like rocks, soil, water etc. There are many challenges whenever people fail to become accustomed to their environment. Due to climatic change, many people especially farmers are struggling to adapt to the current environmental conditions. This has lead to many challenges, which includes:
FOOD INSECURITY.
Some areas are becoming too hot for certain crops and animals to survive. This situation makes people move from one place to another in search of food. It has also become too thorny to practice irrigation since there is inadequate water to do so. As per the [JOTO AFRICA ISSUE 1] Sub-Saharan Africa [SSA] is the most food insecure region in the world.
LIMITED WATER ACCESS.
Due to intensive destruction of water catchments areas; vast area are increasingly becoming drier and drier. The little rain received is inadequate because trees, which play a vital role by attracting, rain have bean cut down. Seasonal rivers, which provide water for irrigation, livestock and all domestic purposes, have dried up! Deforestation and limited water in the resources has affected the hydrological cycle. Hydro Electric Power (H.E.P) generation will be affected leading to failure in some industries and other sectors.
POVERTY.
When the crops and livestock fail to survive, livelihoods of people reliant on
Region is reduced to zero, since they rely on water for food production and income. According to JOTO AFRICA ISSUE 1, Kericho, Kenya’s Rift valley province has increased in temperature by 3.5 decrees during the past 20 years. This has been because of increase of Carbon (IV) Oxide in the atmosphere.
According to the newsletter, Africa is the most vulnerable to the impact of change because of widespread poverty and low levels of technical limits adoption capabilities. To eliminate these problems, Africa has to come up with the following solutions:
Afforestation which is planting of trees in a new land, must be done rather than deforestation (cutting down of trees) to protect water and food shortages.
Charcoal burning needs to be reduced as it emits a lot of Carbon (II) Oxide into the atmosphere.
Planting techniques: People must switch to drought tolerant and first maturing crops, which are adapted to the environment.
FOOD INSECURITY.
Some areas are becoming too hot for certain crops and animals to survive. This situation makes people move from one place to another in search of food. It has also become too thorny to practice irrigation since there is inadequate water to do so. As per the [JOTO AFRICA ISSUE 1] Sub-Saharan Africa [SSA] is the most food insecure region in the world.
LIMITED WATER ACCESS.
Due to intensive destruction of water catchments areas; vast area are increasingly becoming drier and drier. The little rain received is inadequate because trees, which play a vital role by attracting, rain have bean cut down. Seasonal rivers, which provide water for irrigation, livestock and all domestic purposes, have dried up! Deforestation and limited water in the resources has affected the hydrological cycle. Hydro Electric Power (H.E.P) generation will be affected leading to failure in some industries and other sectors.
POVERTY.
When the crops and livestock fail to survive, livelihoods of people reliant on
Region is reduced to zero, since they rely on water for food production and income. According to JOTO AFRICA ISSUE 1, Kericho, Kenya’s Rift valley province has increased in temperature by 3.5 decrees during the past 20 years. This has been because of increase of Carbon (IV) Oxide in the atmosphere.
According to the newsletter, Africa is the most vulnerable to the impact of change because of widespread poverty and low levels of technical limits adoption capabilities. To eliminate these problems, Africa has to come up with the following solutions:
Afforestation which is planting of trees in a new land, must be done rather than deforestation (cutting down of trees) to protect water and food shortages.
Charcoal burning needs to be reduced as it emits a lot of Carbon (II) Oxide into the atmosphere.
Planting techniques: People must switch to drought tolerant and first maturing crops, which are adapted to the environment.
Grafting Of mangoes.
A mango is an evergreen fruit tree of the cashew family. Mangoes are widely cultivated in the tropics. It bears fleshy yellowish fruits that are either eaten ripe or green. Mangoes are among the drought resistant trees in Kenya, and therefore suitable for the arid areas. There are different types of mangoes.Two of them are;apple mango and ken tine mango. Some mangoes are indigenous and others are hybrid kinds.
In order to improve the yield and quality of mangoes, they can be grafted. ''Grafting'' in horticulture refers to the process whereby a shoot or scion is inserted into a slit of stock, from which it receives sap. It is the term used to refer to the action of taking a scion from a mature fruit tree, preferably of better quality and connecting it to the root stem of another plant of the same species.
Grafting improves yields and reduce the time of yielding thus taking little time to bear fruits.
Procedure for grafting:
1.Prepare a seedbed where you will plant your seedlings.
2.Plant the seedlings.
3.Mulch the seedbed and start watering it.
4.When they attain a height of about 10cm,transfer them to a
polythene paper bag filled with soil.
5.Put them under a shade and continue watering
6.When they attain a height of about 30cm and they produce buds they
are now ready to be grafted.
7.Cut a bud from the mango that you are using for grafting.
8.Cut the part to be joint to make a wedged shaped
9.Insert it on a slit where you have cut in a stock.
10.Tie it using a polythene paper well and tight
11.When the bud attaches itself to the new position,its ready to be
planted.
Planting the tree:
a.Dig a well rounded hole of about 1m 3ft height.
b.Mix the soil with manure before you plant
c.Then put the well mixed mixture into the hole about ½ a metre
d.Remove the polythene paper where your tree is and plant it
e.Water the young tree till the roots gets stable in the soil
You will realize that grafted mangoes takes a shorter period to produce fruits than ungrafted ones. The practice is highly recommended, because farmers don’t have to wait for all the time its takes for un-grafted mango to mature, and start bearing fruits. Fruits from grafted mango trees are of higher quality and therefore fetches more money and sells faster than fruits from un-grafted trees.
Farmers in kenya have been urged to start practicing ''Agribusiness'' that is taking agriculture as any other business. Farmers should therefore add value to their fruits in order to increase their household income.
Written by Elizabeth Ngugi.
In order to improve the yield and quality of mangoes, they can be grafted. ''Grafting'' in horticulture refers to the process whereby a shoot or scion is inserted into a slit of stock, from which it receives sap. It is the term used to refer to the action of taking a scion from a mature fruit tree, preferably of better quality and connecting it to the root stem of another plant of the same species.
Grafting improves yields and reduce the time of yielding thus taking little time to bear fruits.
Procedure for grafting:
1.Prepare a seedbed where you will plant your seedlings.
2.Plant the seedlings.
3.Mulch the seedbed and start watering it.
4.When they attain a height of about 10cm,transfer them to a
polythene paper bag filled with soil.
5.Put them under a shade and continue watering
6.When they attain a height of about 30cm and they produce buds they
are now ready to be grafted.
7.Cut a bud from the mango that you are using for grafting.
8.Cut the part to be joint to make a wedged shaped
9.Insert it on a slit where you have cut in a stock.
10.Tie it using a polythene paper well and tight
11.When the bud attaches itself to the new position,its ready to be
planted.
Planting the tree:
a.Dig a well rounded hole of about 1m 3ft height.
b.Mix the soil with manure before you plant
c.Then put the well mixed mixture into the hole about ½ a metre
d.Remove the polythene paper where your tree is and plant it
e.Water the young tree till the roots gets stable in the soil
You will realize that grafted mangoes takes a shorter period to produce fruits than ungrafted ones. The practice is highly recommended, because farmers don’t have to wait for all the time its takes for un-grafted mango to mature, and start bearing fruits. Fruits from grafted mango trees are of higher quality and therefore fetches more money and sells faster than fruits from un-grafted trees.
Farmers in kenya have been urged to start practicing ''Agribusiness'' that is taking agriculture as any other business. Farmers should therefore add value to their fruits in order to increase their household income.
Written by Elizabeth Ngugi.
The sweet potatoes
The word 'sweet' is used because of their sweet taste. Sweet potatoes vary in type. There is the white, red and the orange varieties.
Nutrients:
The orange varieties are very high in vitamin A, C, good source of fibre, vitamin B EMBED Equation.3 , Iron and also a very important source of carbohydrates.
Temperature:
Warm to hot climates (20’c)
Soil:
Moist, loose and well drained soils. This is because they are tubers hence requires loose soil for them to thicken.
Planting:
Sweet potatoes are planted from vines. Ridges should be prepared to create a heap of soil for easy penetration of roots. Soil should be heaped around the stem to prevent the tubers from being attacked by weevils.
Mode of cooking:
They can be boiled in water, cooked as chips and mixed in wheat floor as a supplement in breads and cakes.
By Cyrus Chege.
Nutrients:
The orange varieties are very high in vitamin A, C, good source of fibre, vitamin B EMBED Equation.3 , Iron and also a very important source of carbohydrates.
Temperature:
Warm to hot climates (20’c)
Soil:
Moist, loose and well drained soils. This is because they are tubers hence requires loose soil for them to thicken.
Planting:
Sweet potatoes are planted from vines. Ridges should be prepared to create a heap of soil for easy penetration of roots. Soil should be heaped around the stem to prevent the tubers from being attacked by weevils.
Mode of cooking:
They can be boiled in water, cooked as chips and mixed in wheat floor as a supplement in breads and cakes.
By Cyrus Chege.
Importance of crop farming
Crop farming is an important economic activity in Countries such as Kenya and Uganda. This refers to both large and small scale farming. Large scale farming is practiced mostly for cash and thus referred to cash crop. Examples of cash crop in Kenya are Coffee tea pyrethrum and even maize in places such as Kit ale
Large scale farming is an activity practiced in large farms. This activity is s o important to the entire community because of the employment it creates to the people.Example to this is the tea farm in Kericho.In this factory most Kenyans are employed permanently and others are employed temporarily. This type of farming also needs one to have big capital in order to practice it.
Other farmers practice small scale farming .This needs small amount of capital, it creates self employment. It is a source of food example is potatoes and grains such as maize, beans, peace etc.This activity needs small piece of land thus small number of workers is needed compared to large scale farming that require a lot of employees.
Crops can also be practiced in irrigation schemes. This refers to a piece of land where crops are grown by irrigation method.Irrigation is practiced mostly in dry areas or in the absence of rains. Perkera irrigation Scheme at Margate division in Kiribati District is a farm where onions is grown by flood irrigation .There are other methods of irrigation as overhead ,drip ,sprinkle ,by watering can and others.
By: Koech.
Large scale farming is an activity practiced in large farms. This activity is s o important to the entire community because of the employment it creates to the people.Example to this is the tea farm in Kericho.In this factory most Kenyans are employed permanently and others are employed temporarily. This type of farming also needs one to have big capital in order to practice it.
Other farmers practice small scale farming .This needs small amount of capital, it creates self employment. It is a source of food example is potatoes and grains such as maize, beans, peace etc.This activity needs small piece of land thus small number of workers is needed compared to large scale farming that require a lot of employees.
Crops can also be practiced in irrigation schemes. This refers to a piece of land where crops are grown by irrigation method.Irrigation is practiced mostly in dry areas or in the absence of rains. Perkera irrigation Scheme at Margate division in Kiribati District is a farm where onions is grown by flood irrigation .There are other methods of irrigation as overhead ,drip ,sprinkle ,by watering can and others.
By: Koech.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The universal crop.
Maize in Kenya grows well in an altitude of 2200m above sea level. It prefers medium temperatures, rainfall and attitude. Some breeds are drought resistant during the early stages of growth and does not require much rain towards maturity but they must have enough rain at flowering stage.
Maize prefers fertile loam soil which should be free draining as it cannot withstand water logging and the soil ph should be neutral or alkaline. The environmental factors found where maize is cultivated in Kenya are varied. A national maize breeding programme has been developed and many varieties which adapt well to the different conditions in specific areas.
Maize varieties are few pure at present because farmers tend to grow the more productivity hybrids and composites. The Kenya flat complex is one of the low yielding varieties but has good sheathing which prevents damage by weevils when stored with the husks on. Hybrids are bred by crossing in breed when lines or varieties used conditions of controlled pollination.
Composites on the other hand are breed growing a number of varieties together with uncontrolled pollination where there is free inter pollination.
The maize is then harvested and treated using Thirad-dindane to prevent pest attack and soil farmers as seed. Farmers are advised to plant fresh seed for planting every season. It is because of problem of reducing hybrid vigour in the first germination. Land which maize is to be grown should be prepared early to allow stable enough time to rot. Ploughing is done using disc and then harrowing is done where the seedbed is rough, although a fine seedbed is not necessary for maize.
Maize planting should be done quite early in the rain so that the crop can make a maximum use of available moisture. Dry planting should be practiced in area with short rainy seasons. Time for planting maize is very crucial as developed planting always reduces yielding.
Early planting also reduces attack by borers. The depth at which maize are placed varies from 2.5cm to 10cm which are placed shallowly in moist and deeply in dry soil, one or two seeds are placed in every hole and the spacing is 20cn to 30cm by 75 cm to 90cm the spacing depends on the ecological conditions and the cultivars to be planted. Planting is done by hands on small farms. Which tractor drawn planters are used on large farm?
BY:
JOYCE NGUNJIRI.
Maize prefers fertile loam soil which should be free draining as it cannot withstand water logging and the soil ph should be neutral or alkaline. The environmental factors found where maize is cultivated in Kenya are varied. A national maize breeding programme has been developed and many varieties which adapt well to the different conditions in specific areas.
Maize varieties are few pure at present because farmers tend to grow the more productivity hybrids and composites. The Kenya flat complex is one of the low yielding varieties but has good sheathing which prevents damage by weevils when stored with the husks on. Hybrids are bred by crossing in breed when lines or varieties used conditions of controlled pollination.
Composites on the other hand are breed growing a number of varieties together with uncontrolled pollination where there is free inter pollination.
The maize is then harvested and treated using Thirad-dindane to prevent pest attack and soil farmers as seed. Farmers are advised to plant fresh seed for planting every season. It is because of problem of reducing hybrid vigour in the first germination. Land which maize is to be grown should be prepared early to allow stable enough time to rot. Ploughing is done using disc and then harrowing is done where the seedbed is rough, although a fine seedbed is not necessary for maize.
Maize planting should be done quite early in the rain so that the crop can make a maximum use of available moisture. Dry planting should be practiced in area with short rainy seasons. Time for planting maize is very crucial as developed planting always reduces yielding.
Early planting also reduces attack by borers. The depth at which maize are placed varies from 2.5cm to 10cm which are placed shallowly in moist and deeply in dry soil, one or two seeds are placed in every hole and the spacing is 20cn to 30cm by 75 cm to 90cm the spacing depends on the ecological conditions and the cultivars to be planted. Planting is done by hands on small farms. Which tractor drawn planters are used on large farm?
BY:
JOYCE NGUNJIRI.
Beans
BY : WINNIE
Beans are belongs to the group of legumes, they are edible and are an important source of protein in Kenya. They are grown in all for their dry seeds and green pods. They can be intercropped with other crops like maize and cassava.
Ecological requirement.
Beans are grown on a wide range of soil but they do best in well draining loam soils which are rich in organic matter. Good drainage is very important as beans will not tolerate water logged soil. They require moist soil throughout the growing period and do well in moderate rainfall.
Varieties.
Some of the common varieties in Kenya include Wairimu, Rose coco,Gifamu and Muikaria Thi. They are used for both domestic and export.
Selection and preparation of planting materials.
Beans are established from seeds. The seed should be dried before they are planted. Seed selection should be done to discard the damaged and wrinkled ones. They should be dressed with appropriate chemicals to control soil born pest and planted immediately.
Land preparation.
A bean has large seed and therefore do not need a fine seedbed. Any seedbed suitable for maize is also for been .Primary cultivation and one secondary cultivation is enough.
Beans should be planted at the onset of the rain except during the long rain, when planting may be delayed to avoid rotting of the crop before harvesting. Planting is done placing 2 or 3 seeds. Planting can be done in furrows. Ammonium phosphate should be applied at a rate of 200kg per hectare along the furrow.
The field should be kept clean by shallow weeding .Weeding should be done before the flowering to avoid knocking down flowers. Weeding is done when is dry to avoid spreading diseases.
Irrigation.
Beans for green pods production are grown during the dry month of [DEC] they need about 50ml of water per week.
Pest and diseases control
For beans to produce high quality seeds, pest should be controlled .Some of pest controlled include beans aphid and been bruchid.They can be controlled by spraying the crop with various insecticide such as ‘‘Diazion’’. There are many diseases that attack beans, and causes great loss in production. Some of them include; been rust and leaf sport.
Harvesting.
Seeds are harvested by uprooting dry seed .Uprooting should be done in the morning when it’s cold. The stalks should be allowed to dry on mat. Sorting should be done after winnowing to remove damaged seed. Dry seed are steered with appropriate pesticide and packed in bags. For green beans they are left for only 9 weeks. Picking is done when the weather is dry. And pod sorting out according to size.
challenges
When rain is of high rage the been production is very low .And also when pest and diseases are not controlled. The main one is poor market.
Beans are belongs to the group of legumes, they are edible and are an important source of protein in Kenya. They are grown in all for their dry seeds and green pods. They can be intercropped with other crops like maize and cassava.
Ecological requirement.
Beans are grown on a wide range of soil but they do best in well draining loam soils which are rich in organic matter. Good drainage is very important as beans will not tolerate water logged soil. They require moist soil throughout the growing period and do well in moderate rainfall.
Varieties.
Some of the common varieties in Kenya include Wairimu, Rose coco,Gifamu and Muikaria Thi. They are used for both domestic and export.
Selection and preparation of planting materials.
Beans are established from seeds. The seed should be dried before they are planted. Seed selection should be done to discard the damaged and wrinkled ones. They should be dressed with appropriate chemicals to control soil born pest and planted immediately.
Land preparation.
A bean has large seed and therefore do not need a fine seedbed. Any seedbed suitable for maize is also for been .Primary cultivation and one secondary cultivation is enough.
Beans should be planted at the onset of the rain except during the long rain, when planting may be delayed to avoid rotting of the crop before harvesting. Planting is done placing 2 or 3 seeds. Planting can be done in furrows. Ammonium phosphate should be applied at a rate of 200kg per hectare along the furrow.
The field should be kept clean by shallow weeding .Weeding should be done before the flowering to avoid knocking down flowers. Weeding is done when is dry to avoid spreading diseases.
Irrigation.
Beans for green pods production are grown during the dry month of [DEC] they need about 50ml of water per week.
Pest and diseases control
For beans to produce high quality seeds, pest should be controlled .Some of pest controlled include beans aphid and been bruchid.They can be controlled by spraying the crop with various insecticide such as ‘‘Diazion’’. There are many diseases that attack beans, and causes great loss in production. Some of them include; been rust and leaf sport.
Harvesting.
Seeds are harvested by uprooting dry seed .Uprooting should be done in the morning when it’s cold. The stalks should be allowed to dry on mat. Sorting should be done after winnowing to remove damaged seed. Dry seed are steered with appropriate pesticide and packed in bags. For green beans they are left for only 9 weeks. Picking is done when the weather is dry. And pod sorting out according to size.
challenges
When rain is of high rage the been production is very low .And also when pest and diseases are not controlled. The main one is poor market.
Importance of water to man.
By
Luciah Muthoni Kaguru
Water is used for different purposes at home, for example washing clothes; drinking, bathing, washing utensils and cooking. In farms plants needs water for them to grow well. During dry seasons during water is used to irrigate crops. Livestock needs water for drinking after feeding every day. Some other animals like fish live in water. If they are removed fish from water they die.
Uses of water for recreation.
Recreation is doing things for enjoyment. Water sports are recreation activities. They include swimming, boat racing sailing and fishing. Water sports can take place in swimming pools, dams, rivers, lakes and oceans.
Uses of water in industries.
Most industries in Kenya need water to make their products, to cool their machines, to clean equipments and to clean various parts. Soft drinks are made from water, so they use a lot of water. Many other industries also use water to mix chemicals and to wash the materials.
Uses of water for transport.
There are areas in the world that are surrounded by water. These areas are called islands. You have to use a boat or a ship to get to these islands people also transport goods using ships ferries and boats. This is because water transport is cheap and the ships and ferries can carry a lot of goods. Ferries and boats move on water to transport people and goods.
Water storage.
We can use different things to store water at home for example tanks, drums, buckets and jerry cans. Storage of water saves us the time and energy of going to the river every time stored water may also be useful when there is shortage of water, the government may construct a dam to control the flow of water.
Advantages of water.
Water transport is cheap; this is because ships and ferries can carry a lot of goods.
Stored water saves us the time and energy of going to the river every time, women are mostly burdened by water collecting activities.
Fishing is a major source of employment, when they sell fish they get money for their needs. Water is used to generate hydro electric power (h.e.p) most of the electricity we use is generated from water.
Disadvantages of water
When there is a lot of Rain Rivers and dams become flooded with water hence the bridges are carried away and people are unable to cross the river, floods causes’ soil erosion, destruction of property and even drown people and livestock.
Luciah Muthoni Kaguru
Water is used for different purposes at home, for example washing clothes; drinking, bathing, washing utensils and cooking. In farms plants needs water for them to grow well. During dry seasons during water is used to irrigate crops. Livestock needs water for drinking after feeding every day. Some other animals like fish live in water. If they are removed fish from water they die.
Uses of water for recreation.
Recreation is doing things for enjoyment. Water sports are recreation activities. They include swimming, boat racing sailing and fishing. Water sports can take place in swimming pools, dams, rivers, lakes and oceans.
Uses of water in industries.
Most industries in Kenya need water to make their products, to cool their machines, to clean equipments and to clean various parts. Soft drinks are made from water, so they use a lot of water. Many other industries also use water to mix chemicals and to wash the materials.
Uses of water for transport.
There are areas in the world that are surrounded by water. These areas are called islands. You have to use a boat or a ship to get to these islands people also transport goods using ships ferries and boats. This is because water transport is cheap and the ships and ferries can carry a lot of goods. Ferries and boats move on water to transport people and goods.
Water storage.
We can use different things to store water at home for example tanks, drums, buckets and jerry cans. Storage of water saves us the time and energy of going to the river every time stored water may also be useful when there is shortage of water, the government may construct a dam to control the flow of water.
Advantages of water.
Water transport is cheap; this is because ships and ferries can carry a lot of goods.
Stored water saves us the time and energy of going to the river every time, women are mostly burdened by water collecting activities.
Fishing is a major source of employment, when they sell fish they get money for their needs. Water is used to generate hydro electric power (h.e.p) most of the electricity we use is generated from water.
Disadvantages of water
When there is a lot of Rain Rivers and dams become flooded with water hence the bridges are carried away and people are unable to cross the river, floods causes’ soil erosion, destruction of property and even drown people and livestock.
THE VALUE OF I.C.T TRAINING TO THE PEOPLE OF SIPILI.
Ngarua Maarifa center stands out in Sipili township as the only place you pop in and access the internet, read books, attend ICT training's and other information services free of charge. The question lingering in the minds of many people is how it all happens! ICT training has been received quite enthusiastically by the trainees, both young, and old, men, and women, boys and girls alike. The number of people seeking for vacancies are increasing on daily basis, as words of our services spreads far and wide. Successful graduates have continually acted as our goodwill ambassadors.
I.C.T Compliance.
Civil servants were also not left out of this important opportunity, as the saying goes ''opportunities seldom knock twice''. Importantly, the assistant chief for sipili sub-location Mr. John Kimaiyo, is leading other civil servants in acquiring knowledge of this 'twenty first century phenomenon'. Two forest guards working with the Larik forest and three primary school teachers are also among the 40 trainees who will be completing their computer packages in August.
Nguraman’s Story
One day i read an e-mail from steve FO Nguruman about a chief who is ICT compliant at His Maarifa center. Steve had reported that the chief, who is a frequent visitor of the Maarifa center had recently bought a lap top and he was even generous enough to share it with other community members coming to the center. The story, was an eye opener because i immediately reflected on the case of Ngarua, I replied to steve's mail as well as copying it to all staffs, the following day, it prompted Susan to write to me asking if i could do the story for publication in the Alin news letter, The ALIN Insider.
Securing an interview.
On a friday evening, just after the lessons, i called the three officers, namely John Kimaiyo, the assistant chief, Joseph Mureithi and Mugwe Kamau the two forest officers, i shared with them my intention for an interview, on how they have benefitted from the services and what they actually found as an interesting thing about ICT at the Maarifa Center. We have been friends and i have developed good rapport with them from the time they started, we had organized an induction session to make them aware of the centre objectives, activities and the purpose of free trainings, it was easy getting them talk. The induction gave us an opportunity to doing introduction of Arid lands information network(ALIN), and LACKIN, who are behind the centre management, which gave them confidence that we deal with info sharing, and in good faith.
Impact of ICT trainings
Our talks kicked off with a friendly chat and as the story unfolded i discovered in-depth reasons that led to their sacrifice, i learned how our training deeply empower people more than we could have imagined. ''Being in our place of work without ICT knowledge is a threat!, Said Mugwe Kamau. When i turned to his colleague Mr. Joseph Muriithi, he posed ''I have a burning desire to become computer literate''. The two officers admitted that computer knowledge is key to opening information avenues, ''I want to search and process my information on my own'' Said Mr. Mugwe Kamau, adding that, free internet service at the Maarifa center may not benefit him unless he learns how to operate the computers. Mr. Kamau intends to conduct research on environmental issues, with a lot of reference to the internet. He also wants to save and manage his document in an organized manner. Both wanted to enhance confidentiality of their personal information in a computer because nobody will accesses it unless with their authority.
Learning computer will improve on the officer's report writing ability and styles, efficiency, speed and performance. This will not only enhance their self esteem but also opening avenues for promotion. They have heard about e-marketing and they need more computer knowledge for them to access more information on how to purchase goods from other countries using the internet. Mugwe Kamau wants to learn computer so that he can introduce his children to computers at an early age.
The assistant chief.
If i said that the government and the community of sipili are represented at Maarifa center i will be right. The area assistant chief from sipili sub-location Mr. John Kimaiyo, do not want to remain behind as his subjects becomes ICT compliant. ''Immediately the Maarifa center announced for free ICT training's, I was the first one to apply'' Said the jubilant assistant Chief. He first heard of our activities when the Maarifa was being hosted at Lariak secondary school, where he was and is still a parent, his heart bounds effortlessly whenever he saw the activities and services offered to student and to the community.
Why did you choose to learn computer.
''My foresight nature compelled me to explore better options for expanding opportunities'', Said Kimaiyo, in a tactful mien. He told me how he had approached a donor and was given some grant and he donated more computers to Lariak and another primary school, within his sub-location. He then saw the necessity of learning computer and the need to start now. ''Many things are increasingly getting computerized, that means the future is, I.C.T'' Said Kimaiyo. He predicts that in the near future, a computers that serves the same purpose as Television and Radio will be developed, thus phasing out the latter.
''In the near future, civil servant will be required to be whole rounder, they will be expected to do many things on their own, drive themselves around, work without a secretary etc. The chiefs office may be computerized soon owing to expansion of rural electrification, and the allocation of funds for buying computers at constituency level, and that is why i wanted to be ahead of things'', he said.
Kimaiyo is particularly driven by what he calls, ''shame'', the idea of giving out your e-mail address and password to cyber cafe operators because you don't know how to use a computer yourself.
Manual work.
Kimaiyo admits that it has been hectic writing reports and invitation letters by hand! he now wants to advance by using a computer and do it himself. He intends to manage his farm and personal records like planting, harvesting and animal management using the computer.
Comment
He appreciates very much that the maarifa center is located in his area of jurisdiction, his happiness even abounds whenever he sees people advance to modern technology, he foresees a situation when people are empowered and will be busy with constructive activities thus minimizing cases of insecurity and petty crimes. ''The people of Sipili will go high tech and use the internet to advertise their goods to get higher bargaining power'' Kimaiyo said.
Conclusion.
The officers have never seen any such project whenever they have worked. They expressed sincere gratitude to ALIN. They recommended for expansion of classes to accommodate more people. They also appreciated the fact that people of all ages can study computer at the centre.
Bett Kipsang is a Alin's Field Officer based at Ngarua Maarifa Center.
I.C.T Compliance.
Civil servants were also not left out of this important opportunity, as the saying goes ''opportunities seldom knock twice''. Importantly, the assistant chief for sipili sub-location Mr. John Kimaiyo, is leading other civil servants in acquiring knowledge of this 'twenty first century phenomenon'. Two forest guards working with the Larik forest and three primary school teachers are also among the 40 trainees who will be completing their computer packages in August.
Nguraman’s Story
One day i read an e-mail from steve FO Nguruman about a chief who is ICT compliant at His Maarifa center. Steve had reported that the chief, who is a frequent visitor of the Maarifa center had recently bought a lap top and he was even generous enough to share it with other community members coming to the center. The story, was an eye opener because i immediately reflected on the case of Ngarua, I replied to steve's mail as well as copying it to all staffs, the following day, it prompted Susan to write to me asking if i could do the story for publication in the Alin news letter, The ALIN Insider.
Securing an interview.
On a friday evening, just after the lessons, i called the three officers, namely John Kimaiyo, the assistant chief, Joseph Mureithi and Mugwe Kamau the two forest officers, i shared with them my intention for an interview, on how they have benefitted from the services and what they actually found as an interesting thing about ICT at the Maarifa Center. We have been friends and i have developed good rapport with them from the time they started, we had organized an induction session to make them aware of the centre objectives, activities and the purpose of free trainings, it was easy getting them talk. The induction gave us an opportunity to doing introduction of Arid lands information network(ALIN), and LACKIN, who are behind the centre management, which gave them confidence that we deal with info sharing, and in good faith.
Impact of ICT trainings
Our talks kicked off with a friendly chat and as the story unfolded i discovered in-depth reasons that led to their sacrifice, i learned how our training deeply empower people more than we could have imagined. ''Being in our place of work without ICT knowledge is a threat!, Said Mugwe Kamau. When i turned to his colleague Mr. Joseph Muriithi, he posed ''I have a burning desire to become computer literate''. The two officers admitted that computer knowledge is key to opening information avenues, ''I want to search and process my information on my own'' Said Mr. Mugwe Kamau, adding that, free internet service at the Maarifa center may not benefit him unless he learns how to operate the computers. Mr. Kamau intends to conduct research on environmental issues, with a lot of reference to the internet. He also wants to save and manage his document in an organized manner. Both wanted to enhance confidentiality of their personal information in a computer because nobody will accesses it unless with their authority.
Learning computer will improve on the officer's report writing ability and styles, efficiency, speed and performance. This will not only enhance their self esteem but also opening avenues for promotion. They have heard about e-marketing and they need more computer knowledge for them to access more information on how to purchase goods from other countries using the internet. Mugwe Kamau wants to learn computer so that he can introduce his children to computers at an early age.
The assistant chief.
If i said that the government and the community of sipili are represented at Maarifa center i will be right. The area assistant chief from sipili sub-location Mr. John Kimaiyo, do not want to remain behind as his subjects becomes ICT compliant. ''Immediately the Maarifa center announced for free ICT training's, I was the first one to apply'' Said the jubilant assistant Chief. He first heard of our activities when the Maarifa was being hosted at Lariak secondary school, where he was and is still a parent, his heart bounds effortlessly whenever he saw the activities and services offered to student and to the community.
Why did you choose to learn computer.
''My foresight nature compelled me to explore better options for expanding opportunities'', Said Kimaiyo, in a tactful mien. He told me how he had approached a donor and was given some grant and he donated more computers to Lariak and another primary school, within his sub-location. He then saw the necessity of learning computer and the need to start now. ''Many things are increasingly getting computerized, that means the future is, I.C.T'' Said Kimaiyo. He predicts that in the near future, a computers that serves the same purpose as Television and Radio will be developed, thus phasing out the latter.
''In the near future, civil servant will be required to be whole rounder, they will be expected to do many things on their own, drive themselves around, work without a secretary etc. The chiefs office may be computerized soon owing to expansion of rural electrification, and the allocation of funds for buying computers at constituency level, and that is why i wanted to be ahead of things'', he said.
Kimaiyo is particularly driven by what he calls, ''shame'', the idea of giving out your e-mail address and password to cyber cafe operators because you don't know how to use a computer yourself.
Manual work.
Kimaiyo admits that it has been hectic writing reports and invitation letters by hand! he now wants to advance by using a computer and do it himself. He intends to manage his farm and personal records like planting, harvesting and animal management using the computer.
Comment
He appreciates very much that the maarifa center is located in his area of jurisdiction, his happiness even abounds whenever he sees people advance to modern technology, he foresees a situation when people are empowered and will be busy with constructive activities thus minimizing cases of insecurity and petty crimes. ''The people of Sipili will go high tech and use the internet to advertise their goods to get higher bargaining power'' Kimaiyo said.
Conclusion.
The officers have never seen any such project whenever they have worked. They expressed sincere gratitude to ALIN. They recommended for expansion of classes to accommodate more people. They also appreciated the fact that people of all ages can study computer at the centre.
Bett Kipsang is a Alin's Field Officer based at Ngarua Maarifa Center.
Use of modern technology to boost crop yields and Marketing in Ng'arua
Farmers in the rural parts of ngarua employs all the known techniques to ensure that they improve crops yields in order to fetch better market value, most of the time they succeed in producing good quality crops, inspite of hash climatic conditions, the irony is that they end up selling them to a chain of middle-men commonly known as ''brokers''. It is expected that introduction of E-Marketing by Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN)and Laikipia Center for Knowledge and Information (LACKIN) will revolutionize Agri-business in the area by providing a chance to the marginalised communities to improve their household income and their living standards, the film above shows some of the methods used by farmers, their hard work and why they deserve better marketing strategies.
Information changing the lives of rural farmers.
When the Ngarua Focal Group visited ''Good Shepherd's Children Home'' on a charity mission, they learned of many innovations, on arrival they shared with other members back home. When Mwangi got the information from his neighbor who had had just arrived from the trip. He resolved to fuel his vehicle and went back with the neighbor to see for himself.
To say that information is power is indeed well founded, the first hand information from the exchange visit has revolutionized agriculture in Ng'arua. It is no longer business as usual, the place is categorized as an semi arid area and rainfall in not reliable. Mr. Francis Mwangi formally a carpenter have been hearing of a ''green houses'' through a local FM station. The information inspired him to give it a try, though he was new in farming; he chose to start ''big'' by growing Tomatoes in a green house.
He was not only venturing into farming for the first time but also testing more innovative methods of a green house. He had to deep into his pocket to construct and maintain the crops until they are ready for harvesting. Investing heavily in anew venture, is not a road traveled by many! Tomatoes are particularly sensitive to pest and diseases, and require special attention to maintain, that could not deter mr. Mwangi who wanted to get too the end of the project.
Crops in a green house requires fertile soils and some charcoal mixture to supply carbon, needed by plants, a drip irrigation kit is necessary to provide the crops with water, ''the method is good because it conserves water'' says Mwangi. before long his crops are ripe and the challenge is no longer crops failure but where to get a better market. He has started taking them to Sipili market where he sell at low prices since there is a good supply of the commodity, ''There are more sellers that buyers at sippili says Mwangi''.
To say that information is power is indeed well founded, the first hand information from the exchange visit has revolutionized agriculture in Ng'arua. It is no longer business as usual, the place is categorized as an semi arid area and rainfall in not reliable. Mr. Francis Mwangi formally a carpenter have been hearing of a ''green houses'' through a local FM station. The information inspired him to give it a try, though he was new in farming; he chose to start ''big'' by growing Tomatoes in a green house.
He was not only venturing into farming for the first time but also testing more innovative methods of a green house. He had to deep into his pocket to construct and maintain the crops until they are ready for harvesting. Investing heavily in anew venture, is not a road traveled by many! Tomatoes are particularly sensitive to pest and diseases, and require special attention to maintain, that could not deter mr. Mwangi who wanted to get too the end of the project.
Crops in a green house requires fertile soils and some charcoal mixture to supply carbon, needed by plants, a drip irrigation kit is necessary to provide the crops with water, ''the method is good because it conserves water'' says Mwangi. before long his crops are ripe and the challenge is no longer crops failure but where to get a better market. He has started taking them to Sipili market where he sell at low prices since there is a good supply of the commodity, ''There are more sellers that buyers at sippili says Mwangi''.
Narration
1. Introduction.
Narration: A. Climate change causes devastating effects to livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa. Communities living in the fragile ecosystems have been adversely affected by acute weather changes over time.
Narration: B. The arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya are not an exception. In Sipili, Laikipia west district of the Rift Valley province, we find a typical farmer who is determined to adapt to the change, against all odds.
Narration: C. Being in the rural and remote areas, they suffer from exploitation by brokers and middlemen, ending up with poor prices.
Narration: D. Communities in Sipili have high expectations and optimisms that with free Internet services at the Nga’rua Maarifa Center, they can benefit from Electronic marketing and hence expose produce to better market.
Narration: E. As an intervention ALIN have introduced an Internet portal called the (SokoPepe) where farmers login and expose their goods to potential buyers, thus getting a chance to auction their produce with an aim of fetching better value.
Narration: F. The success in perennial crops depends upon innovations like; water harvesting, Grafting, Mixed cropping, intercropping, organic farming and selection of suitable crops varieties.
Narration: G. Bee keeping is not only good for honey production but also to aid pollination in the farms.
Narration: H. Traditionally, small-scale farmers grew conventional crops, like maize, wheat, beans and vegetables, among other cereals, mostly for subsistence. Such crops are susceptible to failure, in the hash weather conditions.
By
Bett Kipsan’g
ALIN Ng’arua Maarifa Center.
Narration: A. Climate change causes devastating effects to livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa. Communities living in the fragile ecosystems have been adversely affected by acute weather changes over time.
Narration: B. The arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya are not an exception. In Sipili, Laikipia west district of the Rift Valley province, we find a typical farmer who is determined to adapt to the change, against all odds.
Narration: C. Being in the rural and remote areas, they suffer from exploitation by brokers and middlemen, ending up with poor prices.
Narration: D. Communities in Sipili have high expectations and optimisms that with free Internet services at the Nga’rua Maarifa Center, they can benefit from Electronic marketing and hence expose produce to better market.
Narration: E. As an intervention ALIN have introduced an Internet portal called the (SokoPepe) where farmers login and expose their goods to potential buyers, thus getting a chance to auction their produce with an aim of fetching better value.
Narration: F. The success in perennial crops depends upon innovations like; water harvesting, Grafting, Mixed cropping, intercropping, organic farming and selection of suitable crops varieties.
Narration: G. Bee keeping is not only good for honey production but also to aid pollination in the farms.
Narration: H. Traditionally, small-scale farmers grew conventional crops, like maize, wheat, beans and vegetables, among other cereals, mostly for subsistence. Such crops are susceptible to failure, in the hash weather conditions.
By
Bett Kipsan’g
ALIN Ng’arua Maarifa Center.
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