Sloping land after rain. A bare part of land flows down among the grasses.
The
rainfall of 600 ml. per year in Kitui is the minimum figure for growing
corn. What is worse is the fact that the decrease of trees causes outflow
of surface soils because of the slope of much of the land. The agroforestry
project, which is a combination of both afforestation and agriculture,
is a suitable method of producing in this type of land and climate.
A type of trees for afforestation. It grows fast and can be a source of income for the villagers.
The low volume of rainfall is a big obstacle for afforestation.
The project started to measure the difference of the altitude of the lands
in order to make the best use of the rainfall. With a simple device made
with a bucket and a hose, contour lines are drawn based on the observation
of the water flow. If the seedlings are planted in the lower land, it
is easier for them to absorb water when it rains.
A
Japanese expert in agriculture giving instructions how to plant the seedlings
in appropriate places upon measuring the contour lines.
The plastic container beside the plant has small holes at the bottom so that water is given to the roots gradually.
The
seedlings are well protected by a strong fence so that animals will not
eat them.
The training on agriculture was always lively because
most of the villagers were farmers. Practical training on compost production
and weeding without using agricultural chemicals are continuously carried
out.
Farm products are grown in the same land where trees
were planted. When the farm products are grown upon weeding, the trees
receive benefits because they can also absorb water and nutrition which
were given to the farm products. At the same time, the farm products receive
benefits from the trees because they can absorb water kept by the shades
and the roots of the trees. It is important to observe the interrelation
of these trees and products in the agroforestry project. The agroforestry
project would make it possible for the villagers to foster forests by
doing agriculture at the same time although it takes a long time for the
trees to grow.
The agroforestry project is one of the most attractive
projects for the farmers. In order to draw their further attention and
to generate firm results, it is imperative to conduct training programs
for each group and provide support on an individual basis. The fine and
thoughtful follow-up actions of the local ICA staff lead the project more
effectively. With the shovels in their hands granted in this project,
the farmers smiles show their hope for the future.
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