Beekeeping Training
Clinic help for abandoned Mum
13 CBFs (Community Business Facilitators) oversee and offer advice to the 76 Savings and Savings & Agriculture groups CRESS supports. All 13 CBFs from the Mijale and Imvepi attended along with the agriculture officers.
One day was for Sustainable Organic Agriculture training (SOA), two days for natural medicines and another two days for agroforestry.
The three lessons were handled by three different trainers who were experienced and full of knowledge. There were practical sessions at the end of every lesson to give better understanding of practical work.
The three lessons we learnt were the following;
- To empower participants to be trainers of trainees (TOT).
- To encourage participants to make the best use of the available resources.
- Minimize use of non-renewable resources
- To empower participants with knowledge of enhancing environmental resilience by replenishing soil fertility, conserving the soil, enhancing biological diversity and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Sustainable Organic Agriculture (SOA);
Under sustainable organic agriculture, we looked at a keyhole garden, we learnt about the different practical steps involved in its preparation, its benefits and the different maintenance and management practices. Below are some of the benefits we have gone through in the process of learning;
- Soil nutrient enrichment;
The layers of organic materials break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. The central composting basket continuously replenishes the gardens soil nutrients.
- Moisture retention;
The layers of organic materials soak up and retain moisture, meaning the garden requires water less frequently and in smaller quantities.
- Labour saving technology;
The soil re-nourishment and moisture retention properties of the garden reduce the amount of time and labour required to maintain the garden.
- Low-cost design;
All construction materials are readily available at no cost to gardeners, only they might be required to purchase seeds for planting.
- Year-round vegetable production;
All vegetables planted into the keyhole garden can be harvested yearly due to good maintenance and nutrients produced by the organic materials applied at the bottom of the key hole garden while constructing.
Agro-forestry
In agro-forestry, we were able to learn the different farming systems e.g. Tarngya, woodlot, Compound farming, Alley cropping, Boundary planting, apiculture and aquaculture.
We have also been able to learn about the different spacing when planting trees e.g. for fuelwood/small poles, timbers, boundary, and fruit trees.
We have also been able to learn about the different plant species, their characteristics and their different uses.
In the photo the Agro-forestry facilitator explaining to participants the importance of planting trees around the home.
Natural Medicines
Here, several natural plants have been known to be effective for treatment of many common ailments. A combination of two or more of the specific plants could be able to treat some of the common ailments. Some notable ones include the following;
- Artemisia plant;
This plant contains a compound called artemisinin. Artemisinin compound is very effective in the eradication of plasmodium parasite, the cause malaria. Taking Artemisia tea daily would eliminate the parasite.
- Moringa (miracle tree);
This is another plant with numerous health benefits. In the diet, it activates cells that repairs the body, it also contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, taking Moringa leaves daily will help prevent ulcers, blood pressure, diabetes etc.; Moringa seeds are also effective in purification of water.
- Papaya (Pawpaw);
A mixture of grinded Papaya seeds and Piedra Chanca are very effective not only for treatment of hepatitis B, but also blood pressure, kidney stone, and digestion problems. Papaya sap taken on an empty stomach are also effective for eliminating all kinds of intestinal worms.
