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Methods
and Processes to be used
PREPARATION
Manure - each village has already started to stockpile in preparation.
There is limited livestock in the region, so in addition to this, a large
quantity will be purchased from further afield and transported to the
villages. This will assist in composting and improving soil conditions.
Manda Wilderness has the capability to transport the manure, and has agreed
to do this.
Mulching
- this will be encouraged from the start and will continue through the
project. It is the practice of utilising natural waste material to cover
the soil, improving the soil conditions and water retention.
Green
Manuring - Will be necessary in some of the areas with poorer soil. It
is a method of fixing nitrogen through quick growing crops purposely grown
for this reason.
Composting
- Will be an ongoing practice throughout the project and into the future.
Seed
nurseries - These will be established in the initial phases of the project
and will be developed, as the selected areas are properly prepared.
As much
as possible, local materials and products will be used. However, items
such as tools and seeds will have to be purchased and transported to the
relevant areas.
PLANTING
This will be done using the practices known as agro forestry and permaculture
designs including mixed and strip cropping. Which will encourage diversity
and will enhance natural processes to protect the crops. Diversity is
nature's most effective way of maintaining pest – predator balance
and ensuring continued soil fertility.
CROP
HARVESTING AND SEED COLLECTION
Will be carried out in a labour intensive manner. Initially this will
involve the volunteers from each village. Once the projects are established,
it is hoped that each farm will be able to employ fellow village members
for this work. Seed harvesting and storage will be taught to ensure that
the farm can continue to produce for the following year at least.
TRANSPORT
Transportation over land will be by foot using porters, whereas canoes
and small dhows will be used on the lake. The cost of this will be minimal
and included in the sale.
MARKETS
There are currently five Lodges and Hotels operating in the area. The
closest being 'Mchenga Nkwichi' Lodge, which is connected to Manda Wilderness.
At present, these establishments have a journey of two days across the
Lake to Northern Malawi to buy the most basic vegetables. This is costly,
time consuming and the quality of food obtained is not satisfactory.
During research, all five lodges stated that they would buy any good quality
produce, which this Project had for sale.
The Lodges;
Mchenga Nkwichi Lodge – Mozambique
Hotel San Miguel – Mozambique
Kaya Mawa – Likoma Island, Malawi
Akuziki Guest house – Likoma Island, Malawi
Wakwenda Retreat – Chizumulu Island, Malawi
Time
Frame
This Project needs funding for the first two years. After which it should
be sustainable. Further development into integrating livestock is planned
after this initial two-year phase.
It is intended that the Project will start in August 2001.
Year
1 (08/01 - 07/02)
Purchase/ collecting donations of seed and tools.
Transport to Mozambique.
Train and explain the vision of the project to villages involved.
Nurseries and land preparation
Planting of fruit trees.
Planting and harvesting of first vegetable and herb crops.
Assessing success and failures of experimental crops.
On going sale of fresh produce to lodge market.
Year
2 (07/02 - 07/03)
Continuation and expanding on the first year's developments and selection
of most successful.
Experimenting with crops not tried in the first year.
At the end of this year, the project will formally end, but the co-operative
farms and the methods learnt will be developed on and should continue
to provide a better standard of living.
Monitoring
and results
MARKETS
The most obvious test of success will come through the amount of produce
that was actually sold at the end of each year.
REPORTS
A detailed tri-monthly report will be provided to each donor stating:
progress, success, failures, changes and sales results, for each farm.
Aims and intentions for the next three months. All expenditure.
ASSESMENT
The Project Manager will carry out an assessment, at the end of each year
to see how much other villages are replicating the ideas learnt from the
co-operative farms.
VISITS
Any donor who has a specific interest is welcome to visit the projects
at any time. Travel arrangements can be organised through Manda Wilderness.
Conclusion
This Project is a low cost, high impact project. The farms will be established
at a minimal cost, but they will greatly improve the standards of living
for three villages. Better soil fertility, crop diversity, improved health
and nutrition, and a sustainable income, will all contribute to the community
as a whole. The aims are simple and easily achievable, giving the project
a definite chance of success.
The Project
is supported by all parties concerned and benefits some the poorest people
in the world in a way, which they themselves can sustain and can develop
upon.
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