BAckground
The people in the area around FRED'S FARM live a very basic subsistence farming lifestyle, using farming methods which have not changed since cultivation began. They use effective simple tools; hoe and machete knife. The Rwandan government has a system of District Agronomist and District Vet who help farmers to plan and follow up, but human resources are extremely limited. The school has a school garden, growing vegetables for school lunch. There is limited space and expertise.
To see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears is the best form of learning, especially when access to reading materials is limited and level of reading is poor. Many parents of children attending the local school today are illiterate. The farm has plenty of open space around the homestead and animal sheds for many people to gather.
To see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears is the best form of learning, especially when access to reading materials is limited and level of reading is poor. Many parents of children attending the local school today are illiterate. The farm has plenty of open space around the homestead and animal sheds for many people to gather.
Goals
- To expose a new generation to new farming practices, and generate interest.
- To increase knowledge about sustainable farming.
Beneficiaries
HOW
School classes: the educational programme for school pupils has focused primarily on dairy goats and moringa trees as these are totally new for their generation.
Farmer training, both formal and informal, is carried out on a continual basis; animal husbandry, growing fodder.
Establish a demonstration plot on FRED'S FARM.
Farmer training, both formal and informal, is carried out on a continual basis; animal husbandry, growing fodder.
Establish a demonstration plot on FRED'S FARM.
Time Line
2023 Continued development of demonstration plot including a trial with iron-enriched beans. Re-establishment of class visits from the school.
2022 Development of demonstration plot. Class visits still not reestablished due to COVID-19.
2021 First phase to establish a demonstration plot on FRED'S FARM was carried out. No class visits due to COVID-19.
2020 The Sector leader asks to have regular meetings with Jacques.
2019 School visits begin. The village leader starts to visit the farm more regularly.
2018 Liason with the school principal to discuss how best to use FRED'S FARM as a place of learning for school pupils.
2022 Development of demonstration plot. Class visits still not reestablished due to COVID-19.
2021 First phase to establish a demonstration plot on FRED'S FARM was carried out. No class visits due to COVID-19.
2020 The Sector leader asks to have regular meetings with Jacques.
2019 School visits begin. The village leader starts to visit the farm more regularly.
2018 Liason with the school principal to discuss how best to use FRED'S FARM as a place of learning for school pupils.