Is Conservation Farming Contagious?

“The things that you have heard… commit these to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. One of the goals of conservation farming in Mutarara is introducing simple practices like mulching, composting, plant spacing, harvesting, treadle pump irrigation, and crop diversification. Accomplishing this goal includes using vegetation residue as a mulch to cover the topsoil, erecting contour barriers across farmland to reduce the impact of torrential rainfall, and reducing soil run-off, erosion, and leaching. The mulch builds up the organic nutrients in the soil, enriching the land for optimum food production. Almost three years after setting these goals, we are starting to observe some unexpected positive results from the Mutarara project.

One of the goals of conservation farming in Mutarara is introducing simple practices like mulching, composting, plant spacing, harvesting, treadle pump irrigation, and crop diversification.

Accomplishing this goal includes using vegetation residue as a mulch to cover the topsoil, erecting contour barriers across farmland to reduce the impact of torrential rainfall, and reducing soil run-off, erosion, and leaching. The mulch builds up the organic nutrients in the soil, enriching the land for optimum food production. Almost three years after setting these goals, we are starting to observe some unexpected positive results from the Mutarara project.

Muengwa
Self-help community groups – In Muengwa, Carlos Domingo and Santos Vasco wanted to form their own group when they saw that the conservation farming techniques introduced by World Renew’s partner IRM-RDD in 2010 were better produce. When their group started last year, the new group then invited IRM-RDD to train them on these “new” farming techniques. This group of 64 members (18 men and 46 women) created a 20×20 meter demonstration plot and learning center where each learner can practice, and then implement the new farming techniques on their own farm. The group has also received loan for a treadle pump and seeds from IRM-RDD to encourage their efforts. At the time of our visit, when I last visited this group, they had already built some irrigation basins and were raising seedlings for farming in the coming dry season.

Carlos Domingo, one of the group leaders, said that, “working together as a group has helped us identify our members’ skills and use them to help build up our community.” He also pointed out that the group encouraged members to learn from each another, an activity that has united and strengthened the group and the community.

Carlos Domingo and Santos Vasco said that they were surprised by the benefits they were experiencing. “We did not know that we in the group have different skills and can learn from one another. Conservation farming group is uniting us as a community by building our team spirit.”

Nsucamiala
In Nsucamiala, Inhangoma community, Mutarara, the leader of the champion farmers, Joana Binzi Oliveira, said that “Working together at the Learning Center has not only helped us learn new farming techniques, it has also helped us produce more vegetable, food, and cash crops than we were able to grow before.” Oliveria explained that the group distributes their harvests by selling the produce, paying on the group’s loan to IRM-RDD; and sharing any profit with members who have urgent needs for food, clothing, or medical care. Joana said that some of the produce is also set aside to support orphans in the community, so that conservation farming helped the group members practice compassion by helping those in even greater need to become more food secure.

Crop Diversification Using Local Cash Crops
The Mutarara Food Security project design included plans for crop diversification to help farmers grow alternative crops to offset crop failure ensure a more consistent income. Traditionally, farmers grow only maize as both a food crop and a cash crop–so if the corn crop fails, all is lost. When the corn harvest yields well, it can be sold for cash income for the farmer’s family.

World Renew’s project with IRM-RDD in Mutarara introduced alternative crops like sorghum, beans, cassava, and vegetables (tomatoes, cabbage, onion, green beans, etc.). During my visit to the beneficiaries recently, I noticed that the groups have also introduced sesame (girgelim) an oil cash crop both on their individual farms and at the group’s Learning Centers.

World Renew and IRM-RDD have every reason to rejoice this year. Most of the beneficiaries of the FRB-sponsored Food Security program in Mutarara have had good harvests. We praise God for the good rains, and also for the conservation farming techniques that have enhanced this success. Pray with us that these results will continue during the upcoming dry season. To God be the glory!

May I conclude by stating that Esther and I will not cease to say thank you, to all World Renew supporters who have tirelessly and generously donated to this ministry. May the Lord continue to bless and reward you richly.

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for a successful training event with the Anglican Diocese of Niassa on sustainable agriculture in July 2012.
Pray for fruitful ministry by CRWRC partners in Mozambique, IRM-Mphatso Synod and the Anglican Diocese of Niassa, as they implement projects in communities.
Pray for the smooth implementation and success of the CIDA sustainable livelihood projects by CRWRC’s partners in Mozambique in the coming fiscal year.
Pray for safety for FRB visitors who will be coming to Mozambique in August, 2012, and pray that their visit will be fruitful.
Pray for peace in Nigeria where recent upheaval has worsened recently, and for the safety of our family in Jos.

Yours In His Service,