Mwanga WA OSHUN PROGRAM
Farming
MWO Farming
In Kanyaka, Hunger and malnutrition remain a serious problem for many people. Many of these people are poorest of the poor and do not have marketable skills. They suffer from deficiencies of protein and vitamins especially children and women due to (no eggs, meat, milk, etc). Three fourth of community households are limited to only one meal a day. It has been particularly hard on the poor living under the poverty line.
The Farmer Field School (FFS) assists local farmers from the targeted communities who lack adequate agricultural skills. Through the Farmer Field School, they are gathered and work for skill sharing, learning and to build the capacity. This school focuses on hands on practical exercises and adopting safe and effective farming practices.
The farmers share experiences in specific crop production. They make choices and decision on the crop production program which requires land use practices through field school training program. The program equips locals with agricultural skills.
However, the area has advantage in growing crops because the climate is suitable, the production can be increased, and they will be able to gain income since it is close to Lubumbashi where part of the products can be sold.
The Farmer Field School (FFS):
- We are working with the community members to help them encourage the farmer’s work.
- A field school group consists of 15-25 farmers of each community or neighboring communities who could work in subgroups of 3-5 but it needs to have more land and work.
- During the (FFS) the farmers demonstrate and experiment with growing tomatoes, maize, cassava, ground peanut and vegetables.
- For the month of March, there will be vegetables, onions, cabbages, sweet potatoes etc.
- We are presently supplying fertilizer to the land. One bag of fertilizer is enough for half an acre. We recently supplied two bags for the Kurunziza and Noelly (refugee families).
- It is mandatory that refugee families participate in farming to ensure their share of food.
