Food Security - 2 More Sites!
Saturday we visited two more Food Security sites! In the morning we went to Cyivugiza. Unfortunately on the regular route the bridge was out, so we had to drive around a long way - 2 hours there, 2 back!! Lots of Rwandan road dancing!
It was worth it - what we saw there was wonderful. Pastor Vincent continues to be a mover and shaker and he is really mobilizing the people in the area to do amazing things. They sold off all their goats and are concentrating on cattle now. The area is cooler and goats do not tend to do as well there. They have cleared much more land and have started new crops for food for the cattle and also for human consumption. They are even growing tea!
The cooperative also come together once a week and dedicate the day to helping improve the parish. Below is a picture of a beneficiary moving bricks from the valley up to the church. They can move 10,000 bricks in one day!!! We were tired after moving only two bricks each! They are using the bricks to build a bigger and more stable church for the people of the area.
They are working well together as a cooperative to improve their animal husbandry, their crops and also have set up a savings and credit plan in order that the beneficiaries can start saving their money. Wonderful things are being done in the area. This area was so destitute before with 80% of the people living below the poverty line (<$1 a day). What we are witnessing here is the results of a strong, forward thinking leader (Pastor Vincent) and a group of highly motivated people who want to improve their lives. Akazi keza!!!!! ( Good job in kinyarwanda).
It was worth it - what we saw there was wonderful. Pastor Vincent continues to be a mover and shaker and he is really mobilizing the people in the area to do amazing things. They sold off all their goats and are concentrating on cattle now. The area is cooler and goats do not tend to do as well there. They have cleared much more land and have started new crops for food for the cattle and also for human consumption. They are even growing tea!
The cooperative also come together once a week and dedicate the day to helping improve the parish. Below is a picture of a beneficiary moving bricks from the valley up to the church. They can move 10,000 bricks in one day!!! We were tired after moving only two bricks each! They are using the bricks to build a bigger and more stable church for the people of the area.
They are working well together as a cooperative to improve their animal husbandry, their crops and also have set up a savings and credit plan in order that the beneficiaries can start saving their money. Wonderful things are being done in the area. This area was so destitute before with 80% of the people living below the poverty line (<$1 a day). What we are witnessing here is the results of a strong, forward thinking leader (Pastor Vincent) and a group of highly motivated people who want to improve their lives. Akazi keza!!!!! ( Good job in kinyarwanda).
Assinapol, APAP's Paravet!!
When we returned to Kigeme, we went right into another teaching session with the Kigeme site and the APAP group. It was so good to see everyone again! Rachael has worked with the APAP group since she started coming to Kigeme in 2006. The improvements being made with animal husbandry is great. Their cows' milk production has increased from 2L/day to 6L/day. This is amazing for the area. Historically, they have never been able to increase their cows' milk production. They attribute it to the teachings they have received from the Food Security team and the Canadian team. But, they are also implementing what they are learning and are striving to improve every day. Soon, they will even see more improvements and enjoy experiencing the fruits of their labour.
The Paraveterinarians (AVI's ) are also working hard to help the beneficiaries in the areas. Based on all the testimonies given by the beneficiaries and the local veterinarians, these paravets are making a significant impact on improving animal care in the area.
The Paraveterinarians (AVI's ) are also working hard to help the beneficiaries in the areas. Based on all the testimonies given by the beneficiaries and the local veterinarians, these paravets are making a significant impact on improving animal care in the area.