Visit to St. Jude Family Projects in Masaka...Agnes's Farm

Starting with this picture is somewhat like getting to the theatre part-way through the movie. Sorry ... the 'add image' button has decided to go on strike without giving notice! Maybe I've maxed my blog photo limit???

1. We spent 2 incredible days at St. Jude's learning how much can be done with improved knowledge and skills in farming, starting with what is already in your hand.
3. Here Ted is taking a few irrigation notes.

After touring St. Jude (see next posting), we visited the home of Agnes, a woman who received training and support from St. Jude. She told us how the life of her family had been transformed in 7 years from one of abject poverty to where she is today... a healthy family, a productive farm, and a restored marriage. Following are some pics from the visit to her farm.

The goat's enclosure is raised off the ground and the floor sloped to facilitate the collection of manure. Manure ... it's the topic of conversation at St. Jude's!





Space is maximized in this integrated farming concept ... Agnes got creative in her design of this heart-shaped raised bed for cabbages.

Having them grow in her front courtyard utilizes the space. Conveniently located next to the house, it saves time and energy with meal preparation. Manure added to the soil helps retain the moisture and provides nutrients.







In addition to teaching improved crop and animal production methods, St. Jude teaches participants how to build wood-conserving stoves.

With less wood, more food can be cooked and kept warm for longer periods of time. And a chimney keeps the smoke out of the cook's eyes.

Agnes's daughter is showing us the stove.






As I said earlier, manure is the topic of conversation. You might not be able to detect it from the photo, but the floor of the cow pen is sloped allowing urine to flow to the collection pit (where the yellow jerry can is).



The cow was most considerate and gave us a live demonstration as we stood by!




(left: Josephine, founder of St. Jude)
(right: Agnes, farmer)

Here we are with a parting gift from Agnes: a basket full of eggs, bananas, tomatoes, carrots, and a cabbage.

Farmers can attend a 7 day training program at St. Jude's. Wouldn't it be an incredible opportunity for people in Tilling to learn how to maximize their land potential and improve their families quality of life?

Agnes has been able to feed her family a healthy, balanced diet, send her children to a good school, and build a new house! She now shares her knowledge and expertise with others in the community.