The success of Nuru's Agriculture Loan Program (300% maize increase) created the need for a large location for the farmers to store their surplus grain. Working in partnership with the community (they provide the labor, Nuru provides the materials), together we broke ground on a brand new granary. Get a further update from Nuru CDC Chairman Philip Mohochi.
Agriculture · September 17th, 2009
what exactly are the high-yield seeds? Are they the type of genetically-modified seeds being pushed by multi-nationals like Monsanto which produce high yields but low-nutrition and which create food allergies and related illnesses?
No. These are not GM seeds. They are hybrid seeds, and the high yields are mainly due to solid planting techniques that maximize efficient distribution and usage of fertilizer due to proper spacing. Unlike GM seed, hybrid seeds are naturally made by out-breeding maize.
Thanks for the clarification on that, Jake.
It may also be worth mentioning that the seeds are all sourced locally (rather than imported), which allows for the program to be far more sustainable when the Kenyan Program Officers take over the project.
Perhaps I missed it in your videos, but your group seems to be wasting a resource that could further improve the quality of your technology transfer program, that of low-cost animal (protein) production
There’s a simple model that I saw in a video from Malaysia or Indonesia perhaps 15 years ago, raising hogs using algae which grows quite happily in water tanks “fed” with pig feces. I suspect human feces could also be used.
The feces provide sources for methane which, with the proper containers and bleeding off valves could be used for cooking. To reduce the risk of parasites, which like to live in feces, one could first let the fecal material incubate until all the methane has been off-gassed, then spread it over a sunny area at some distance from the village, then once dried, either add it to the pig feces/algae “soup” or mix it with dried clippings and fertilise any soil that is laying fallow for the season
also, please change the colours of your post a comment; there isn’t enough contrast for us to re-read our comments before sending them along
Joe
You’re doing a great job; it brought tears to my eyes
Dear Dr. Segen,
Thank you both for your interest in Nuru and your support. We have been looking into using animal, agricultural, and other organic waste materials for use in biodigesters, briquettes, etc… Nuru is very interested in the potential that renewable fuel sources might bring to our project. You mentioned an interesting model in your comment, and I will explore this model further. Thanks again.
All the best,
Aerie Changala
CED Program Manager