Update – Farm School Project – Uganda

Molly & Paul Child Care Foundation (MPCCF) - Principal Farm School Project Update

600 coffee seedlings were planted in March 2009. Due to poor soil and a prolonged drought from July-October, 30% were lost. We have done infilling to replace some of these.Calliandra hedges were planted in March 2009 around the banana plantation to provide fodder to the farm animals and to help with soil conservation. Both objectives have been achieved and the plantains are producing better ‘matooke’ green cooking bananas. Fast growing trees (fiscus) were planted in March 2009.They were just beginning to produce fencing material and firewood as well as somewhere to hang bee hives, providing good shelter. The coffee and fruit tree are a long term investment. Coffee will be sold as will surplus fruit. Preserving the rainfall trend to help with problems of draught is also a long term objective, fewer forest trees are being cut down.

The students’ knowledge of agro-forestry has enabled them to achieve higher grades in their exams. Monitoring has been done regularly by staff and students when they have been working in the plantains and by regular visits by the project manager who has kept a photographic record.  Students introduced to new aspect of farming. Through practical and theory students understand the importance of trees as a source of food/fodder, income, shade, and wind break, prevention of soil erosion, preserving rainfall trends, firewood, and construction materials.  Fruit trees will provide fruit in 3 years, calliandra already provides fodder for the milking cows and for the pigs here at the M&P farm project. Coffee trees to be harvested in 2011, fruit trees 2013 and will provide an income.  Fiscus already being used for shade for the bee hives, providing firewood and for fencing.  

Students are now more knowledgeable and have achieved good grades in National exams.  Improved soil, less erosion, better ‘Matooke’ production from banana plantains. Free and readily available firewood which saves money and time within the orphanage village.  Free and easily sourced supply of fodder, this saves money and time.  Goats are feeding on calliandra (the farm school students feed them every morning and very evening on this nutritious calliandra) Firewood has been collected.

A live fence of calliandra is grown around the banana plantain and the school.  Trees affected by the draught are growing well.  First harvesting for coffee will be in 2011. Trees such as mangoes,avacadoes,papaya and oranges will be with in 3 years.

 

Project details:  The Farm School Project grows fruit and medicinal trees to provide food and healthcare for 3000 orphan children and educates pupils about caring for trees. The progamme is managed by our partner The Molly and Paul Childcare Trust.

 

Under the guidance of a forester the pupils at the Farm School will learn how to grow and maintain trees. They will plant a variety of trees to meet a range of needs. Fruit trees will improve nutrition and will in time provide cash crops. Medicinal varieties will avoid the need for many expensive drugs. Agroforestry techniques will be used to improve productivity of other crops, including coffee – which can be sold to raise revenue for the orphanages. The project will benefit the local community through the availability of produce and raised awareness of best practice in tree management. 

You can plant a tree in Africa by donating money to ITF who are supporting many similar projects in the continent.