In June 2011 Liz Elmore took part in a sustainable agriculture service learning project with Global Service Corps in Arusha, Tanzania. Here are a few photographs and comments on her experience there.
One of many markets in Arusha – so much fresh food
- View of Mt. Meru (second highest mountain in TZ)
A GSC demonstration plot in Arusha
- Many of the corn fields were dry and dying due to the lack of rain during the rainy season
- Of course this was no problem for those who could afford irrigation (Monsanto)…
The village of Monduli, about an hour northeast of Arusha, was mountainous and surprisingly lush
- Classroom portion of training in Monduli
Double-dug beds are initially labor intensive, but do not require machinery, and though labor intensive at first, they last for several years. We start by removing the topsoil (1 foot), then the subsoil, and loosening the soil one more foot before amending the soil with compost as we return it into the bed.
After shaping the bed and adding mulch, we were ready to plant. Seeds can be planted closer together since roots will not be competing for space horizontally. Double-digging also ensures good water penetration and soil aeration.
Making compost in Monduli – it will be ready in 5-6 weeks. Alternative to chemical fertilizers, an agricultural method widely used in TZ. The large stick coming out of the middle of the pile acts as a thermometer (if the end is hot, decomposition is happening!)
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Just like the mountains of WNC
- Liz with Babu Kahawa (Gpa Coffee)
Sunrise on the way to chicken vaccinations.
- Vaccinating against Newcastle Disease,
- which kills 70% of chicken populations
- in TZ each year
A boma, home of Maasai villagers in Angikaret
Sack gardens provide a way for families with limited land and water to grow vegetables. An empty food sack is filled with a mixture of compost and soil with a small tube of gravel running through the middle (and where the sack is watered). Seeds are planted all along the sides and the top.
Thatchmore Farm Inc. 
