Overview
The months of July, August, and September focused on building upon the previous quarter’s successes while preparing for the rainy season. This period followed the slower winter months when growth was minimal.
At the end of Q3, the following activities were underway or planned, excluding the Agroforestry Project:
Freedom 1: Training and Crop Diversity
- 20 bags of 25kg soybeans: Ground preparation will start in October, ahead of the rainy season.
- 10 bags of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes: Preparation will follow the same timeline as soybeans.
- Vegetable and ground fruit seeds for kitchen gardens: Seeds were distributed and planted in additional communities.
Freedom 2: WASH and Menstrual Hygiene Training
Efforts continued to promote good WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices at the household level. The training also included the distribution of 100 washable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education.
Sanitary Pads for Schools:
- 100 pads were provided to schoolgirls in Mutoni Village.
- Another 100 pads are set for distribution in October at Chikonde, a less-privileged community school on the same island.
Freedom 3: Reducing Drudgery and Disease
Plans were made to construct four VIP pit latrines with tippy taps for vulnerable households.
Progress:
- Sand has been ferried from smaller islands using canoes and banana boats.
- 40 bags of cement have been transported to Mutoni’s small harbour.
- Three VIP latrines and two village-style latrines are scheduled for construction.
Freedom 4: Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)
Training for community VSLA certification continues. Progress has been steady but slower than expected due to migration to fishing camps during this season. To address this, the FARM STEW Coordinator is exploring ways to adapt the program for fishing camps.
Infrastructure Support
A 400m security fence with gates was installed to protect tanks, solar panels, and irrigation equipment.
Agroforestry Project
Following the planting of trees and herbs earlier in the year, efforts during July and August focused on maintenance. Mulch was collected, fertigation drums were refilled, and water lines were cleared. A nursery was also developed.
In September, half the land between the trees was prepared for fruit and vegetable beds. Planting began mid-September when conditions were ideal for larger-scale vegetable production.
A market assessment revealed strong local and district demand for nearly 90% of the fruits and vegetables planted.
Community Engagement:
- 20 households in Mutoni Village, certified through the project, were employed to prepare beds and assist with planting.
- These households will also support weeding and provide nutrient-rich soil from channel floors near the harbour.
Chiefdom Area
FARM STEW is supporting two communities near Chief Bwalya Mponda’s Palace. After several attempts, these communities are now stable.
- One community, with 48 households, is led by volunteers Wiseman Chisala and Jennifer Lukonde.
- The other, with 45 households, is led by Esther Mpemba and Precious Mukala, who were previously inactive.
This brings the total to 93 households in the chiefdom area. Training materials and seeds for sanitation, savings, and water purification practices have been provided.
Only two volunteers, Augustine Kafuko and Wiseman Chisala, remain consistently active. They have taken on additional responsibilities, including training in fishing camps.
Mutoni
FARM STEW communities on Ncheta Island are thriving. Mutoni Village, 5 km from the palace, has seen significant progress since FARM STEW introduced a borehole and the Agroforestry Project.
In early 2024, four new communities were established in this area, representing over 200 households. Eight trained volunteers, working in pairs, oversee these communities.
Four volunteers have consistently provided support across the project. They have been equipped with mobile phones to report using KoBo software, a bicycle for mobility, and essential tools for their work.
Leaving Chinsanka Harbour for Ncheta Island through the channels.
Stopping en-route, at the Fishing camp where the Farm Stew program was started.
Early morning overlooking the Agroforestry Project.
Mulched Banana plants & Avocado Trees.
Planted velvet beans next to Avocado Trees for natural organic fertilizer.
Checking the Fertigation drums for activity.
Stock piling of rice husks for mulching of vegetable gardens.
Certified community members preparing to plant and direct planting vegetable seeds adjacent to drip lines.
Planted beds with drip lines.
Seedling Trays with Hybrid, tomatoe variety in the nursery.
Hybrid tomatoe variety planted in Trays, with Certified Community members under the shade netting of the nursery.
Watermelons shooting after a few days next to a drip-line.
Mutoni Community Kitchen Gardens
