ALIN Awarded 2011 Access to Learning Award by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

James Nguo, ALIN Regional Director, rejoices after the announcement in San Juan, Puerto Rico by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Photo: © BMGF


Watch video here: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/atla/Pages/2011-atla-award-alin-slideshow.aspx

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

SEED SYSTEM

SEED SYSTEM
Most of the seed in the recent past used by the small scale who form the majority of the farming population In Kyuso is either own saved seed .Some farmers uses seeds from the ministry of agriculture office where drought resistance seeds are given which includes Katumani Maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes ,cow peas ,green grams .The farmers here value this seeds in terms of the number of crop grown and maturity period .Education on growing crops of different maturity has been done to ensure regular food supply and spread of labour demand evenly during the seasons. The farmers use indigenous knowledge to preserve the own-saved seed such as using the local indigenous tree species such as Neem, pepper and finger euphobia. The labour in Kyuso is provided by the family and also the community where the residents are invited to assist in planting, weeding and so many activities. The local seed varieties is well adapted to specific conditions of the area but due to lack of rainfall for the last four years seasons there has been no seed in store and hence opted to the seed from the ministry .Ensuring the security of the seeds in the household is the responsibility of women although men are supposed to prepare storage facilities (granary) locally known as ‘Kisomba’ for both grain and seeds.

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