Field Reports
North West Pig Farmers cooperative Society
(NOWEPIFAC)
That we may live together
"United we stand divided we fall"
ACTIVITY REPORT
ONE DAY - Training on the making of organic fertilizers "BOKASHI"
Date of training; - 8th JUNE 2016
Written by'-
Atomba Tegwi Titus
Project coordinator/CEO
NOWEPIFAC - Cameroon
P O Box 729 - Bamenda
Web site;- http//Nowepifac.com
Introduction;-
As farmers will soon start preparing their farms for the 2016 dry season cultivation of maize, beans etc, not all farmers will have the possibility of paying for a bag of 50kg fertilizers and more over considering the dangers of chemicals to the soil in destroying soil organisms, thus requiring continuous use with harsh consequences on human health when food stuffs produced with chemicals are consumed, the authorities of the above cooperative decided to trains its members, starting first from group leaders on the simple technique of producing organic fertilizers since all of them already have manure from their pig pens.
PRIOR TO THE TRAINING DAY;-
For participation to involve all the active groups of the cooperative, circulars were made and distributed ahead of time informing delegates on the need for them to attend the training. A schedule for the day was also included.
TRAINING DAY; -
The usual monthly delegates meeting was first on the days' schedule after which there was a coffee break. After the break delegates took their seats for the training to begin. It was mostly theory and little was done practically using photos and slide shows of the previous training on the making of Bokashi.
Training Methodology;-
Left:Opening prayers Center:Using Flip chart Right:Using Overhead projector
Right: listening attentively
Right: Family photo in front of the cooperative.
Steps in the Making of Bokashi at home
With an overhead projector we could explain in details the following notes using the photos bellow for a better understanding. During the up-coming group visits a follow up of the practical process will be done for all the groups following a schedule that will be distributed to delegates before June 2016 ending.
THE ECOSYSTEM;-1 Producers - Plants >2 Consumers - Animals >Decomposers(MOs) (Compost) >4 Minerals(organic fertilizer) - N(Nitrogen) P(Phosphorus) K(Potassium) Ca(Calcium) Mg(Magnecium) etc (plant requirements for growth) > 1 Producers.
Requirements;-
Chicken manure -Organic matter (contains the nutrients and minerals).
Soil -High nutrient holding capacity.
Local IMO -Indigenous MicroOrganisms (Decomposers)
Rice bran (Any carbohydrate is OK)-Feed for the MOs and also high water/nutrient holding capacity.
Rice husk charcoal (other charcoal sources also OK eg)---giving living space to the MOs, soil neutralizer
Steps to follow;-
Right: Cover the rice and burry in the sub-soil
Right: After 6-7 days, removed and find these Culture of indigenous micro-organism (IMO) White is good, black is bad so remove
Right: Putting water and tasting moisture content. Turn over and cover the heap from light exposure
Right: On the 2nd day you can observe more white IMO developing, turn to release the heat
Right: Preparing the farm for planting
follow up weeding/mulching is necessary
FINANCIAL Statement;-
All group delegates paid in the sum of 1000frs each and 10.000frs was raised from that contribution and the Bawock women brought some prepared food which was shared amongst the members at the end of the training.
Everyone took charge of his or her transport to and fro the training hall in Bamenda.
For the training publicity flyers/circular letters, coordination travels, phone/internet communication and writing material for the literate participants, financial assistance came from our Japanese supporters through Go Komatsu.
General Comment;-
We wish to thank everyone who participated in the training and most of all anyone who contributed in any way for its success story. With a lot of appreciation, learning from our past experiences, we always consider and belief that no amount of money can be considered small when it comes to supporting development initiatives. It is true that prayers move mountains, try it and you will testify to others that truly Jesus Christ fed 5000 disciples with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes.Back to top of the page