Mission – To provide two glasses of milk per day for every child at Watoto Wa Baraka.
Vision – Improve the health, education and self-sustainability of Watoto Wa Baraka.
After meeting with Mr. James Wachira, a successful and knowledgeable farmer in the community, the proposed agriculture and farming development plan for Watoto Wa Baraka is as follows:
1.Expand acreage for Napier grass from ¼ an acre to ½ acre
-To ensure Watoto Wa Baraka will be able to improve the current dairy cow’s production as well as sustain the new dairy cow, the Napier grass field must be expanded from ¼ acres to ½.
2.Purchase a Chaff Cutter
-The purchase of the Chaff Cutter is key to this phase of growth for Watoto Wa Baraka. This machine cuts the Napier grass into small pieces for the dairy cow to digest. The small pieces are then dried and soaked with molasses. This food offers the nutrients needed for high quality milk and large quantities.
3.Utilize the maize storage for dried Napier grass
-Currently, the storage unit is used for maize. The storage unit will be cleared and used only for dried nappier grass.
4.Purchase Ecto Pour
-Ecto Pour is the recommended tick preventative for livestock. Without tick prevention livestock is susceptible to lung problems and East Coast Fever. Each cow needs to be treated for ticks twice a week to maintain proper health.
5.Purchase Highline feed
-During milking season the dairy cows need to consume a mixture of dried Napier grass and Highline feed. This will improve the production of the current dairy cow and sustain the new dairy cow.
6.Purchase Molasses
-Molasses is an important part of the feed process. Once the nappier grass is cut, and dried it will be mixed with molasses to give the dairy cows all the necessary nutrients to produce milk in higher volumes.
7.Purchase Cement
-The current stalls need to be reconstructed to improve the dairy cows production as well as manure for bio gas. The stalls need to be 4 ft x 7ft with a cement floor and covered with sawdust.
8.Hire a Contractor
-To guarantee quality construction on the stalls, an experienced contractor is needed.
9.Agricultural Training
-Education is key to the success of this development plan, both short term and long term. The Watoto Wa Baraka Farm and Agricultural staff member, Joseph Amana, along with two teenagers from the orphanage, Joseph Mwaura and James, Njogu will receive 8 days of farming and agricultural training from Mr. Wachira.
10. Purchase Second Dairy Cow
-A second cow needs to be purchased so each child will have two glasses of milk per day.
Cost of improvements:
1. There is no cost to expanding the field of nappier grass.
2. The Chaff Cutter = 30,000 ksh ($400).
3. There is no cost to prepare the storage unit.
4. The Ecto Pour = 600 ksh ($8) per 200 ml.
5. Highline feed for two dairy cows = 2900 ksh ($39).
6. The molasses = 1700 ksh for 100 kilo.
7. The cement = 750 ksh ($10).
8. The contractor and assistant = 750 ksh ($10).
9. Training for three men = 4000 ksh ($55).
10. A medium quality dairy cow = 60,000 ($800). CURRENTLY, THERE ARE NO DAIRY COWS FOR SALE IN THE VILLAGE OR NEAR BY COMMUNITY. IF ONE CANNOT BE FOUND PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, FUNDS WILL BE SENT TO WWB WHEN ONE IS AVAILABLE.
Total Cost (including dairy cow) – 100,700 ksh ($1342)
Geoffrey, Zach, Big Joseph, Mr. Wachira, and I agree with this plan and tomorrow they are taking me shopping!!
GOD CREATED US TO SERVE. ARE YOU?
No comments:
Post a Comment