Monday, August 9, 2010

Trees, Crops and HIV/AIDS Programs

Today, we crossed into Tanzania. It was nearly a two hour process by the time our two vans were cleared. This morning we visited a program site where erosion is a huge problem. The local leadership under World Neighbors guidance is planting trees on the banks of gullies to slow the water after a rain and is planning detention ponds for the future so as to harvest the water for use.

The birds are different and fun to identify and try to photograph. One of the advantages of visiting sites in the rural areas!

I have enjoyed observing the different rural landscapes as we have crossed Western Kenya and now have entered Tanzania. In the West central area in the Busia region, farming is intense with every bit of land cultivated or grazed. As we traveled west from Kisumu, it gradually becomes less populated and field sizes increase. In the Busia region, farmers can plant and harvest two crops a year because of the two rainy seasons. South and west of Kisumu, there is only enough rain in the longer of the rainy seasons to realize one crop. This makes a huge difference in food security. The Busia region can support more people.

Some of the most outstanding work World Neighbors is doing with village and community based organizations is to enable those living with HIV/AIDS to have hope and live productive lives. We met farmers who are able to do the manual labor necessary on a Kenyan one or two acre plot. Women now make a livelihood through tailoring, raising chickens and dairy goats. Those who are living with HIV/AIDS meet in support groups to share their problems and their successes. Those living with HIV/AIDS are more accepted in the community and more men and women are receiving treatment and joining groups. This is an example of how community health, nutrition, sufficient food and counseling are all necessary to work together.

- Steve Schomberg

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