Drip Irrigation
Here are a few videos about drip irrigation systems that you might enjoy viewing. Ken kindly sent some comments on two of the videos, mentioning some important points.
Popsicles & Drip Irrigation - What is the connection?
500m2 of drip irrigated land can e enogh to support a family. it is simple to install and use. Moshe Bruner was sent to demonstarte and advise.
Ken says, "I think the farmers will be happier using bucket drip irrigation. I think it would be less expensive. All one needs is plastic bucket and 100 feet of dripline. Cost US$3 in Nicaragua. One can pour the water into the bucket without climbing a ladder."
Ken says, "The farmers should use no tillage whatsoever. They do not need a plow or oxen, etc. Plowing is destructive of the soil. A farmer in Honduras farms 10 acres of corn and bean using only a machette."
Deme, co-founder of Project Mercy discussing drip irrigation kits and dairy cows. Video was taken with the Cunningham Foundation on the Quarters for Kids 2007 trip to Ethiopia, Africa.
Organic Composting
Compost is organic matter (plan and animal residues) which has been rotted down by the action of bacteria and other organisms, over a period of time. Compost improves the structure. It allows more air into the soil, improves drainage and reduces erosion.
| compost_in_tropics.pdf |
Raised Bed Gardens
| raised_bed_gardening.pdf |
Raised bed gardens offer several advantages over conventional gardening plots. Soil raised above ground level warms up more quickly in the spring, which allows for earlier planting dates. The beds are usually filled with high-quality soil, which improves drainage and increases yield. Raised beds are smaller than traditional gardens making them easier for most people to maintain. For example, the denser plantings help reduce weed infestations.
School Feeding Programs
The attached is a document about "School Feeding Programs,Summary of the Literature and Best Practices".
It contains much useful information about the following subjects:
* Increase enrollment and attendance and/or decrease gender disparity
* Alleviate short-term hunger, thereby increasing learning capacity
* Improve nutritional status, thereby increasing learning capacity
* Improve micronutrient status
| school_feeding_programs.doc |
