Progress
Since May we have been working to green the green house.
We have since been able to plant tomato seeedlings that have been transplanted and are in their fourth week. We should train them this weekend.
So far with over 69,000/= (Kes) or $938 we have managed to do the following:- (see Excel Attachment for Finance Report)
1. Purchased and set up a Plant Support System
2. Purchased a Submersible Water Pump to help with the Irrigation
3. Employing one permanent staff to manage the greenhouse
4. Ensured the continued productivity of the greenhouse by having organic manure
We have established partners who will be able to help develop a sustainable market for the green house produce that include local business people and an NGO operating within the area.
Impact
There was change in staffing as the lady who initially was meant to work full time in the greenhouse was fully engaged in the school kitchen and wasn't able to be fully engaged.
However we took in a partner from Be True Foundation a Community Based Organization currently receiving mentoring from Acres of Mercy who take care of 8 OVC. The salary received from the project helps with taking care of the 4 girls and 4 boys being taken care of.
The school children have also been able to learn practically about agri-business from the greenhouse.
All these and more would not have been possible but for the support of our friends and partners who have continued to give through Global Giving. We say THANK YOU.
Next Phases
The current challenge remains water consistency. We are depending on the well to supply water till the end of August and Into October and November.
Harvesting should start in September and should run for another seven months before replanting.
Due to the receded water levels and volume about 192,000 Cubic Meters of water per day we have not been able to fix the submersible water pump and continue to use the KnapSack Sprayer for watering. For better yield we would need the drip system working optimally and this would require advice and support on how this can be done.
The submersible pump needs an Electric Meter separation to enable us manage energy more efficiently. This would cost an extra 9,000/ (100 $) including labour and appliances.
4500/= (50 $) would be needed for post harvest handling to have better quality produce reaching the final consumer. This will purchase transportation crates and weighing and packing equipment.
About an extra 45,000 (Kes) 500 $ would allow for completion of this next stage including securing the water source either by extending well depth or connecting to the local community run and manged borehole piped water system.
Once this is complete we would move to value addition which can also run concurrently with an Intensive Rabbit and Poultry Farming.
Ideas on how to attract wider support for us to achieve the targets above are welcome. Let's share resources, models as well as ask questions to succeed together.
I would like to make an appeal for recurring donations to help support the Day to day maintenance activities of the Greenhouse which requires constant supervision especially as we approach flowering and fruiting stage.
Dear Friends, Partners, Supporters,
We hope this finds you well. We are excited that what was once a dream is slowly but surely turning into reality with your support. we have been able to complete the 1st phase of our project and are well on the way to completing the second phase of this great initiative that will help us to improve the nutrition of over 150 Orphans and vulnerable children that we serve and also the income of the staff that work so diligently to ensure that these children fulfil their potential. All this would not be possible without the support that you have given and continue to give. This is what we have been able to achieve thus far,
Phase 1. In this phase we were able to reinforce major weak points around the Acres of Mercy procurements inorder to secure the investments which we are procuring with your generous donations (Please read last months report for more details and pictures)
Phase 2: This phase is almost complete. We have been able to put up the greenhouse and set up the irrigation system , erect 2 metal water tank stands and also acquired 2 tanks that will store up to 6600 litres of water. See down below for what is required to finish the second phase
IMPACT OF PHASE 2 ON THE COMMUNITY SO FAR
We have been able to create temporary employment opportunities for 5 local youth and one lady who takes care of 7 orphans and vulnerable children.
The youth were employed at a rate of $3.60 per day for 5 days.
We have contracted to pay the lady $ 42 a month to manage the routine daily activities required in the greenhouse
One individual has beeen trained in Maximizing Green house Production and is able to train others in the same.
Expenses Summary
Total Disbursed by March 2011 in US $- 4.085.75
Total Spent as at May 11th 2011- US $- 4,031.41
Balance as at May 11th 2011- US $- 55.34
To help us to achieve our goal of USD 11,000 please consider giving to this project once again. You can even consider giving to us on a monthly recurring basis till this project is fully funded. This would be of great help to us.
Way Forward
WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE PHASE II
Phase 3: Chicken Production
Phase 4: Rabbit production
Phase 5: 2nd Greenhouse
With Gratitude
Jimmy Allan Oluoch
(Project leader)
We got disbursements on March 15th 2011 and so far the following is the report:- Green House: The first digging of the grounds have been done. We are working on taking samples from the portion of land for tests either at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services. To test for Nematodes, Fungi, and get the general health of the soil. We have paid Ksh 177,500 (USD 2165) so far for the greenhouse covering the whole Kit. We transport the Green House to Nguluni this week as well as purchase water tanks for extra water storage given its the rainy season. Security: So far we have constructed a better gate and are working on reinforcing major weak points around the portion we will be setting up the green house. Pictures are included of the old gate and the new gate. The work on securing the investment comes to Ksh 54,400 (USD 663). Total amounts used so far Ksh 231,900 (USD 2828) representing 69% of amounts disbursed so far.
