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The Coast Event: Building Partnerships for Improved Agricultural Production

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many exhibits at the coast event were dominated by women and youth groups that make handicrafts and products from coconut trees, fruits and wastes.

The Coast Event was held in Mombasa on 13 November 2003 at the Mbaraki K.P.A. Sports Club. It was jointly organized with Jamii na Maendeleo (JANAMA) and volunteers from other community-based organizations at the coast led by Churchill Okumu Okach. The event enabled local organizations, enterprises and farmers to access information and technologies in organic resource management. JANAMA started as a volunteer organization promoting the implementation of alternative systems in organic resources and environmental protection in Mombasa and Kwale districts. A total number of 52 participants were invited to present exhibits and presentations on value-added processing (13), information dissemination and extension (10), traditional foods and plants (10), soil fertility management (8), waste management (6) and resource conservation (2). Over 60 members of the public attended the event that was opened by a representative of the local Ministry of Agriculture. Besides the presentations by core participants, six local presentations were made on integrated farm production, natural resource utilization, EM technology in agriculture, utilization of the Jetropha tree, crab rearing, and women in development.

 

 

The FORMAT book on ‘Organic Resource Management in Kenya’ published in 2003, was widely distributed throughout Kenya during the Countrywide Events.  Other informational materials, technologies and products were also exchanged

The event coincided with the Muslim month of Ramadan, restricting attendance by members of the public. The use of English language during presentations caused difficulties with some participants who are largely Kiswahili speakers. One of the highlights of the event was the strong presence of women groups that presented competitive exhibits on handicrafts made from coconut shells and fibre, reeds and other organic resources found at the coast area. Participants made several recommendations at the conclusion of the event. The FORMAT book should be translated into Kiswahili and presentations also be made in the same language. A follow up assessment of the participating groups to determine any impacts from the event was suggested.  Similar events and improvement of the capacities of local organizations to promote innovation, market products and disseminate information was also recommended. Local organizers will launch a Coastal FORMAT liaison office to organize future events and promote innovation. The winning exhibits were: ‘Environment Protection and Agriculture’ by Elizabeth Kenga a member of Mabirikani Self-Help Group (1st), ‘African Baobab Products and their Uses’ by Samini Matsaki Chayu of Matuga Government Training Institute (2nd) and ‘Organic Waste Recycling’ by Mwana Asha Khasim of Kitsanga Women’s Group (3rd).

 

 

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