Developing a Market in Oldonyiro

You can produce an abundance of an agriculture commodity, but if there is no market for your product there can be major problems. This week we take a look at a project by USAID in Oldonyiro, Kenya to empower others through the development of a market. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to engage with others in conversation around the globe via Zoom, Skype, phone calls, email, etc.

A Place to Trade

Discussion Points

• What do you notice from the video? How do you purchase food and livestock in your home area? What are the similarities and differences?
• Explain the benefits that have followed the development of this market. Of the benefits which do you feel has had the biggest impact and why?
• In regards to the Sustainable Development Goals which goals are or have been addressed due to this project?
• How might the current situation with COVID-19 be impacting this market? 

Market Benefits Consumers and Farmers

This week we highlight a recent video from Market to Market that shares a unique farmers market structure in Wisconsin.  We encourage you to watch the video at the linked web page below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

Non-profit Serves Both Consumers and Farmers

Discussion Points

• What unique components of this farmers market structure make it successful for both consumers and farmers?
• How does this farmers market help bring an international feel to Wisconsin? 
• Could your local community benefit from a similar type of market structure? Why or why not? 
• If you were in charge of the Fondy Food Center and Farm what would you do to grow the program and how would you do it?

Mingling in the Market

We woke up to more rain this morning which made us rework our teaching plans for the morning. Yes! We had students show up on a Saturday morning for class. By the time most of the students had arrived the rain had stopped. This allowed training time for a couple more students on the post hole digger operation and general tractor operation. By mid morning we began assembling a two row planter side by side with the students and ran some seeds through it to test it and teach them how to make adjustments. It was rewarding to see so many students show up on a Saturday morning to learn more.

After a morning of education we loaded up and headed to Pignon to the market. The overnight rain left the roads a little sloppy. Thanks to the expert driving skills of our driver we arrived in Pignon with no problems. The market was packed with locals purchasing everything from clothes to medication to agricultural products. It was great to see how they marketed fruits, vegetables, meat, and livestock.

After we returned to campus we ventured out to deliver more rice and beans to area families. It was great to connect with the local Haitians and see more of the countryside. After our delivereies we visited the juice bar again and enjoyed a refreshing sour orange juice. We tried to catch a sunset from the third floor of the university tonight, but the clouds spoiled our plans. We enjoyed pizza for supper before an evening of conversations and cards with great friends!

Market Madness

We started off our Monday with a trip to the local market. You could find everything from rice to super glue to hogs. Several of the group bought some souvenirs. The group tried to buy a goat, but the price jumped drastically when we were part of the purchasing group. We held off and are still in search of a goat to purchase for a local family. At the livestock auction at the market the following prices can be expected: cow = $1,000, horse = $300, donkey = $200, and hog = $250. At the conclusion of our time at the market we swung into the community bakery and enjoyed some delicious fresh baked bread. 

Following the market we had a short walk to Saul's irrigation gardens and the gardens being utilized by the UCCC students. We will return to these gardens tomorrow to do some planting and pull soil samples. We got to see a variety of crops being grown from citrus to egg plant to cabbage. There is a cement channel that runs through the gardens where they can then pump water up the hill and let it trickle back down the hillside. While at the gardens we were able to see the tilapia ponds that are being dug by hand to be utilized by UCCC. Below is a picture of the group at the irrigation gardens. 

After lunch we stopped over to the elementary to assist with teaching English to some first graders. It was a great experience for our group and the Haiti students were thoroughly entertained by our excellent dance moves. 

From there we traveled to one of eight feeding centers that UCI is in charge of. At this feeding center children can receive two meals per week. This is an essential nutrition savior for many children. As the food finished cooking we spent time tossing a frisbee around with the children. When the meal was ready each child pulled out a bowl and spoon from their backpack which they handed to us to be filled with a rice and beans mixture. Below is a picture of us filling bowls for the children. 

Next we returned to campus where we met with the dean of agriculture at UCCC planning out the remainder of our time in Haiti. This evening has, also, been filled with planning agriculture lessons to share with the elementary students.