Comments on: Agriculture: We Want More!

By: Sloane Berrent

Sloane Berrent — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:46:48 +0000

Great post. My MFI also has a section that just researches agriculture and ways to make it more sustainable for their business practices.

I sure do miss those California farmer’s markets.

By: morrisctm

morrisctm — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:20:01 +0000

I just visited another kiva entrepreneur in the Boane market that was complaining about the rise in prices of imported South African agricultural products. She said that the rise in prices is effecting her ability to pay back her loan!

By: Laura B.

Laura B. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:52:04 +0000

Cameron,

What a great post!

Isn’t it interesting how one small economic transaction in South Africa can throw off an entire industry in Mozamibique!

I have a soft spot for agriculture and sustainable agricultural development. This is so cool. Thank you for researching and exploring this issue!

By: awhiteman

awhiteman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:22:08 +0000

That’s really interesting. I had no idea about those issues going on in Mozambique. Sounds like you’re learning a lot. Best of luck.

By: Unilove

Unilove — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:03:27 +0000

Love that the MFI has come up with such a simple yet profound solution with the community-shared tractor. While we lenders can sometimes think that the solutions seem obvious, these posts remind us of the complexity of the issues… Great post…

Unilove
Kiva Fellows fan

By: Justin Oliver

Justin Oliver — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:18:48 +0000

This is huge. A community’s ability to cultivate land for agriculture is such a prerequisite to many fruitful doors being opened (pun intended). Even the participation of the people within the farm will spark momentum for further development once the rewards are realized. It’s tragic that these people aren’t able to fully reach their potential because of remnants of a long violent past, I’m glad there are people like you helping to remove these barriers. Go get em tiger …just avoid those mines.

By: Ben Elberger

Ben Elberger — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:01:36 +0000

Cameron,

Thanks for sharing this on the Fellows Blog! I saw some of these cool programs when visiting Hluvuku-Adsema in 2007 but I’m really happy to hear they are still working on improving their agriculture work.

Good luck with the Ronga!

Ben

By: Julia W

Julia W — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:33:27 +0000

Cameron you should work on getting an iPod adapter for these City CarShare-esque tractors…a little beat might put people to work. JK

Do Boanians(?) export anything?

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:32:41 +0000

Food connects and binds us, and is a hot topic right now in literature and media. Our daily consumption is finally getting the awareness we so desperately need if we are ever going to create a sustainable and equitable existence.

On a personal note, my father recently built a greenhouse in our backyard. He has over 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Not only does this give my recently retired Dad a way to spend his hard earned time off, but creates a healthy way of live. Fresh tomatoes, corn and lettuce, raised by a labor of love from my Dad. We all should aim for such a plot of land.