Impacting the community
In a short time, the result of the work of the Maseno Project Trust has seen increased food supplies to more than 5000 people. We estimate the wider effect to be roughly 43,000 people assisted by members of Farm Schools through the imparting of information, practical hands-on assistance, and the sharing of seeds, plants and fertilizer.
The farmers attending the Field Schools give, or tithe, 10% of their crops into a Community Storehouse. Part of the tithed maize is distributed to feed local orphans, provide for local widows, help fund future Farmers Field Schools and helps fund the Diocese’s mission.
In 2009 we saw nearly 500 sacks of tithed maize come through the storehouse. This represents some 500 tonnes of maize being grown in the community – 800% more than previously.
We are seeing a transformation of the local communities through:
- the relief of poverty,
- reduction in local crime rates,
- children being educated beyond primary school level and
- many men are returning and staying to work on their farms.
Some farm schools have partnered with local schools to assist with growing crops and educating pupils. There is also increased economic activity as we see a lot more food being grown in the area, more shops, and a wider range of indigenous locally grown foods available.
