For a couple of years now we've
been providing farmers with seeds, fertilizer and training, knowing that the
combination increases yields and income. Two weeks ago we gave 276 farmers
tomato seeds and split with each farmer the cost of two bags of fertilizer. We've been able to quadruple the number of
farmers participating in this program due to your generosity and their
willingness to share in the cost of fertilizer.
We're trying
to move away from giveaways and toward partnering whenever we can. It's not
always easy when so many programs make outright grants. Someday I'll write
about the relative merits of giveaways and the sharing the costs.
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This program was approved by the governor and the shura for
Char Asiab. The farmers were chosen by leaders (maliks) from 19 villages in the valley. The farmers were required to personally pick
up their seeds and fertilizer, and place their thumbprint alongside their name.
This process satisfies the major criteria of a
successful program. We obtained the approval of the central government
representative, the local governing council, and the individual village
leaders. The selection and delivery process was transparent (open) and
verifiable. That is of course, if anyone knew how to read thumbprints. And yes,
we are keeping the lists, to track whether the same names keep surfacing as
recipients of the benefits we provide.
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Are the seeds any good? They better be. There's a risk to providing seeds. If they don't work or if
they aren't better, the consequences could be significant. Most Afghan farmers have
very small plots of land to farm, often one jerib (1/2 acre). One bad
harvest makes for a very lean year.
We began with a few farmers two
years ago when we learned the seeds available in Kabul were unreliable. Masood Sattari made a
video showing the comparison when he was in Afghanistan. The tomatoes on the
vine at the beginning of the video were produced with the tomato seeds we
provided. The vines seen at the end (sans tomatoes) were planted with seeds
purchased in Kabul.
The seeds were planted at the same time.
The fact
that 276 farmers participated this Spring is a good indication we'll be welcomed
in the valley this Fall. We will know in
a few months. To view the video click here.
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Here are some happy farmers headed home to plant. Those are 50 kg (110
pound) bags of fertilizer they're carrying. Last November I tried to
lift one off the stack for a farmer. It wasn't a pretty clean and jerk,
I can assure you. In fact it slid off the stack and fell to the ground
with me not far behind.
Keep them laughing. That's become my mantra for having a "safe trip" in Afghanistan. Laughter works everywhere.
Best regards,
Budd
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