7-22-2010

7-22-2010
This week, I met with a government planning officer, and the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kiteto to discuss the question of food storage. The Bishop was very eager to tell me that his Diocese has been focusing on food security issues, and mentioned that one major issue amongst his people was food security during the rainy season (Fed to April), which he attributed to farmer’s lack of food storage capacity. We talked for a bit about my research interests, and he seemed interested and said that he would be very interested to help me with my research.

At this point, I see my research interests shifting towards a question that is more relevant to the community needs here: How food storage can be a means to improving food security and economic well being of small scale farmers in the Kiteto and Simanjiro Districts. I have adapted my survey that I originally drafted to work with Parachichi producers to give a good understanding of the household income portfolios of small scale farmers here in Kiteto. Both the Bishop and the Project planning officer have assured me that they will help me get access to farmers in the region. I have also made friends with a local man who has agreed to let me use his motorbike if I pay for Gas, so I’ve got transport covered now too.

Anyways, updates soon to come!