F.A.R.M. Foundation of the Africa Rural Market
SUMMARY
Foundation of the Africa Rural Market, FARM is a training ground in sub-Saharan Africa for green building, agriculture, and environmentally friendly techniques for locals to improve their communities
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kat said on September 8, 2009
Q: Have you talked to them to see what they think of this idea?
A.Yes, I have talked to farmers in West and East Africa about this idea. Many of them agree that they would like a training ground/central location for farming and new technology to be shown in the field. Having a training ground will provide them with the tools to succeed in their own community. I am currently working in the field in Tanzania and discuss this idea with the locals. They all agree that central locations are needed in order for them to grow and learn as a community.
Q: You mention that membership will provide farmers with access to a booth at a weekly market. In some communities, farmers are producing crops that have no market in their community. They have to travel many miles to get a good price for the crop they're producing. What are your thoughts about that?
A.All over Africa people grow similar crops. Groundnuts, coos, corn, rice, and cassava. The farmers travel a long way to deliver their crops to a city to sell to either locals or large suppliers. The center will provide the farmers with easy access to a transport hub. Large supplies can come to the market and buy the local crops from the farmers, load into trucks, and transport to other cities. One large problem in West Africa was the locals traveling to transport their crops for sale.
B.I see the booth at the market providing the members with a chance to showcase their items. Ex. A member learns how to tree graft and grafts a mango tree so they have the only mangos in the community in off season. He can sell the mangos for more money to create a small income while is an example to other community members at the market.
Q: Where do you think you will pilot this project?
A.I am still conducting research on this. I would like the site to be a central location in a rural African farming community where their currently is no availability to new technology and sustainable farming education.
jenngross said on September 4, 2009
Thanks for sharing your idea. I have a few questions. Have you talked to farmers to see what they think of this idea? I wonder what they think of it. You mention that membership will provide farmers with access to a booth at a weekly market. In some communities, farmers are producing crops that have no market in their community. They have to travel many miles to get a good price for the crop they're producing. What are your thoughts about that? Lastly, where do you think you will pilot this project?