Dear All,
As I informed you in my previous communication, the farmer training in Acheber has been a success. A very good indicator for this statement is that some 24 farmers have contacted us to be included in the pilot project.
The training was organized in a participatory way where farmers shared their experiences and the theoretical part was supplemented with practical exercises.
The topics covered in the training include: - Introduction to highland fruits
- Preparation of land for apple orchard
- Preparing and transplanting root stock
- Managing orchards
- Pruning training
- Disease and pest control
- Economics of honey production
- Types of beehives
- Importance of bee for pollination
- Upgrading the traditional beehive
The trainees interrupted the instructors by asking several questions, which included - How to water the plant and how often
- How one can tell if the seedling established
- The ideal/optimal situation to for growing apple
- Some of the farmers were eager to start grafting
In addition, farmers were making informal discussion with instructors at their hotel and bars. Finally, farmers elected one representative that facilitates the pilot project.
Moving Forward
As of yesterday, farmers are selecting appropriate places for transplanting apples in the coming Summer. Female trainees are less than 3 % of the total. This may require reviewing the proposal in order to increase the participation of women. The training on mushroom cultivation was postponed to another time due to the commitment of specialists on other issues.
With very best regards,
Yoseph Assefa Ethiopian Tree Fund Foundation (www.etff.org)
Partner of EAVO |
