One of the aims of the Timothy Centre is to train local farmers in sustainable farming methods. To that end we have a demonstration plot on our property where we grow some local crops using these methods. Most Ugandans subsist on the produce they grow in small gardens, and these plots are very important as the crops they grow are what keep people alive. More effective farming methods designed to minimize the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers as well as using seed from the harvest will allow these farmers to increase their crop yields and provide food for their families and maybe even a surplus.
We are currently growing maize and beans in the demonstration garden, since a staple of the Ugandan diet is made from these crops. They grind the maize into flour, steam it in banana leaves in order to make posho (a starchy substance similar to mashed potatoes) which is served with boiled beans. Eating posho and beans together make complete protein, so it is a fairly nutritious meal for people who don’t have a lot of variety in their diets. It is also VERY filling and we muzungus can never eat much of it!
So far our garden has been growing well. We have already had one harvest and we’re looking forward to a second successful harvest in a few weeks.
the demonstration garden
healthy maize
the beans are coming along nicely
the fate of the crop--our cook preparing posho and beans for the workers' lunch
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