Creative new solar powered irrigation system at Madeke
A major wildfire this year affected the Ikanga’s farm. Nobody was hurt, but a significant portion of trees were damaged. TOUCO is planning different uses for the land, including switching to crops that are less prone to losses by wildfire, such as avocado and cassava. Madeke fruit farm has been expanding acres under cultivation, and working on an irrigation project using solar power to pump water for the plants to increase yields.
Ikang’asi showing the avocado plants and fruits plus our new beans garden. We hope to reduce buying beans.
Board Updates
Local Gardens (Ibumila)
- Avacados (planted 200 trees in 1 Acre) – Doing well, and some to be harvested later this year.
Livestock (Ibumila)
- Cows – Retain the number (two per house)
- Pigs – Have increased in numbers, the adults get sold to the Butcher, and the funds cover the Vet expenses, and areas where they are housed. Unfortunately, few young-ones (piglets) got stolen, so now Father Bruno building a wall.
- Additional Nutrition – Buy Cornsacks and remains of sunflower cake after oil is pressed for pigs and cows.
From the farms
- Ikangas (Total land 340 Acres) – The plan 2026 replant with same trees. Pine workers cleaning-up
- Madeke (Total land 400 Acres) – Used 100 Acres, and about 300 Acres (probably may return back to the Local Gov’t)
Mhogo uprooting
Casasva, a starchy root crop, grown at Madeke farm
Each family unit (matrons + children) raise cows, chickens, and pigs for milk, eggs, and meat. They also tend family gardens for fresh veggies and help with staple crops like corn.
