SIMANJIRO DISTRICT, EMBOREET VILLAGE STRATEGIC/FARM PLAN Objective of - - PDF document

SIMANJIRO DISTRICT, EMBOREET VILLAGE STRATEGIC/FARM PLAN

Objective of arch diocese: Bring the farm into production in a sustainable and profitable manner to generate income to cover all costs of the proposed girl’s secondary school. In addition, provide income for the Diocese development and educational offices to assist with the funding of future development and educational efforts within the Diocese area of

• responsibility. Promote sustainable farming techniques by practicing sound conservation and

demonstrating these practices with the local community. In the future, a University is being considered and would be constructed on the property. Background: Jeff Knowles, a retired United States Department of Agriculture volunteered with the Catholic Relief Service to assist the Archdiocese of Arusha to develop a strategic/farm plan at the farm in Simanjiro. Knowles spent 3 weeks in March and April 2016 working in Tanzania with William Msuya to develop the plan. In 1986 the local Maasai tribe donated 1070 acres to the Arch Diocese of Arusha. Since that time the land has been used primarily for grazing by the local Maasai herds of cattle and sheep. In addition, a small herd of cattle was kept by the school in Simanjiro which recently closed because of corruption and mismanagement. The school’s cattle were sold to cover costs associated the past mismanagement. The land is primarily open savanna with native grasses/legumes and scattered acacia with some areas covered with thick stands of acacia. The thick stands of acacia are primarily in the center

• f the property and along the northern western and north eastern property lines as well as a

section connecting to the west of the property. Wildlife including; zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, etc feed on the vegetation and is often seen amongst the Maasai livestock for protection against lions. Lions occasionally seek refuge in the thick stand of acacia in the center

• f the property.

Until recently nearly all the property consisted of virgin native species having never been farmed except for a small portion. Two color types of soil dominate the landscape including a black soil and a red soil. Although there are two colored soils, Knowles believes there are between 6-12 different soils types on the farm. In general, the black soils appear to have high clay content and are poorly drained. During heavy rains, the areas of the farm with the black soil are difficult to walk and drive in. The red soils are better drained and considered superior to the black soil. During field visits to the farm the last 10 days of March 2016, Jeff Knowles and William Msuya were given the official governments, “Certificates of Occupancy”, by Father Simon. According to the 3 certificates the property consists of only 840 acres. According to Father Simon, adjacent

farmers land grabbed areas on the north and west side of the property. Apparently, the neighboring farmers encroached on what was Diocese land by planting crops while the land was idle without the Diocese’s knowledge. Because the Diocese did not have the official, “Certificates of Occupancy the government turned said lands to the neighboring farmers. During this same period Knowles and Msuya discovered the current caretaker (Simon) of the property and the former principal have cultivated and began cropping large sections of Diocese

• property. In addition, the caretaker gave other farmers permission to farm additional sections.

This was done without Diocese knowledge or consent. A total of 6 areas or fields of the farm have been cultivated and are planted beginning in early 2016. Using a GPS instrument Msuya and Knowles determined the land being cropped totals 315 acres. It is apparent the areas being illegally farmed on Diocese property by the caretaker, former principal and other neighbors are among the highest quality soils on the property. Nearly forty percent of the total Diocese lands are being illegally farmed. This strategic/farm plan provides recommendations to the Diocese on needed conservation practices and a proposed schedule of operations for implementing the practices. Information of potential earning and equipment needs and repairs is discussed as well as recommendations for bringing remaining acreages into crop or hay production. Refer to the sketch drawing developed by Knowles and Msuya to clarify areas being addressed. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) It is recommended the Diocese bring in a priest or lay person to live on the farm and serve as the farm manager. This individual would be responsible to run, operate and manage all future farming endeavors on the 840 acres. It is recommended this individual not be Maasai in order to eliminate potential corruption and favoritism within the local Maasai community. This individual should have the following traits; 1) faithful to the Diocese, 2) committed to the Diocese, 3) extremely competent in all aspects of farming. This should be the highest priority to stop the illegal and unpermitted use of the land that is currently occurring and to prevent future land grab efforts. This individual needs to have good communication skills and should be required to report directly to the Auxiliary Bishop on a monthly basis. The farm manager’s job responsibilities should only include the operations of the farm and not the operations of the new school, both of which should be considered full time jobs. 2) It is recommended the Diocese plant trees along the western, northern and eastern property boundaries. Not only is this a requirement of Tanzania’s “Certificate of Occupancy”, it will prevent future encroachment from neighboring farmers. See the proposed schedule of operations for further recommendations. It was noted during field

visits that neighboring farmers in the north western part of the farm have plowed approximately 1 acre of Diocese lands this spring. 3) It is recommended the Diocese remove the farmers who are currently using Diocese lands for farming at the end of the 2016 harvest. The Diocese should begin to farm the 315 acres that were brought into production in 2016, beginning in 2017. The current caretaker should be replaced with the farm manager chosen by the Diocese. In addition, the Diocese should request a percentage of profits from the illegal farming that is

• ccurring on their property in 2016.

4) It is recommended the Diocese conduct a meeting with the local Maasai community and inform the Maisai of the future plans for Diocese lands and ask for their assistance in preventing future land grabbing efforts among local farmers. The Diocese should be clear about the apparent wrong doings committed by local farmers, (believed to be Maasai) in 2016. 5) It is recommended the Diocese use this strategic/farm plan as a guide for future decision making to make this land profitable and serve as a model conservation farm within the surrounding communities. 6) It is recommended that William Msuya become proficient with the knowledge contained in the folder, “Unlock the secrets of the soil”. The majority of farmers throughout Tanzania and East Africa are farming their land in an unsustainable manner. The plowing and planting methods result in the soil left bare with no protection from the elements and over time the soils become compacted decreasing crop yields. In addition, the life (micro-organisms) within the soil as well as organic matter is being

• destroyed. Soil like the world’s oceans and forests store vast quantities of atmospheric

carbon, however, carbon can only be stored in the soil if the soil is covered with live or dead plant materials. One of the solutions to solving climate change is protecting our

• soils. It is recommended the Diocese begin to collect scrapes and unusable pieces of

charcoal being produced in numerous areas around Arusha. These scrapes (less than ½ inch) called biochar have tremendous potential as a soil supplement. Begin to add biochar with compost and manure to gardens on church grounds, convents and Diocese

• gardens. Currently the scrapes of unusable charcoal are discarded. The four basic rules
• f unlocking the secrets of the soil are;
• 1. Keep the soil covered as much as possible
• 2. Disturb the soil as little as possible
• 3. Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil
• 4. Diversify as much as possible using crop rotation and cover crops.
• 7. Prior to moving forward with a full scale farming operation, the Diocese should give serious

thought to what type of farming operation is most beneficial to the local community, the catholic church and the country of Tanzania. Does the Diocese see benefit to running a

completely organic farm that requires intensive labor. Is the Diocese interested in the maximizing profits which would require utilizing chemical herbicides/insecticides, chemical fertilizers and GMO seed? The property currently is in natural state and at no time will it get easier to grow crops organically. It is recommended the board of directors answer this question prior to planting the first crop. PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS 2017 Fields 8, 9 Boundary lines Tree plantings It is recommended that a row of acacia, minyaa or other suitable trees be planted along the entire northern, eastern and western boundary lines of Diocese property. It is recommended that some type of markers be placed along the property line to prevent encroachment from neighbors until the trees mature. It is further recommended the farm manager visit with the neighboring farmer in the north western section of the property and informs them of apparent encroachment issues. 2017 Fields 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 315 acres Conservation cropping rotation sequence Begin a rotation of corn, beans, small grain, beans, corn followed by 3-5 years of a grass/legume mix, ensure a fairly even split of the three major crops of corn, beans and small grains are planted on the 315 in case one crop fails. This rotation is only a recommendation to consider. As the Diocese farms the property for a couple years the farm manager will be in a better position to determine which crop rotation is best suited to Diocese lands. 2018 Field 8 or 9 150 acres Conservation cropping rotation sequence Bring 150 new acres into production and follow a rotation of corn, beans, small grain, beans, corn followed by 3-5 years of a grass/legume mix. This rotation is only a recommendation to

• consider. As the Diocese farms the property for a couple years the farm manager will be in a

better position to determine which crop rotation to maintain. 2019 Field 8 or 9 122 acres Conservation cropping rotation sequence Bring 122 new acres into production and follow a rotation of corn, beans, small grain, beans, corn followed by 3-5 years of a grass/legume mix. As the Diocese farms the property for a couple years the farm manager will be in a better position to determine which crop rotation to maintain. 2020 Field 9 100 acres Conservation cropping rotation sequence Bring 100 new acres into production and follow a rotation of corn, beans, small grain, beans, corn followed by 3-5 years of a grass/legume mix. Leave the remaining 100 acres of the thickest

stands of acacia to serve as a wildlife area. The 100 acres of thick acacia should extend from the north to south part of property and from the north extending west. This will allow a wildlife corridor for animals to travel from one part of the property to another connecting to adjacent neighbors. 2017 Fields 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 315 acres Nutrient Management Conduct soil tests on each of the above fields to determine if the soils are lacking in essential macro and micro nutrients. The soil test should follow guidelines in the handout developed by the Cooperative Extension Service provided in the folder entitled, “Unlock the secret of the soil”. If soils are lacking in nutrients attempt to supplement the deficiency with compost, composted manure and biochar. If necessary use commercial fertilizer to supplement plant nutritional needs, but never use commercial fertilizers without a soil test. Commercial fertilizers cannot be used under an organic farming system. 2018-2020 Field 8 or 9 372 acres Nutrient management Conduct soil tests on the new land brought into production to determine if the soils are lacking in essential macro and micro nutrients. The soil test should follow guidelines in the handout developed by the Cooperative Extension Service provided in the folder entitled, “Unlock the secret of the soil”. If soils are lacking in nutrients attempt to supplement the deficiency with compost, composted manure and biochar. If necessary use commercial fertilizer to supplement plant nutritional needs, but never use commercial fertilizers without a soil test 2017 Fields 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 315 acres Conservation cover/cover crops In order to maintain a high quality soil that conserves water, reduces fertilizer input and maintains high yields, it is essential the soil remains covered with live plant growth or residue’s from the previous year’s crop. It is recommended that upon the harvest of corn or soybean that a cover crop be planted. The cover crops can be a small grain or legume. During dry years when germination of a cover crop is unlikely, leave all crop residues on the soil surface! This is not a common practice in Tanzania and the purpose should be discussed with neighboring Maasai to prevent harvest of the residues. 2018-2020 Fields 8, 9 372 acres Conservation cover/cover crops As new areas are brought into production keeping the soil covered with dead residues and or cover crops is essential to maintain low term sustainability. Do not harvest dead crop residues but leave on the lands to build soil microbes and improve soil organic matter. No-till planting

It is recommended that the Diocese consider new planting technologies called no-tillage. No- tillage is a method of farming where indeed no tillage is done prior to planting corn or

• soybeans. The crop residues are left on the surface and weeds are controlled with the spraying
• f herbicides containing glyphocate. In the last 30 years no-tillage has been widely adopted by

American farmers throughout the USA. Specially designed planters are available that cut through residues and place the seed at the proper depth. No-tillage protects the soil, conserves water and reduces fertilizer inputs by increasing organic matter and microbial activity within the soil. However, with no-tillage comes the use of chemical herbicides. However, under a no- tillage operation organic farming is not an option. 2016-2020 Field 4 Approx 52 acres Harvest and sell grass for income generation Within the area identified as school grounds are 13 building and the remaining area is good

• grass. It is recommended that this grass be harvested at the beginning of the rainy season

(now) to generate income for the school. Mowing, baling and removing the grass will allow the grass to regenerate and produce an additional cutting or 2 cutting per year. 2018or19 Field 4 School Blds-Approx 1.2 acres Water Harvesting Catchment Install gutters and water tanks on all 13 buildings of school property in order to catch water for use in future planting around building. 2018or Field 4 0.1 ac Composting It is recommended composting facilities be installed to create organic fertilizer and serve as a training tool for the local community and students. The use of manure, which largely goes unused amongst the Maasai is indeed some of the highest quality natural fertilizer in the world should be an integral part of this training. 2020 Field 9 100 ac Wildlife Habitat Area/Wildlife corridor It is recommended that approximately 100 acres of the thicker acacia stands remain for use by

• wildlife. The area should connect the north to the south end within the central part of the

property and from the center to the western end. This corridor would allow for wildlife to

• travel. In the future, the Diocese will determine whether to maintain this area as wildlife or

develop for cropping. 2018-2020 All crop fields’ 687 ac Field terraces As the farm manager becomes knowledgeable with the land and is able to determine how and if water if flowing off the property during large rainstorms, some terraces should be constructed to slow or stop water from leaving the property.

2018-2020 Fields 8, 9 428 ac Brush removal/making biochar As new crop lands are being prepared for new plantings the scattered acacia and some thick stands of acacia will need to be cleared. Being a hardwood the acacia will provide an excellent source of charcoal and by crushing, biochar will be created. It is recommended the Diocese use the acacia as a source of biochar. When composted and spread on crop lands biochar serves three important functions; 1) Biochar serves as a catalyst to allow plants to easily absorb nutrients within the soil. 2) Biochar holds vast quantities of water. During times of drought fields with high amounts of biochar will remain lush and green while neighboring field’s crops die and turn brown. 3) Biochar combined with ground cover or conservation cover; absorb tremendous quantities of atmospheric carbon which serves as a tool to fight climate change. FARM EQUIPMENT INVENTORY AND CONDITION- The former school was given a number of farm implements that have sat idle and mostly unused since receiving the equipment. The inventory and condition of equipment is;  One New Holland tractor model 80-66S, this tractor was used this year to plow some of the fields under cultivation, needs a new battery and starter, but in overall good condition.  One Ford model 5610, this tractor has a broken wheel with possibly some damage to the front end. Some parts may have been stolen and is a little rusty, but this tractor appears to be repairable.  One heavy disc/plow was used along with the New Holland tractor to plow some of the

• fields. The disc is a little rusty and needs to be painted; however, the disc/plow is in

good condition.  One heavy disc/harrow is used and like the disc/plow is a little rusty and needs to be painted, but in overall good condition.  One heavy cultivator was used prior to the school receiving it but has sat idle and unused, but is in overall good condition.  One used corn planter, never used by the school with some type of attached tillage

• implement. Some parts appear to have been stolen inside the seed bins, but appear to

be repairable.  One used bean planter, never used by the school in overall good condition. Some rust and paint needed along with some oil.  One sprayer appears to have never been used. The sprayer appears to hold 50 gallons of liquid.  One used pickup truck is missing its tires and some engine parts have appeared to been

• stolen. The windows were not closed and some damage to the interior is evident. This is

an older truck and may be expensive to repair.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FARM EQUIPMENT It is recommended that a mechanic be hired to make the repairs on the New Holland tractor and provide a cost estimate on repairing the Ford tractor and the corn planter prior to

• repairing. If it is cost effective the new farm manager should make the decision on proceeding

with the repairs. The corn planter is poor in quality and is better suited for smaller acreages. The tillage equipment should be painted and the bean planter should be checked for functionality and oiled. All farm equipment should be stored inside a new or existing building. It is recommended a mower, hay baler, manure spreader (compost/biochar spreader) be purchased in 2018, 2019 or 2020. In addition a no-till corn planter should be considered a valuable tool as money permits. A no-till corn planter will eliminate the need for any tillage, but would require the use of glyphosate spray to kill weeds eliminating the possibility of farming the land organically. PROJECTED INPUT COSTS IN 2017 ON 315 ACRES-165 ACRES MAIZE, 150 ACRES BEANS AS EXAMPLE ONLY

• 1. Maize production 165 Acres

 Fuel for plowing: 10litres x 2000/= x 165 = 3,300,000/=  Harrowing-7lts x2000 x 165 acres = 2, 310,000/=  Seeds-10kgs x 5,200 x 1 acre x 165 = 8,580,000/=  Planting-50,000 x 165 acre = 3,300,000/=  Weeding: 40,000 X165 acres = 6,600,000/=  Harvesting-18 bags x 3,000 x165= 8,910,000/=  Empty bags-18 x165=2970bgs x1500= 4,455,000/=  Loading bags 2970 x 500 = 1,485,000/= Subtotal maize -------------- 38,940,000/=

• 2. BEANS PRODUCTION:

 Fuel for plowing-10lts x 2000 x 150 acres = 3,000,000/=  Harrowing-7lta x 2000/= x 150= 2,100,000/=  Planting -Seeds 50kgs /acre x 2500/ =125,000/x150 acres = 1,875,000/= Labour ; 50,000 /= x 150 acres= 7,500,000/=  Weeding: 50000/= x 150 acres= 7,500,000/=  Harvesting; 40,000 x 150 acres= 6,000,000/=  Bags: 7bgs/acre x 1500/= x 150 acres= 1,575,000/=  Bags handling: 7 x 150 = 500/ = 525,000/=

 Subtotal beans= 30,075,000/=  Farm manager salary: 1.2 mil x 13 mths= 15,600,000/=  Farm laborer/tractor operation, etc: 6 month= 600,000/= Subtotal farm manager/laborer= 19,200,000/= GRAND TOTAL 88,215,000/= *Calculated input cost does not include establishing trees on boundaries or machinery repair. For 2017 the only projected repair costs would be on the New Holland tractor which is expected to be less than 630,000/= PROJECTED YIELDS AND EARNING IN 2017 OF MAIZE WITH AVERAGE RAINFALL  18 bags/acre x 165 acres=2970 bags of corn total  Estimated earnings/bag of corn=50,000 shillings/bag  2970 bags x 50,000= 148,000,000/= PROJECTED YIELDS AND EARNING IN 2017 OF BEANS WITH AVERAGE RAINFALL  6 bags/acre x 150 acres=900 bags of beans total.  Estimated earning/bag of beans=120,000 shillings/bag  900 bags x 120,000= 108,000,000/= Total projected earnings in 2017 on 315 acres= 256,000,000/= TOTAL ESTIMATED EARNING AFTER INPUT COST= 167,785,000/= *The crops that are actually planted in 2017 will be the decision of the farm manager and board

• f directors. It should be recognized that traditional field crops such as maize, beans, small

grains and hay have far less earning potential than most vegetables on a per acre. CONCLUSION: The Simanjiro farm has great potential to serve as a model farm easily capable of supporting the proposed secondary school as well as providing an income source for the Diocese development and educational wings. It is critical the Diocese hire someone (with extensive farming experience) to live on the property and serve as the farm manager as soon as

• possible. The strategic/farm plan offers advice on practices to consider along with an inventory
• f equipment/future needs as well as projected crop input costs and estimated profit potential

It’s recommended that the Diocese set an example for neighboring farms by following the guidelines set forth in, “Unlock the secrets of the soil”. The current farming methods in many East Africa countries, including Tanzania are unsustainable with soil degradation rapidly

• ccurring.

Soils, like the world’s oceans and forests serve as planet Earth’s 3 carbon banks. Soil is capable

• f storing vast quantities of atmospheric carbon if the soil is covered with living vegetation or

crop residues. However, unprotected soil left bare releases the majority of carbon stored within the soil, contributing to high amounts of atmospheric carbon and the climate change. The Diocese is in a position to help farmers within the Diocese understand they can play a role in addressing climate change while protecting their soil for future generations. Although it is recommended a Maasai not manage the farmer, it is critical that the farm manager develop a strong working relationship with the Maasai community. It is recommendation the Diocese make a decision on how they want to manage the farm. Currently the land is in a virgin state untouched by chemicals and other manmade products. Should the land be farmed organically or with intention of maximizing yields of crops for maximum profit? Only the Diocese and board of directors can and should make this decision. Planting trees along the western, northern and eastern boundaries should begin immediately to prevent future encroachment from neighboring farmers. In addition to protecting Diocese lands, tree plantings are a requirement in Tanzania’s certificates of occupancy. The land has the capability to support the envisioned university; however, the best suited land for future buildings is also some of the better sites for growing crops. Referring to the sketch; recommended locations include land within fields three, six or seven. This plan like any plan is intended to serve as a guide for future development. As the land is managed in the future, new ideas will emerge that best suit the board of directors and Diocese. Plan revisions are a common part of any farm enterprise and should be embraced.