Mbale Mixed Farm

Through a friend of a friend we met a Catholic a Priest who is trying to bring back the agricultural interest of the community. He recently was given charge over 105 acres of land that is owned by the archdiocese. It is just outside of town and it is beautiful! 

We went out to the to photograph the crops and animals so that we could help Father Dan create a website/Facebook page to promote the farm. 

(This is the sign that welcomes you on the the school/farm property! It is my favorite thing!!!) 

Apparently, back in the day the farm was Mbale's largest supplier for milk and eggs. It was also used as a demonstration farm to help the surrounding community learn how to grow crops and raise livestock more efficiently. It was a pretty big operation, but then the government kicked the Catholic Priests out of town. So the farm fell I to disrepair. Recently the church was able to require the land and begin again to bring back the farm. 

The farm also has a secondary school on the property, as well as an orphanage. The profits of the farm as well as any extra food is used to sustain the children. They are able to give fresh milk to the babies daily as well as maize for the school children. 

Along with maize, the farm grows beans, matoka, bananas, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, coffee, and passion fruit.  The farm is divided into plots that are taken care of by different locals. Anyone who is interested in agriculture can come and work on the farm. The crops that are grown are divided between the workers and then the extra are sold or used for the orphans. 

(This is passion fruit...I have never seen it growing and I had no idea what it really looked like. I said something to this effect in front of Father Dan and he laughed and laughed. Stupid mzungus!) 

This is how mushrooms are grown in Uganda. I have never seen these either and was made fun if for that. Isn't it cool though?!? Father Dan said that it takes a good long while, but that they are willing to be patient. 

Just some cabbage growing nicely. This at least I recognized! ;) 

There are so many things going on the farm. There is the orphanage, which they call a "babies home". There are about 20 orphans from varying ages from 2 weeks to 7 years. Two of the children have special needs, one of which is the seven year old. Father Dan said that they wouldn't have kept the seven year old except that she needs constant care. Usually they try to place the children before they turn 5. The care of these children is in the capable hands of about 5 nuns who live on site. They take turns feeding, washing, and playing with the children. They also must clean and cook all the food for the kids. They are a quiet bunch, but so sweet! 

(Apparently life was just too hard for this fellow, he had to take a little rest on the maize that is drying!)

Besides the crops, the farm also has a ton of animals and Father Dan hopes that in the future the farm will be a place that breeders can come. So far they have pigs, cattle, chickens, guinea fowl, quail, goats, and rabbits. 

 

Father Dan has added a ton of animals and has plans for lots more. He wants to bring the farm back to the original glory! To improve the pedigree of the animals and also create a space where people can come to learn about agriculture. He has done amazing work and he hopes that with the addition of the website more people will be aware of the mission and aims!