Tractor provided for a farming co-op in Denan
In 2008, The Denan Project purchased a tractor and plowing implements to use in the greater Denan area. We brought a driver and assistant to Addis Ababa to receive training in the tractor’s operation and maintenance. Prior to this, even though the people had animals, all plowing was done by hand. Now, the tractor plows the fields owned by newly formed cooperatives, which have increased the amount of arable land that can be tilled.
Plumpy’Nut Food Supplement Program
There is a high degree of malnutrition and anemia in the Denan region, particularly among children and women. Tens of thousands of supplemental meals of Plumpy’Nut have been provided by The Denan Project to combat this problem. Often referred to as a “miracle food”, Plumpy’Nut is formulated for African tastes with a peanut base and fortified with milk, minerals and vitamins. Each packet contains 500 calories and its effect is almost immediate.
Agricultural Training
Five representative villagers, including a woman, from Denan and each of the surrounding villages were sent to the district capital of Gode to receive five days of training in new agricultural techniques and in the use of new, drought-resistant seeds. Upon completion of the training, the participants received farming implements and a supply of the drought-resistant seeds before heading home to share their new-found knowledge with their fellow villagers.
Drought Resistant Seeds
The Denan Project provides drought-resistant seeds, when available, to the villagers. These seeds, combined with the agricultural training the villagers received, and along with the use of our tractor, have greatly improved the yield from the cooperative fields. This has effectively reduced the number of malnutrition cases seen in our hospital.
