Earlier today I ran my final VSO workshop, and just sitting here to write about it seems to reinforce the fact I am leaving. This has been an incredible experience, and though I am desperate to see my family, I don’t want to go.
Gathering in the square for my final workshop
My final seminar was luckily the type I have enjoyed running most. Teaching farmers about financial literacy, explaining about income over expenditure, and most importantly, why you need to keep records.
At the beginning of the session I was faced with a technical challenge. We were holding the seminar in an area called Sabon Daga in Bosso. As there wasn’t a village hall we were hosting under some canopies. But have you ever tried to use a laptop projector in the blazing sunshine? There was just no way people would be able to see a thing.
Not to be defeated, I came up with a plan. One of the Chief’s palaces backed on into the square, a quick look inside and I notice a large circular lobby was unused. When I approached the Chief, he was very supportive and helpful, and only a few minutes later, over 70 farmers and I were making our way into the palace. It’s moments like this that I have found so satisfying, finding easy solutions to challenges and unexpected collaboration. It’s also another example of how misrepresented Nigerians are by the media, as in all my experience, the people here have been eager and ready to help.
Group photo at the suprise party
Party time
Happily, I was still here when VSO Nigeria decided to throw a surprise party to thank staff and volunteers. Unbelievable is the only word to describe how wonderful the food was, just out of this world! There was fresh parmesan, salads, local Nigerian food, roast chicken and the most delightful desserts including a rice pudding with nutmeg and sultanas– glorious. I am not going to confess how many times I went round the buffet, but needless to say I enjoyed every last mouthful. Afterwards we whiled away the time playing charade style games. It was a really lovely way to say goodbye to VSO and my wonderful colleagues.
Treshing machines
I am also happy to say that I am leaving with four new threshing machines firmly in place in each of my communities. As you all know, supplying farming communities with adequate machinery has been one of my biggest goals.
Setting up the threshing machines
This service will be hired out to farmers and we will develop the skills of one farmer in each LGA (local government association) to be a thresher service provider creating business, employment and income improvement - overall a good move.
Yes there have, and almost certainly will be, challenges; but if it opens the farmers eyes to the great gains to be had from small mechanisation, then we will have started the journey for them. It will encourage them to push forward and work together to increase the size of their farms and their incomes.
Take a look at one of the threshers in action here.
Mass field day
Over the last week we did a grand tour of each of the areas carrying out what is called a mass field day. Basically this is where we invite as many people as possible to inspect our demonstration plots, listen to talks on fertiliser and see the threshing machines in operation.
Mass field day begins
The atmosphere was really great, almost party-like with local cultural dancing and drummers. We hired canopies to keep the beating sun off our scorching skins whilst people listened to the talks.The village Chiefs and their entourages even came along and gave very supportive speeches encouraging our work. Having them backing us makes such a difference in getting farmers to participate. We also had Propcom (a UK NGO) and Golden Penny (the biggest grain mill in Africa) attending, checking up on how our work was going.
Harvest will be in two weeks and then we will see if the message got across about selling to Golden Penny, as they are willing to buy every last kilogram of soya bean, at least at market price if not above. Seeing a lorry full of soya bean heading to Lagos or Ibadan, where their factories are will be the cherry on the Bakewell.
Introducing David
Though I am leaving; I am happy to leave you all in the capable hands of David Wareham. He has just started a fantastic placement in Tanzania, where he will be helping young people enter the working world by teaching them the fantastic skill of carpentry. Enjoy!
Goodbye
You guys have been incredible, your continued support has been fantastic, and I am honoured that you chose to follow my work out here in Nigeria. This has been the time of my life and I have learnt so much.
Cheers, Ian
