After both the best and toughest time of my life, my placement here in Nepal is ending and it’s time for me to go home to Somerset.
My time here is thanks to you. My programme was named Samarth, which translates into ‘helping people help themselves’; you’ve supported farmers here to do just that. I’ve spent my final few days in Nepal reflecting on my hard work, and written up my proudest achievements to show what you have been a part of.
Meeting the farmers
As this programme was brand new, visiting dairy farmers to understand the main issues they faced was an absolute priority. My time has been spent on every type of transport you could imagine reaching these communities, but each visit has always been so enlightening.
From my research I was confident the most important issue was poor milk quality, which became the focus of my efforts.
Getting to know the farmers
Teaching farmers to make better milk
I have been working with a small Nepali organisation called Forward Nepal to create a national good practice guide for all dairy farmers to follow. This has involved writing training schedules, lesson plans, manuals and materials to enable farmers to understand and follow this good practice to get the best possible milk produce.
The vast majority of farmers here are illiterate, especially in the most remote districts. Using the talents of a local artist, I developed training posters that are used in training sessions. An added bonus is that the farmers get to take these posters home too!
The poster created for illiterate farmers
The government have been so impressed with this good practice that six pilot schemes are running, with the promise of the training being rolled out nationally in 2017. I will be following the capable team’s undoubtable incredible progress from Somerset, and continuing to help remotely if they need me.
Giving women the knowledge to become dairy leaders
I have helped train four government officers on all steps of dairy farming. They have now scaled this up to train 80 of the most enthusiastic farmers, who are now spreading this new knowledge with their farming communities across Nepal.
The best bit of it? 65% of all farmers involved were women. A huge leap in progress.
The first training session for many of the rural farmers
Meet Ian – supporting maize and soya bean farming in Nigeria
Although my time as a VSO volunteer has come to an end, Ian’s adventure is just beginning. He brings decades of experience in the chilled food industry to his placement in central Nigeria, where he will be supporting farmers growing maize and soya beans. Sadly the annual income of farmers is a measly £150, so Ian’s hard work will have a huge impact on communities. I wish him all the very best!
My final thank you
The last couple of years have been full of ups and downs. The “ups” take care of themselves, but the “downs”… When you feel a long way from home, or feel a little lost, having the support of friends, family, colleagues – and you – means the world.
The messages you have sent, and knowing so many of you read this blog, has kept mine and Jude’s spirits up. Thank you so much for being a valuable part of the team, and helping me achieve so much here in Nepal against all odds.
Yours,
Simon
