Group activity

    • Niwamanya Onesmas
      Niwamanya Onesmas published a blog post Supporting Small Poultry Projects
      I wanted to share with you my passion project - our family's poultry keeping venture! It's been a challenge balancing school and managing the project, but my amazing mom and grandma have been instrumental in keeping it going.
      • Niwamanya Onesmas
        Niwamanya Onesmas created a new photo album Niwamanya Onesmas Family Poultry Project
        • Small Family Poultry Projects
        • Lindianne  Sappington
          The Great Escape from Net Zero Hunger Games - No Farmers, No Food, No Freedom" Panel Discussion Sponsored by the Conservative Princeton Association May 24, 2024 Panelists: Diana Furchtgott-Roth: Myths of Climate Change Science Driving...
          • Paul Kemp Administrator
            Michal Kravick: The New Water Paradigm (with captions) Learn more about Biodiversity for a Livable Climate: Please donate to our ecosystem restoration work: To activate closed captioning, click the "CC" icon at the bottom right of the...
            • Gumisiriza Julius
              Gumisiriza Julius uploaded the file Crop Rotation
              Crop Rotation IF PDF FILE DOES NOT APPEAR BELOW REFRESH BROWSER
              • Paul Kemp Administrator

                Julius email me this PDF and I will post it so it will display properly.

                • Gumisiriza Julius

                  See attached file.

                  • Gumisiriza Julius
                    CROP ROTATION the best method
                    • Gumisiriza Julius
                      Gumisiriza Julius

                      How we can control weeds without spraying them with chemicals? Here are the best approaches. Spraying weeds with chemicals are dangerous to biodiversity.

                      Mulching, Applying organic mulch like straw, wood chips, or leaves suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.

                      Hand Weeding, Regularly pulling weeds by hand is effective, especially for small garden plots. It's crucial to remove weeds before they flower and set seeds.

                      Hoeing and Cultivation,Using a hoe or cultivator to disturb the soil surface and uproot weeds is an efficient method, particularly for larger garden areas.

                      Weed Barrier Fabric, Installing weed barrier fabric in garden beds prevents weed growth by blocking sunlight and inhibiting weed seed germination.

                      Flame Weeding, Passing a propane torch or flame weeder over weed-infested areas quickly burns and kills weeds, particularly effective for young, annual weeds.

                      Cover Crops, Planting cover crops like clover or rye during the off-season helps suppress weeds, improve soil health, and add organic matter to the soil.

                      Crop Rotation, Rotating crops in garden beds disrupts weed life cycles and prevents the buildup of weed populations adapted to specific crops.

                      Deep Rooted Perennials, Introducing deep-rooted perennial plants into garden beds helps break up compacted soil, improve soil drainage, and outcompete weeds for resources.

                      these non-spraying methods, we can effectively manage weeds in gardens while promoting soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable gardening practices

                      • Gumisiriza Julius
                        Gumisiriza Julius

                        How we can avoid using acaricides and pesticides to control pests.
                        Hope you enjoy!.

                        Methods to control pests and manage crop health without relying on acaricides and pesticides.
                        Biological Control: by Introducing natural predators, parasites, or pathogens that target pest species can help control pest populations. Examples include ladybugs for aphid control or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for controlling caterpillars.

                        Crop Rotation:Rotating crops can disrupt pest life cycles and reduce pest populations. Different crops have varying susceptibility to pests and diseases, so rotating crops can help maintain soil health and minimize pest pressure.

                        Physical Barriers: Using physical barriers such as row covers or netting can prevent pests from reaching crops. This method is particularly useful for protecting crops from insects and birds.

                        Trap Crops: Planting specific crops that attract pests away from the main crop can help protect the primary crop. Trap crops divert pests' attention, reducing damage to the main crop.

                        Cultural Practices:Practices such as proper irrigation, weed management, and maintaining soil health can improve crop resilience to pests and diseases. Healthy plants are less susceptible to pest infestations.

                        Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Implementing a comprehensive IPM approach involves combining multiple pest control strategies to minimize pesticide use while effectively managing pests. This approach emphasizes monitoring, prevention, and using pesticides only when necessary.

                        Organic Farming Practices: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and emphasizes natural and sustainable methods for pest management. This includes practices such as composting, cover cropping, and encouraging biodiversity on the farm.

                        If we use these methods, we can reduce reliance on acaricides and pesticides while maintaining crop health and productivity in a more environmentally friendly manner.

                        • Gumisiriza Julius
                          Gumisiriza Julius

                          Dangers of spraying crops,plants and trees with Acaricides and pesticides.

                          Spraying crops with acaricides, pesticides, and other chemical substances have the following dangers

                          Please take note of this!.

                          1.Health Hazards Exposure to these chemicals can lead to acute and chronic health issues in farmers, agricultural workers, and nearby communities. Respiratory problems, skin irritations, and long-term health concerns such as cancer are associated risks.

                          2.Environmental Impact: Acaricides and pesticides can contaminate soil, water sources, and the air. This contamination poses risks to wildlife, beneficial insects, and plants, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity.

                          3. Residue in Food: Chemical residues can remain on crops after spraying, potentially entering the food chain. Continuous exposure to these residues through consumption can pose health risks to consumers.

                          4. Development of Resistance:Pests can develop resistance to acaricides and pesticides over time, necessitating the use of stronger chemicals or alternative control methods. This cycle contributes to environmental pollution and poses challenges for pest management.

                          5. Non-Target Effects: Spraying can harm beneficial insects such as bees, natural predators, and other organisms essential for ecosystem balance. Disruption of these populations can have cascading effects on agriculture and the environment.

                          6. Water Contamination: Runoff from treated fields can carry chemicals into nearby water bodies, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and threatening freshwater resources.

                          To address these dangers, it's crucial to promote sustainable agricultural practices, including integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that prioritize non-chemical control methods and minimize reliance on pesticides. Additionally, regulatory measures and education efforts can help mitigate risks and promote safer alternatives in agriculture.

                          • Gumisiriza Julius

                            Yes, Brother Paul. I will practice it from here and I see if I will be able to do this. Thank you for your advice

                            • Paul Kemp Administrator

                              Julius our network will not display YouTube short URL's ending in .be Right Click the address bar on Youtube and select show Desktop URL it will start with Youtube.com the short Youtu.be URL's will not work on SFN So go to the video, get the long URL and edit the post and change the address to the long URL

                              • Gumisiriza Julius
                                Gumisiriza Julius shared a link

                                Food Forest strategy for higher yields . Watch this Video.

                                • Paul Kemp Administrator
                                  • 235 views
                                  By Paul Kemp Administrator

                                  Julius our network will not display YouTube short URL's ending in .be Right Click the address bar on Youtube and select show Desktop URL it will start with Youtube.com the short Youtu.be URL's will not work on SFN So go to the video, get the long URL and edit the post and change the address to the long URL

                                • Gumisiriza Julius
                                  • 120 views
                                  By Gumisiriza Julius

                                  Yes, Brother Paul. I will practice it from here and I see if I will be able to do this. Thank you for your advice

                                • Paul Kemp Administrator
                                  Water harvesting principles & the story of an African rain farmer Design guidelines for regenerative “You must plant the rain before you plant a seed or tree!” proclaimed rain farmer Mr. Zephaniah Phiri Maseko of Zimbabwe. By doing just that,...
                                  • Paul Kemp Administrator
                                    SOLVING PARADOXES OF AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT Financing, Energy and Food Systems  
                                  Food Forest Certification Program

                                  Food Forest Certification Program

                                  Director Lindianne Sarno - Food forests mimic nature, are outstanding examples of earth stewardship, and arguably the most natural and sustainable food production method available. They are low-maintenance, produce a huge diversity of food and habitat, and help to regenerate and then maintain the land they are grown on. Here is a 15 minute video by Robert Hart describing how to create one: