Intern Begins Composting Program

This spring, I was blessed with the opportunity to take a semester break from school to serve a 2 month term with Rafiki Africa Foundation in Alendu, Kenya. I was looking for a non-profit group to partner with in Africa. When I heard through a friend about the work Rafiki is doing in Alendu, I decided to pursue a connection. I hoped it would be beneficial for Rafiki and an invaluable experience for myself.

I accepted a two month internship in Rafiki’s Food Security program, and spent the months of February and March living in Alendu.

Specifically, my internship focused on community research throughout the area. I went into many homes and asked families questions regarding their food supply. Especially in the months at the very end of the dry season, many homes in the community are experiencing a severe food shortage. With Rafiki, I looked into the biggest problems families are facing in growing enough to eat. I wanted to know what steps Rafiki could take to solve these problems and increase the food supply in Alendu. During my visits, I kept hearing from families about the problem of decreasing soil fertility leading to decreasing crop yields. So I decided to take the tangible step of starting composting as a way for families to create their own fertilizer for their farms, rather than having to buy expensive fertilizer.

I helped to build compost bins on Rafiki’s farm to create fertilizer to use on our own crops, and provided a demonstration for the community to see.

I also got to meet with the Agricultural Club at LightHouse Academy to discuss the benefits of composting. The students even took a field trip to the farm to see the successful result.

The students afterwards took it upon themselves to begin composting up at school as well.

The huge problem of a limited food supply is daunting. However, there are simple steps that Rafiki can take toward helping families increase their food supply. Along with composting for fertilizer, the community desperately needs gutters and rain barrels to collect water during the rainy season. The water they collect can last them through much of the dry season, when even the rivers in Alendu disappear and many families suffer. Similarly, homes need more seeds to plant. Practical knowledge of proper planting and harvesting methods would also help maximize their crop yields.

I was blessed by the hospitality of the Luo people in Alendu as they welcomed me into so many homes in the area.

It was encouraging to meet many families who desire to work with Rafiki to improve their standard of living. As a result, the community as a whole will grow. I am hopeful that Rafiki will be able to find volunteers willing to partner with them. Such volunteers can help continue to provide tangible progress in Alendu. It was a privilege to spend even a short 2 months living as a part of this community, and I was incredibly blessed by the opportunity. Thank you for your support of Rafiki Africa Foundation!