Moshi, TZ – Parents provide corn seeds for farming – 15 Jan 2021

For the first time ever, Kahe and Maendeleo Primary School parents raised funds to provide corn seeds for school farming this year.

For Kahe and Maendeleo Primary Schools, it costs roughly 240,000 TZS ($104 USD) to purchase corn seeds every year. The agreement between Tupendane and the schools is that Tupendane would provide the inputs while the schools help organize the labor. This year, however, parents in both communities took a step forward in making the program more sustainable by purchasing seeds.

Tupendane and the schools have been focusing very hard on community outreach. Specifically with sustainability and community contribution. The Tanzanian shillings raised is the first big step towards that sustainability. It shows they are willing to contribute more to the program.

So far, 2021 is proving to be a good farming year, the schools are facing minor expected challenges due to climate change and rainfall, but are managing effectively.

The schools are hoping to hit a higher target than last year. Last year they received 700 kg/acre (1500 lbs/acre) and are hoping to reach closer to 1000 kg/acre (2200 kg/acre).