Hungry Season

This is the name given to the months of July and August in western Kenya.
A food shortage is developing and the irony is that all around us are fields of green maize ripening in the sun.

The problem is that harvest is not until early September. Villagers are surviving on the remnants of last year's crop, and for many, this has already run out.
You must realise that maize (hard, pale-coloured corn) is more than a staple food. It is the basis of ugali, Kenya's self-proclaimed super food. In reality it is a hard porridge that is eaten with greens, beans or occasionally meat. Kenyans believe that they are not satisfied unless they have eaten ugali in their meal. It provides most of the bulk and carb in their diet.

So, at present, most of the maize meal produced last year is gone. Supermarkets in the bigger towns are stocked with plenty of food but at a price that most farmers cannot afford. Items like milk, bread and canned foods are similar prices to what you would find in Australia. Most farms will have mangoes, bananas and avocados, but not enough to sustain the family. This is a society that depends on maize.

Some years are better than others. Last year's crop was reduced by sporadic rain and disease in the crop. These are subsistence farmers - they have no savings to fall back on. The only solution is to seek food from those who still have enough.

It is a difficult situation to be approached by people who have no food. Des and I are on a tight budget, and unfortunately, when you give to one person you are then approached by a dozen others.
Our solution has been to work through the local church. I have promised them cash and they have promised to buy the maize, have it ground, then distribute it to the most needy.
My aim was $2000. I emailed my nearest and dearest in Australia and they agreed to approach their friends/church for donations. So far over $6000 has been put into our bank account ... And I am absolutely astounded . Australians are certainly generous people, and I thank you all sincerely. I know that some of you have been to developing countries, and realise that life is very difficult for them at times. Being in the midst of a food crisis is certainly a unique experience, but one that I don't want to repeat.

About $2500 has already been handed over for the purchase of grain, and distribution will start this coming weekend. I will put a photo or two on the blog next week.
I am thinking about using at least half of the money to try and prevent the problem in future. I do not yet know what form that will take. Perhaps we can rent some land to farm, or establish a fund for fertiliser, or finance some agricultural seminars. Perhaps, if the money keeps coming, we can do all three.

Who would have imagined two years ago that we would now be in Western Kenya helping to avert the consequences of a seasonal famine. Our outlook on life will never be the same again.

Enjoy your dinner!