March has been another busy month of finishing off our field research, which we started in February, comparing the fuel consumption of our improved stoves to that of the traditional three stone (open) stove. As well as putting together a programme of training of schools about Mycorrhiza inoculation (a fungal technology STT implements as a means of raising draught resistant tree and crop species, which is vital for semi-arid and draught prone regions such as Dodoma). This knowledge is disseminated to project villages in rural areas and one method of doing this is through schools outreach to spread the knowledge through the next generation. The implementation of that programme will begin in late April. We were also very busy this month preparing for a visit by the Regional Administrative Secretary for the Dodoma region. This is a key visit to highlight to local government the use of energy efficient cooking technology and tree planting as a means to combat deforestation and in a broader sense climate change – a hot topic globally. That visit is scheduled to take in the coming months.
March also saw the rains begin to subside with the slow creeping toward the dry season. This means the familiar dusty Dodoma atmosphere is set to return. Thankfully, Cat and I have managed to avoid contracting malaria, which is rampant during the rainy season.
The STT team also held its second quarterly partner workshop which was lead by the STT team and involved both partner organisations (DODEA and MIGESADO). These workshops are a new feature of STT’s working style and practice and hugely embraced by our partners. This closer working relationship, knowledge and experience sharing is having a real affect on improving how the projects are implemented and building the capacity of all three organisations. The workshops focused on accomplishments and achievements of all the partners since our last workshop in November 2006, and various participatory activities were conducted. However, events were marred by the theft of the workshop budget at the event. This obviously heated up proceedings as the police were called, staff at the venue searched as well as workshop participants (and STT are grateful to them for their understanding and cooperation). Unfortunately, the money was not recovered. The workshop had to be suspended and statements made at the police station. Needless to say, STT have learnt its lesson and will be much careful with how it handles funds at such events. On a positive note, the management at the workshop venue accepted part responsibility for the theft as staff had not informed the STT team of the venues safety precautions. As such the cost of event was cancelled.
Victoria
