The occassion was graced by the minister for Agriculture representative.He encouraged farmers to adopt to some of the good practices that were exhibited to ensure food security in the District.
He commended all the stakeholders and participants for organising for such a successful platform for learning and sharing information.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Ilng'arua Dissemination point take off
In a bid to bridge the digital divide, Marigat Maarifa Centre opened a dissemination point at Ilng'arua location, Marigat District.Ilng'arua is located approximately 6 Kms from Marigat township a journey through rough road.Their main challenge is transport, there is only one pick-up that comes to Marigat in the morning and leaves at 6PM.
Communities living in te area are the Ilchamus (Njemps) .They are pastrolists but practice small-scale farming.
The dissemination point is hosted by the area chief, Paul Markoko and the doctor incharge of the dispensary Dr.Geofrey. The Dissemination point is equiped with one desktop computer, magazines and books.It is located in one of the rooms in the dispensary where there is electricity.
Speaking during the launch, the chief said that ALIN was the first organisation to give communities free access to information and computer training."Our children are going to get opportunities because they will be computer literates." he added.
The centre will be run on voluntary basis by a commmittee that was mandated to give back to the community interms of capacity building (ICT training)
The free computer training will be offered 3 time a week and will enjoy free internet access on Saturdays.This local arrangement was done because marigat maarifa will be using the same modem during the week.
The training has kicked off already with 30 form four leavers and 15 community members.Among these 25 are females.
Communities living in te area are the Ilchamus (Njemps) .They are pastrolists but practice small-scale farming.
The dissemination point is hosted by the area chief, Paul Markoko and the doctor incharge of the dispensary Dr.Geofrey. The Dissemination point is equiped with one desktop computer, magazines and books.It is located in one of the rooms in the dispensary where there is electricity.
Speaking during the launch, the chief said that ALIN was the first organisation to give communities free access to information and computer training."Our children are going to get opportunities because they will be computer literates." he added.
The centre will be run on voluntary basis by a commmittee that was mandated to give back to the community interms of capacity building (ICT training)
The free computer training will be offered 3 time a week and will enjoy free internet access on Saturdays.This local arrangement was done because marigat maarifa will be using the same modem during the week.
The training has kicked off already with 30 form four leavers and 15 community members.Among these 25 are females.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
About Marigat District
Socio- economics:
In Marigat, semi-nomadic livestock rearing is the main economic activity of the community, though there is an increasing interest in crop production to augment the family food supply. The rangelands on which the livestock and the community depend are denuded and seriously eroded.
In many years the region has been unable to adequately support the livestock population, thus the existing livestock population is unable to meet the full subsistence needs of the people. The situation has in the recent past been exacerbated by the invasion of a tree species calledProsopis juliflora. This is an exotic tree shrub that was introduced as a conservation measure to roll back land degradation.
The area is characterized with the few wealthy households controlling the highest percentage of resources. In areas with irrigation schemes, more wealthy households have access to the large plots.
Traditional Values and Beliefs
Female circumcision has been practiced for many years as a rite of passage by different communities in the area. The age brackets for circumcision vary from community to another one. In others it is done as young as 9 years while in others it is done at 12 years and above. Children are supposed to obey the adults no matter what they are asked to do. This has both positive and negative effects; it serves to provide some social sanctions that guide the relationships of the two age divides. However some adults have misused this to their advantage and ended up being abusive.
The Gender Roles
Each community has defined roles that boys and girls, and men and women are required to perform. However girls and women have more roles than boys and men.
Literacy and Education of Region Surrounding the Maarifa Centre
There are 6 secondary schools and about 40 primary schools in the two divisions of Marigat and Mukutani. All the secondary schools admit both boys and girls. There is one primary school with both facilities for blind and sighted children. A large percentage of the population in the area is either illiterate or semi-literate, especially in the age set of 40 years and above. Most members of the community below the age of 30 have at least attained primary school level education. However many girls drop out of school because of the cultural beliefs and traditional practices such as FGM and early marriage. Those who have attained university level education are very few.
In Marigat, semi-nomadic livestock rearing is the main economic activity of the community, though there is an increasing interest in crop production to augment the family food supply. The rangelands on which the livestock and the community depend are denuded and seriously eroded.
In many years the region has been unable to adequately support the livestock population, thus the existing livestock population is unable to meet the full subsistence needs of the people. The situation has in the recent past been exacerbated by the invasion of a tree species calledProsopis juliflora. This is an exotic tree shrub that was introduced as a conservation measure to roll back land degradation.
The area is characterized with the few wealthy households controlling the highest percentage of resources. In areas with irrigation schemes, more wealthy households have access to the large plots.
Traditional Values and Beliefs
Female circumcision has been practiced for many years as a rite of passage by different communities in the area. The age brackets for circumcision vary from community to another one. In others it is done as young as 9 years while in others it is done at 12 years and above. Children are supposed to obey the adults no matter what they are asked to do. This has both positive and negative effects; it serves to provide some social sanctions that guide the relationships of the two age divides. However some adults have misused this to their advantage and ended up being abusive.
The Gender Roles
Each community has defined roles that boys and girls, and men and women are required to perform. However girls and women have more roles than boys and men.
Literacy and Education of Region Surrounding the Maarifa Centre
There are 6 secondary schools and about 40 primary schools in the two divisions of Marigat and Mukutani. All the secondary schools admit both boys and girls. There is one primary school with both facilities for blind and sighted children. A large percentage of the population in the area is either illiterate or semi-literate, especially in the age set of 40 years and above. Most members of the community below the age of 30 have at least attained primary school level education. However many girls drop out of school because of the cultural beliefs and traditional practices such as FGM and early marriage. Those who have attained university level education are very few.
WRITERS WORKSHOP HELD IN MARIGAT
A writers workshop targeting community development workers(CDW) from 6 CKCs in Kenya and one in Uganda and Tanzania was held at Marigat District as from 17th August to 20th August 2009.
The participants were selected from members of the focal group interested in developing their writing skills and who have attempted to write for OKN or Baobab publication. Each participant was required to come with an article focusing on either of the following themes:
1. The role of pastoralism in addressing food security: Challenges, opportunities and way forward
2. Women initiatives in addressing poverty at the rural areas
3. Profile of a women group: How it was formed, when, why, its successes, failures
4. The role of rural entreprenuership in community development: Focus on a agriculture related entrepreneurial activity
5. Home based enterprises
The articles were then corrected, developed, edited and will used in ALIN's new quarterly publications.
During the training which was both intensive and interesting paarticipants were taught in detail on how to write development articles. They were also taken through principles of effective writing ,mind mapping and general writing principles among others. In addition the participants were introduced to Alin's publication i.e Baobab,Joto Afrika and Kilimo Endelevu.
The participants were selected from members of the focal group interested in developing their writing skills and who have attempted to write for OKN or Baobab publication. Each participant was required to come with an article focusing on either of the following themes:
1. The role of pastoralism in addressing food security: Challenges, opportunities and way forward
2. Women initiatives in addressing poverty at the rural areas
3. Profile of a women group: How it was formed, when, why, its successes, failures
4. The role of rural entreprenuership in community development: Focus on a agriculture related entrepreneurial activity
5. Home based enterprises
The articles were then corrected, developed, edited and will used in ALIN's new quarterly publications.
During the training which was both intensive and interesting paarticipants were taught in detail on how to write development articles. They were also taken through principles of effective writing ,mind mapping and general writing principles among others. In addition the participants were introduced to Alin's publication i.e Baobab,Joto Afrika and Kilimo Endelevu.
MARIGAT CKC OPEN DAY
Marigat CKC held an Open Day on 21st ,August, 2009 at the Divisional Livestock Office from 10.00 .pm. The key objective of the Open Day was to reach out to more community members in a bid to inform them about the services offered at the centre. The function which involved Stakeholders in Marigat District offered them a chance to meet the community members and inform them on their products and services. This was also a good platform for them to reach out to community members as the District is still new and members of the community have yet to familiarize themselves with the stakeholders. The event also presented a good opportunity to Stakeholders to interact and exchange ideas among themselves.
Guests
The guests of Honour that day were Marigat District Commissioner Geoffrey Taragon, ALIN Board of Director from UK Peter Cranston and his wife Margaret Cranston. Also present was Marigat District Officer Lincoln Chege and Area Councilor Isaac Bowen.
In his speech the area D.C expressed appreciation for what ALIN has done to enable the Marigat community to keep pace with the rest of the world as far as ICT is concerned. He was particularly thankful for the computer services he got from the CKC when he was still new in the District. He encouraged the participants to make good use of the internet services available at the center.
Peter Cranston applauded what ALIN has done in rural ares such as Marigat in bringing information closer to the people and bridging the digital gap in ASAL areas.
Alex Kiprono a representative from Kari thanked ALIN for the partnership they had with the Center saying it had been very useful to the institute in terms of acquiring information. He challenged community members to take advantage of the services offered at the service in order to improve their livelihoods.
Also addressing the gathering James Maina from the Ministry of Livestock who hosts the center thanked ALIN for creating partnering with them saying their relationship had been beneficial to both sides .He encouraged more Government Ministries to partner with NGOs in order to achieve good results.
Exhibitions
The Exhibitors present on that day included Kenya Agricultural Research Institute(KARI),Kenya Forestry Research Institute(KEFRI), Ministry of Agriculture,Ministry of Youth, Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB), KADET Microfinance, Baringo Teachers Sacco and Kenya Marines. Also present were Community Based groups such as MIDS, Kirambach Womens group and Kapchereren Womens Group.
Other participants included members from other Alin's centres in Kenya namely Kyuso, Kakamega, Ndhiwa, Isiolo, Nguruman, Lukwanga and Shinyanga in Uganda and Tanzania respectively. All participants had a stands where they showcased their products and services. Guests and members of the community moved through the stands viewing displays.
KEFRI's main exhibition was products made from the prosopis tree which was introduced in the area to combat desertification but has raised mixed feelings among locals in the area, since its is invasive with the locals feeling that it has done more harm than good. The aim was the exhibition was to show that the tree can be exploited to produce useful products.
KARI displayed their varied knowledge on agricultural and livestock products that are adaptable to local environment.
In the Ministry of youth stand guests were taken through how the Ministry was working with the youth in the District in a bid to improve their livelihoods through such initiatives as Kazi kwa Vijana program which gives young people jobs on a short term basis.
KCB and Baringo Teachers Sacco each had a stand on product and services offered at the Banking Institutions. KADET a micro -finance subsidiary of World Vision Kenya had a display on which they provide financial services to the low income entrepreneurs thereby contributing to poverty reduction by supporting small and micro enterprises.
Mainyoto Ilchamus Integrated Development Society a community based organization from the Ilchamus (Njemps) community ad on display some of their cultural attire. They also guests demonstrated to the guests how to preserve grains using vegetable oil.
Kirambach Womens group who have started a project of using Aloe -Vera to make medicines and soaps displayed some of their products. Kapcherren Womens group who are involved in bee keeping displayed some of their bee products.
Among the CKCs Kyuso CKC had a display on the use of OISAT in their center in order to inform farmers on the dangers of pests and also how to make mango juice. Lukwanga CKC demonstrated how to make avocado juice using ripe avocados and how to start a mushroom garden. Shinyanga CKC showcased their knowledge on herbal medicines and pesticides. Nguruman CKC showcased some of the services offered at the centre and also how to grow aloe-vera.
The guests also had a chance to visit Marigat CKC and get acquainted with the services offered at the centre. They also learnt about the information resources available at the centre which include books,magazines posters and the Open Knowledge Portal(OKN).
Attendance
A total of approximately 200 people attended the event,this included exhibitors,guests and community
General Description
The colorful event was marked with entertainment from traditional groups such as Beatrice dancers, Turkana dancers and Yatoi women group .Though the attendance from community members was lower than expected those who attended learnt a lot from the displays including how to make chapati using mathenge seed pods. The day also played a significant role in promoting the CKC and we expect more people to pay a visit to the center in order to take advantage of the services offered.
Guests
The guests of Honour that day were Marigat District Commissioner Geoffrey Taragon, ALIN Board of Director from UK Peter Cranston and his wife Margaret Cranston. Also present was Marigat District Officer Lincoln Chege and Area Councilor Isaac Bowen.
In his speech the area D.C expressed appreciation for what ALIN has done to enable the Marigat community to keep pace with the rest of the world as far as ICT is concerned. He was particularly thankful for the computer services he got from the CKC when he was still new in the District. He encouraged the participants to make good use of the internet services available at the center.
Peter Cranston applauded what ALIN has done in rural ares such as Marigat in bringing information closer to the people and bridging the digital gap in ASAL areas.
Alex Kiprono a representative from Kari thanked ALIN for the partnership they had with the Center saying it had been very useful to the institute in terms of acquiring information. He challenged community members to take advantage of the services offered at the service in order to improve their livelihoods.
Also addressing the gathering James Maina from the Ministry of Livestock who hosts the center thanked ALIN for creating partnering with them saying their relationship had been beneficial to both sides .He encouraged more Government Ministries to partner with NGOs in order to achieve good results.
Exhibitions
The Exhibitors present on that day included Kenya Agricultural Research Institute(KARI),Kenya Forestry Research Institute(KEFRI), Ministry of Agriculture,Ministry of Youth, Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB), KADET Microfinance, Baringo Teachers Sacco and Kenya Marines. Also present were Community Based groups such as MIDS, Kirambach Womens group and Kapchereren Womens Group.
Other participants included members from other Alin's centres in Kenya namely Kyuso, Kakamega, Ndhiwa, Isiolo, Nguruman, Lukwanga and Shinyanga in Uganda and Tanzania respectively. All participants had a stands where they showcased their products and services. Guests and members of the community moved through the stands viewing displays.
KEFRI's main exhibition was products made from the prosopis tree which was introduced in the area to combat desertification but has raised mixed feelings among locals in the area, since its is invasive with the locals feeling that it has done more harm than good. The aim was the exhibition was to show that the tree can be exploited to produce useful products.
KARI displayed their varied knowledge on agricultural and livestock products that are adaptable to local environment.
In the Ministry of youth stand guests were taken through how the Ministry was working with the youth in the District in a bid to improve their livelihoods through such initiatives as Kazi kwa Vijana program which gives young people jobs on a short term basis.
KCB and Baringo Teachers Sacco each had a stand on product and services offered at the Banking Institutions. KADET a micro -finance subsidiary of World Vision Kenya had a display on which they provide financial services to the low income entrepreneurs thereby contributing to poverty reduction by supporting small and micro enterprises.
Mainyoto Ilchamus Integrated Development Society a community based organization from the Ilchamus (Njemps) community ad on display some of their cultural attire. They also guests demonstrated to the guests how to preserve grains using vegetable oil.
Kirambach Womens group who have started a project of using Aloe -Vera to make medicines and soaps displayed some of their products. Kapcherren Womens group who are involved in bee keeping displayed some of their bee products.
Among the CKCs Kyuso CKC had a display on the use of OISAT in their center in order to inform farmers on the dangers of pests and also how to make mango juice. Lukwanga CKC demonstrated how to make avocado juice using ripe avocados and how to start a mushroom garden. Shinyanga CKC showcased their knowledge on herbal medicines and pesticides. Nguruman CKC showcased some of the services offered at the centre and also how to grow aloe-vera.
The guests also had a chance to visit Marigat CKC and get acquainted with the services offered at the centre. They also learnt about the information resources available at the centre which include books,magazines posters and the Open Knowledge Portal(OKN).
Attendance
A total of approximately 200 people attended the event,this included exhibitors,guests and community
General Description
The colorful event was marked with entertainment from traditional groups such as Beatrice dancers, Turkana dancers and Yatoi women group .Though the attendance from community members was lower than expected those who attended learnt a lot from the displays including how to make chapati using mathenge seed pods. The day also played a significant role in promoting the CKC and we expect more people to pay a visit to the center in order to take advantage of the services offered.
COOKING WITH PROSOPIS FLOUR
Introduction
Prosopis are drought-resistant, nitrogen-fixing trees, which are extremely hardy in poor and saline soils, and can grow where most other vegetation fails. The common Prosopis species in tropical drylands around the world today is P. juliflora, native to Central and South America, but introduced around the world over the past two centuries to reforest barren lands. It has many uses: for livestock fodder, wood for fuel, timber for furniture and building, livestock fencing, charcoal, medicine, pest control, shade, soil stabilization, soil fertility improvement and human food from the pods and honey from abundant flowers. However, although this tree can offer a crucial contribution to reclaiming desert lands, it has been widely condemned due to its invasive nature. It spreads rapidly by seeds along water courses and across grazing lands, and being thorny and shrubby, can quickly form impenetrable thickets, blocking roads and preventing access to water. This, coupled with the general lack of knowledge on its management and uses where introduced, has meant that up till now it is not used to its full potential in many regions where it is found.
Prosopis as a human food
The pod flour’s sweet, smoky flavour is a valued part of the culinary traditions of many native American groups. Although this flour is available commercially in North and South America, it is only recently being taken up as a food in the regions of the world where it has been introduced. As well as providing a delicious and nutritious food ingredient, an additional benefit of collecting and grinding the pods (including the seeds), is that it helps to stem the spread of the tree where it has become invasive, by reducing the number of seeds being dispersed in the wild.
The nutritional value of Prosopis flour
The amount of nutrition supplied by Prosopis pods is quite astounding. They are a rich food source for humans and animals, high in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre and sugar. Low in fat and cholesterol, Prosopis flour is gluten-free, and an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, and amino acids such as lysine that are low in other cereals. Medical studies on Prosopis pod flour show it to be extremely
effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. The natural sweetness in the pods comes largely from fructose, which the body can process without insulin. Prosopis flour requires a longer time to digest then those from most other grains, e.g. 4 to 6 hours compared to 1 to 2 hours for wheat. These factors result in a food that sustains constant blood sugar over time and so prevents hunger. So here is a food that supports the diabetic’s diet, and also helps maintain a healthy insulin system in those not affected with blood sugar problems.
Prosopis flour has a unique taste that has been variously described as; sweet or slightly nutty, with a pleasant hint of molasses or caramel, a sweet chocolate or coffee flavour, with a hint of cinnamon.
The flour can be used either in baking or as a spice/seasoning in food and drinks. As flour, it is generally used in combination with other flours, using about 10-25% Prosopis pod flour (above 25% the taste becomes too strong for most palates), for example, two tablespoons can be added per 16 tablespoons (8 fl.oz or 240 ml) of other ingredients for a delicious flavour and aroma in all baked goods
Harvesting, drying and storage
Collect pods directly from the tree if possible, or collect pods that have only recently fallen to the ground. Discard all pods with any blackening or other discolouration, or evidence of browsing, attacks by insects or moulds. Such pods can already be infected with types of fungi called ‘mycotoxins’ that could cause upset stomachs. Pods need to be well dried before milling, or due to the high sugar content, they will ‘stick’ or ‘gum up’ in the machines, and cleaning out such a mess is time-consuming indeed! In Baringo, pods are sun-dried for three days on the ground, though putting pods on a tin-roof or concrete base would reduce possible fungal infections. In other countries they
are dried over a fire or charcoal stack, or mixed with embers. Mill immediately, or in the afternoon if sun-drying, as pods can quickly take back in moisture from the air. If pods are to be stored before milling, they should be kept dry (roofed) and without soil contact (off the ground or on a concrete/wood floor), and protected from rodents and other insects that might spoil the crop. Pods can then be stored for at least six months like this, however, they are likely to need drying again before milling.
Processing
Dried Prosopis pods can be simply pounded in a pestle and mortar, but this produces only a coarse flour and rarely breaks down the seeds. Stone grinding is traditionally used to produce an acceptable flour from the whole pods in Latin America and India. In Kenya, hammer-mills are being used to produce whole pod flour, so also destroying the seeds, making their nutrients available and helping to prevent the further spreading of the species. Pods are sun-dried, broken with a pestle and mortar, and taken to the local ‘posho mill’ (normally used for grinding maize), or a tracor-mounted hammer mill come to the village on an agreed day and grinds all the pods that have been collected.
COOKING WITH PROPOSIS – recipes from Baringo District, Kenya
Prosopis flour can be used in many different products – virtually anything that uses flour. The following recipes were first tried and tested during a workshop in February 2006 in Baringo, Kenya, facilitated by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) of the UK. They have since been tried again and again during 2006, also in Nairobi and other districts.
Abbreviations and measurements
tsp = teaspoon (small spoon) 5ml
tbsp = tablespoon (large spoon), 15ml
1 cup = 16 tablespoons, 240 ml
1 inch - 2.5 cm
Chapatis
4 cups wheat flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
2 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Water
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the oil. Add the water slowly and mix to a dough. Cover the bowl and leave for about 1 hour. Form into small balls and roll these out on a clean flat surface. Put a little oil in the frying pan and cook the chapattis on both sides.
Ugali
4 cups maize flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
10 cups of water
Heat water in a saucepan. Before it reaches boiling point, add a little flour (this stops the mixture (‘lumping’). Once the water has boiled, slowly pour in the rest of the flour. Stir continuously and mash any lumps that form. Cook for about 4 minutes and serve with meat and vegetables.
Uji (maize flour porridge)
4 cups maize flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
Cold water
Hot water
Mix the flour with some cold water to make a thin paste. Add the mixture to simmering water in a pan and stir well until the porridge is cooked.
Mandazi (deep fried doughnut-like snacks)
4 cups wheat flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
1½ tsp baking powder
4 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Water
(Makes around 30 pieces)
Mix the dry ingredients and add the oil. Add the water slowly and mix to a dough. Roll out the mixture to about ½ inch thickness and cut into 1 inch squares. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and deep fry the squares until they puff up and are light and fluffy inside.
Pancakes
1 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup Prosopis flour
Pinch of salt
tsp of sugar
2 eggs
1½ cups of milk (approx)
Oil for cooking
(Makes around 10 pancakes)Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl and beat in the eggs. Beat in the milk until the mixture has a smooth texture. Spoon a small quantity into a hot frying pan with a little oil, and cook, turning once.
The pancakes are delicious on their own, or with jam, lemon juice or honey.
Source:Internet
Prosopis are drought-resistant, nitrogen-fixing trees, which are extremely hardy in poor and saline soils, and can grow where most other vegetation fails. The common Prosopis species in tropical drylands around the world today is P. juliflora, native to Central and South America, but introduced around the world over the past two centuries to reforest barren lands. It has many uses: for livestock fodder, wood for fuel, timber for furniture and building, livestock fencing, charcoal, medicine, pest control, shade, soil stabilization, soil fertility improvement and human food from the pods and honey from abundant flowers. However, although this tree can offer a crucial contribution to reclaiming desert lands, it has been widely condemned due to its invasive nature. It spreads rapidly by seeds along water courses and across grazing lands, and being thorny and shrubby, can quickly form impenetrable thickets, blocking roads and preventing access to water. This, coupled with the general lack of knowledge on its management and uses where introduced, has meant that up till now it is not used to its full potential in many regions where it is found.
Prosopis as a human food
The pod flour’s sweet, smoky flavour is a valued part of the culinary traditions of many native American groups. Although this flour is available commercially in North and South America, it is only recently being taken up as a food in the regions of the world where it has been introduced. As well as providing a delicious and nutritious food ingredient, an additional benefit of collecting and grinding the pods (including the seeds), is that it helps to stem the spread of the tree where it has become invasive, by reducing the number of seeds being dispersed in the wild.
The nutritional value of Prosopis flour
The amount of nutrition supplied by Prosopis pods is quite astounding. They are a rich food source for humans and animals, high in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre and sugar. Low in fat and cholesterol, Prosopis flour is gluten-free, and an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, and amino acids such as lysine that are low in other cereals. Medical studies on Prosopis pod flour show it to be extremely
effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. The natural sweetness in the pods comes largely from fructose, which the body can process without insulin. Prosopis flour requires a longer time to digest then those from most other grains, e.g. 4 to 6 hours compared to 1 to 2 hours for wheat. These factors result in a food that sustains constant blood sugar over time and so prevents hunger. So here is a food that supports the diabetic’s diet, and also helps maintain a healthy insulin system in those not affected with blood sugar problems.
Prosopis flour has a unique taste that has been variously described as; sweet or slightly nutty, with a pleasant hint of molasses or caramel, a sweet chocolate or coffee flavour, with a hint of cinnamon.
The flour can be used either in baking or as a spice/seasoning in food and drinks. As flour, it is generally used in combination with other flours, using about 10-25% Prosopis pod flour (above 25% the taste becomes too strong for most palates), for example, two tablespoons can be added per 16 tablespoons (8 fl.oz or 240 ml) of other ingredients for a delicious flavour and aroma in all baked goods
Harvesting, drying and storage
Collect pods directly from the tree if possible, or collect pods that have only recently fallen to the ground. Discard all pods with any blackening or other discolouration, or evidence of browsing, attacks by insects or moulds. Such pods can already be infected with types of fungi called ‘mycotoxins’ that could cause upset stomachs. Pods need to be well dried before milling, or due to the high sugar content, they will ‘stick’ or ‘gum up’ in the machines, and cleaning out such a mess is time-consuming indeed! In Baringo, pods are sun-dried for three days on the ground, though putting pods on a tin-roof or concrete base would reduce possible fungal infections. In other countries they
are dried over a fire or charcoal stack, or mixed with embers. Mill immediately, or in the afternoon if sun-drying, as pods can quickly take back in moisture from the air. If pods are to be stored before milling, they should be kept dry (roofed) and without soil contact (off the ground or on a concrete/wood floor), and protected from rodents and other insects that might spoil the crop. Pods can then be stored for at least six months like this, however, they are likely to need drying again before milling.
Processing
Dried Prosopis pods can be simply pounded in a pestle and mortar, but this produces only a coarse flour and rarely breaks down the seeds. Stone grinding is traditionally used to produce an acceptable flour from the whole pods in Latin America and India. In Kenya, hammer-mills are being used to produce whole pod flour, so also destroying the seeds, making their nutrients available and helping to prevent the further spreading of the species. Pods are sun-dried, broken with a pestle and mortar, and taken to the local ‘posho mill’ (normally used for grinding maize), or a tracor-mounted hammer mill come to the village on an agreed day and grinds all the pods that have been collected.
COOKING WITH PROPOSIS – recipes from Baringo District, Kenya
Prosopis flour can be used in many different products – virtually anything that uses flour. The following recipes were first tried and tested during a workshop in February 2006 in Baringo, Kenya, facilitated by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) of the UK. They have since been tried again and again during 2006, also in Nairobi and other districts.
Abbreviations and measurements
tsp = teaspoon (small spoon) 5ml
tbsp = tablespoon (large spoon), 15ml
1 cup = 16 tablespoons, 240 ml
1 inch - 2.5 cm
Chapatis
4 cups wheat flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
2 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Water
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the oil. Add the water slowly and mix to a dough. Cover the bowl and leave for about 1 hour. Form into small balls and roll these out on a clean flat surface. Put a little oil in the frying pan and cook the chapattis on both sides.
Ugali
4 cups maize flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
10 cups of water
Heat water in a saucepan. Before it reaches boiling point, add a little flour (this stops the mixture (‘lumping’). Once the water has boiled, slowly pour in the rest of the flour. Stir continuously and mash any lumps that form. Cook for about 4 minutes and serve with meat and vegetables.
Uji (maize flour porridge)
4 cups maize flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
Cold water
Hot water
Mix the flour with some cold water to make a thin paste. Add the mixture to simmering water in a pan and stir well until the porridge is cooked.
Mandazi (deep fried doughnut-like snacks)
4 cups wheat flour
1 cup Prosopis flour
1½ tsp baking powder
4 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Water
(Makes around 30 pieces)
Mix the dry ingredients and add the oil. Add the water slowly and mix to a dough. Roll out the mixture to about ½ inch thickness and cut into 1 inch squares. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and deep fry the squares until they puff up and are light and fluffy inside.
Pancakes
1 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup Prosopis flour
Pinch of salt
tsp of sugar
2 eggs
1½ cups of milk (approx)
Oil for cooking
(Makes around 10 pancakes)Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl and beat in the eggs. Beat in the milk until the mixture has a smooth texture. Spoon a small quantity into a hot frying pan with a little oil, and cook, turning once.
The pancakes are delicious on their own, or with jam, lemon juice or honey.
Source:Internet
MARIGAT FOCAL GROUP FARMERS FIELD VISIT
In a bid to reach to more community members especially farmers Marigat focal group members had a farmer’s field visit on 7th April. The aim of the visit was to share with the farmers how they can make good use of the information offered in the centre in order to aim. Despite the arid nature of Marigat these farmers are making good use of available resources though scarce to improve their livelihoods through farming.
The first to receive us on her farm was Mrs. Veronica Salim who practices mixed farming. She has planted tomatoes, finger millet, kales (sukuma wiki), paw trees, mango trees, water melon occupying about half an acre, Napier grass and Masai love grass that does well on tropical climate. With the help of her husband she also produces about 20 liters of milk from several heads of cattle they keep and sells very well in the neighborhood and the local trading center.
They also look forward to making good use of cow dung to produce the so needed energy if they get resources and appropriate technology. Mrs. Salim’s two and half arable land within Zero Grazing zone in Marigat Township flourishes during good rainy seasons. She confidently told us that the fruits of her hand from the farm have fed her family and educated her children.
Just like any other good work that never lack challenges Mrs. Salim decried frequent drought and unstable market that sometimes render her family’s effort run into losses. When drought hits the River Perkera catchment area water for irrigation dwindles leaving Mrs. Salim and her neighbors gazing at the sky. She, however remain optimistic that the situation is bound to change for the better because the market is improving and the government is laying down plans for irrigation dams.
In the afternoon we went to visit another farmer who tried his hand on grass farming. Mr Julius owns 26 acres of land in Salabani about five kilometers to the North of Marigat. He told us that he bought grass seeds from RAE trust an NGO that deals with land rehabilitation of and planted on machine prepared ground. He hoped to see the grass grow and meet his expectation in the measured time but unfortunately suffered some set back during the 2009 severe drought that made the grass grow sparsely. However he remains encouraged that not all is lost with the good rain being expected this year more seeds will fill empty spaces.
Julius plans to use the grass to raise beef cattle for sale and also harvest it and sell it in form of hay. His main challenge is straying goats that grazes on the grass despite the good hedge of cactus he has spent a lot of money on.
Both farmers where offered copies of Kilimo Endelevu and Baobab magazine and recruited as ALIN members so that they could be receiving the copies on a regular basis.
The first to receive us on her farm was Mrs. Veronica Salim who practices mixed farming. She has planted tomatoes, finger millet, kales (sukuma wiki), paw trees, mango trees, water melon occupying about half an acre, Napier grass and Masai love grass that does well on tropical climate. With the help of her husband she also produces about 20 liters of milk from several heads of cattle they keep and sells very well in the neighborhood and the local trading center.
They also look forward to making good use of cow dung to produce the so needed energy if they get resources and appropriate technology. Mrs. Salim’s two and half arable land within Zero Grazing zone in Marigat Township flourishes during good rainy seasons. She confidently told us that the fruits of her hand from the farm have fed her family and educated her children.
Just like any other good work that never lack challenges Mrs. Salim decried frequent drought and unstable market that sometimes render her family’s effort run into losses. When drought hits the River Perkera catchment area water for irrigation dwindles leaving Mrs. Salim and her neighbors gazing at the sky. She, however remain optimistic that the situation is bound to change for the better because the market is improving and the government is laying down plans for irrigation dams.
In the afternoon we went to visit another farmer who tried his hand on grass farming. Mr Julius owns 26 acres of land in Salabani about five kilometers to the North of Marigat. He told us that he bought grass seeds from RAE trust an NGO that deals with land rehabilitation of and planted on machine prepared ground. He hoped to see the grass grow and meet his expectation in the measured time but unfortunately suffered some set back during the 2009 severe drought that made the grass grow sparsely. However he remains encouraged that not all is lost with the good rain being expected this year more seeds will fill empty spaces.
Julius plans to use the grass to raise beef cattle for sale and also harvest it and sell it in form of hay. His main challenge is straying goats that grazes on the grass despite the good hedge of cactus he has spent a lot of money on.
Both farmers where offered copies of Kilimo Endelevu and Baobab magazine and recruited as ALIN members so that they could be receiving the copies on a regular basis.
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