Articles for Marigat Maarifa

BARINGO COUNTY STAKEHOLDERS EXHIBITION

2011-07-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Ilng'arua Dissemination point take off

2011-03-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

About Marigat District

2011-03-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

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.

WRITERS WORKSHOP HELD IN MARIGAT

2011-03-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

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.

MARIGAT CKC OPEN DAY

2011-03-01T10:51:00.001-08:00

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.

COOKING WITH PROSOPIS FLOUR

2011-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

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

MARIGAT FOCAL GROUP FARMERS FIELD VISIT

2011-03-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

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.

A NEW DAWN BECONS FOR FARMERS IN MARIGAT

2011-03-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Farmers in loboi location, Marigat District had all the reasons to smile as stake holders in the District came together to exchange ideas on how they can work together to improve the agricultural sector and livelihoods of the community at large.

Farmers field was organized by Kerio Valley Development Authority (KUDA) together with other stakeholders in the District who included Ministry of Agriculture, Baraka Agricultural College, Kenya Forestry Research Institute(KEFRI), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute(KARI), Ministry of Livestock , National Irrigation Board , Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) among others.

The objective of this day was for the stakeholders to show case activities involved in various organizations and institutions and how farmers can tap these services to improve farming in the area.

This was also a platform for farmers and stakeholders to collaborate with communities on how to utilize 20,000 hectares Irrigation potential. Currently the irrigated land is the initiative of farmers.

Speaking during this occasion, the provincial Director of Agriculture Mr. Phillip Ochieng Said that the field day was a lucrative idea to mobilize stakeholders and farmers to provide irrigation water to produce enough food for themselves and premium crops for local and export market.

He singled out KVDA, and CDF through local MP to work together with the ministry of Agriculture and ministry of Water and Irrigation to develop schemes in the area.

Through the provincial Director of Agricultures’ initiative, FAO in collaboration with National Irrigation Board and Ministry of Agriculture are finding 6 Million dam constructions to harness water to be used to expand Perkerra irrigation scheme. This aims to increase the area from 1200 Acres to 6000 Acres.

He emphasized that farmers embrace technologies in their environment, citing ALINs Marigat Maarifa centre as a place where they can tap, information and exchange knowledge with various farmers from different parts of the country.
Farmers were also advised to plant food security crops like cassava to avert over dependence on relief food.

Various institutions and organizations displayed their products and services which they explained to farmers and the community at large. On Marigat Maarifa centre stand was different publications like Baobab and KEA. This was an opportunity to explain extensively how they can join the network and why information sharing was vital and that Maarifa centre is there because of them.
Marigat Maarifa brochures were also distributed for publicity this has enhanced the activities in our centre because at least three farmers per day visit the centre to source for information and 50 farmers have joined the network.

JOB THROUGH MAARIFA

2011-02-28T11:27:00.001-08:00

Marigat maarifa centre serves the needs of the communities by providing diverse information to improve their livelihoods.65% of the maarifa centre users are the youth, who mostly come for computer training, reading newspapers, face book, blogging and visiting sites for job vacancies.
We interviewed a frequent maarifa user who landed a job recently through maarifa centre; he had all the reasons to smile as his dreams came to pass:
1. What is your name, contacts and age?
My name is Robert Lengilip a resident in Marigat location; I can be reached through robertlengilip@yahoo.com or 0724106451. Iam 28 years old.
2. How did you know about Marigat Maarifa Centre?
Through friends whom we reside in the same area. They told me that the centre provides free access to information. Initially I used to travel either to Nakuru or Kabarnet – a distance of about 100Kms to access internet. This is because these services are not provided here in Marigat so it was costly for me to travel all the way thus I could limit my self due to financial constrains. When I received news about the centre I decided to visit the place, I was warmly welcomed by Joyce, who is in charge of the centre. Since that day I became a frequent user of the centre.
3. What information do you search in the internet?
Of course jobs through company’s websites, Google social sites and Nation newspaper. I was looking for a job so my friends could send me links where I register and send my CV.
4. How did you finally land a job?
Iam a Diploma holder in Community Development, so I applied for any vacancy that could suit my career whether I got the advert from the newspaper or a Website. Joyce assisted me to make a CV and cover letter; all my scanned documents were saved on the desktop in my folder. This made it easier for me to retrieve my documents and send.
One morning, I decided to Google hand in Hand international. I heard from friends that they were recruiting credit officers. I never hesitated I went to the maarifa centre to apply for the position of Business Relationship Officer. I was called to attend an interview; the panelists were whites to my surprise. I gauged courage and answered all what I knew, ofcourse I was prepared for this. They told me that they will give me feedback through my email address after 2 weeks. I went to check mails at maarifa centre, I could not hide the joy, and everyone who was in the maarifa centre knew something unusual had happened. I finally got the job after 5 years struggle. A confirmation letter was also sent to me asking me to go to the office and sign a contract 3 years renewable, huge allowances and a good package. I came with a copy of my contract to the maarifa centre where I shared with my fellow youth.
5. What is your advice to other youth who use the Centre?
Commit yourselves, be advanced, get information and utilize the resources provided by ALIN in this Maarifa centre. Learn how to use computers this is a genesis of improved livelihood in Marigat. We are pastoralists but we can never achieve our dreams if we are reluctant to technological advancements.
6. Any message to ALIN?
Thanks ALIN am proud to be associated with you because I got the job through your services –God bless.

Marigat Maarifa Centre Holds a Roadshow

2011-02-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Marigat Maarifa Centre organized for a roadshow on 16Th July 2010. This was aimed at publicizing maarifa centre activities and services to the community. Prior to the road show the Focal Group members had discussed and agreed on the need for the event which will foresee the enrolment of more members to the centre and also advancing the knowledge on the activities offered by the centre. This was done through distribution of IEC materials to the members of the public to enhance their knowledge on Maarifa Centre activities. Situation It was also imperative for the Marigat Focal Group members to look into a convenient location where all the members of community can be reached for dissemination purposes. The team chose the market place as the final stop point suitable for the road show ,though the team experienced some logistical problems i.e. faulty machines; it managed to carry out a successful campaign that saw 100 people (56 Male and 44 Female ) registering as members in the centre and also others coming to seek information on different aspects including information on agriculture, livestock through the books and the internet. Tips on how to organize for a successful Road Show Set the Objectives and target e.g. recruitment, how many male and female to be reached, publicity etc Consult the Focal Group members and advisory committee: They will always assist you to organize for this event, also in resource mobilization. Draft a simple budget and stick to it: This will guide you to avoid overspending. Mapping: The area of coverage should also be considered and will be dictated by the cost allocated for transport. Consider a day when you can reach most of the community ie Market day What is needed? IEC materials for the maarifa centre e.g. brochures, banners, T-shirts Public Address i.e. Microphone, Loud speaker, music player A pick-up or lorry A community mobilizer: A person who can communicate in both local language and Kiswahili. Cooperation by the focal group and advisory committee. Maarifa Center banner Lunch for organizers of the event Assessing Impact When new maarifa center users come to the centre remember to ask them how they came to know about the centre and record .This will enable you access the impact. draft

ALOE SPECIES FIELD DAY

2011-02-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Aloe species field day was organized by KEFRI-, Marigat station at Loruk centre. It was aimed at providing an opportunity to local communities and other stakeholders in sharing experiences on Aloe species, aloe products and Aloe Management.
The species are important plants that have received great attention in recent years as a source of human health care products, and for their role in environmental conservation and rehabilitation of degraded areas.
There are about 450 species in the genus Aloe that have been identified. Aloe Vera is a drought resistant crop that grows in most arid and semiarid areas in the world. The aloe plant also known as Tengeretwe in Tugen and sukuroi in Ilchamus has come to the rescue for communities in Marigat District.
There are over 22 species of aloe in Kenya but the most popular is the aloe vera.The species can tolerate drought requires little tending and is often referred to as the lily of desert. Harvesting of aloe which is classified among endangered species was officially licensed in Marigat District in September 2009 by Kenya Wildlife service.
Aloes provide a range of products and services these includes:
Aloe gel, Aloe bitter gum, Aloe dye, ornamental and fencing, range rehabilitation, Bee forage, Fodder production, production of local brews, human and livestock medicine.

Making Aloe soap
Using a simple method, communities have earned income through making aloe soap.
Ingredients
• Aloe Vera leaves (Chilensis)
• Caustic soda
• Sodium silicate
• Coconut oil
• Perfume
• Glycerin
• Dye

Method:
1.Aloe leaves are Leaves are cut in to small pieces and water added
2.The mixture is squeezed and sieved to remain with the sap
3.The mixture is then poured into a basin where sodium silicate is added and stirred in one direction
4.Caustic soda is then added which in turn makes the temperature to rise to about 120c the mixture is stirred until the temperature drops to 50c
5.In another separate basin coconut oil is measured and desired color, perfume and glycerin added and stirred.
6.The two mixtures are then put together in one basin to produce a thick mixture.
7.The mixture is stirred continuously until smooth
8.The mixture is then poured into soap dishes and left to dry for about 12 hours.