Shamba Shape Up Sn 13 - Ep 9: Beef Calf, Silage, Banana and Financial Literacy (English)

Summary

The 'Shamba Shape Up Safari' travels across East Africa, empowering farmers with knowledge to adapt to climate changes and boost productivity. In Tita, Tanzania, the team assists Jordan, a young farmer, in enhancing his cattle farming practices. Experts provide guidance on deworming, mineral supplements, and silage-making for fodder conservation. Jordan also learns about banana plantation management, contract farming, and financial planning for a sustainable agribusiness. The show emphasizes the importance of record-keeping, market awareness, and diversification for a profitable farming venture.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The show 'Shamba Shape Up' travels across East Africa to support and educate farmers on improving their farming practices amidst climate change.
• 🐂 Joram, a 25-year-old farmer, aims to transition from traditional farming to agribusiness, focusing on cattle breeding and seeking to expand his operations.
• 📈 The program introduces experts to the farmers, like David from CKL Africa, who provide guidance on cattle management, including deworming, feeding, and mineral supplementation.
• 🌱 The importance of maintaining hygiene and health in livestock farming is emphasized, with tips on how to identify and address issues like poor deworming and mineral deficiencies.
• 🌾 Joram learns about silage making from Dr. Jesse Kagai, which is crucial for preserving fodder during droughts and ensuring a consistent food supply for cattle.
• 🍌 The show highlights the potential of banana farming for diversification and visits a successful farmer to discuss best practices for planting, sucker management, and irrigation.
• 💼 Financial expert Deepa advises Joram on the importance of record-keeping for financial planning and market understanding to make informed decisions about farming activities.
• 📊 Francis, an experienced farmer, shares his approach to contract farming, emphasizing the need for market research and cost-benefit analysis to ensure profitability.
• 🔗 The show concludes with Joram gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to improve his farm's productivity and business aspects, from cattle care to banana cultivation and financial management.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the Shamba Shape Up Safari?

The main goal of the Shamba Shape Up Safari is to celebrate hard-working farmers in East Africa, provide them with knowledge to adapt to climate changes, and support them in increasing their farm productivity and income.

Where is the program located in this particular episode?

In this episode, the program is located near the Tanzanian Border in Tita, Tavita by the beautiful Lake Chala.

What is Jordan's age and what are his plans for the future?

Jordan is 25 years old and he plans to venture into agribusiness, with dreams of advancing from the current breed of cattle to new products and making his farm an educational center for agriculture.

What is the big challenge Joram faces with his beef cattle?

The big challenge Joram faces with his beef cattle is marketing and feeding them properly.

What advice does David give to Joram regarding his cattle's health?

David advises Joram to focus on hygiene, deworming, and providing minerals to his cattle for better health and growth.

How often should deworming be done for the cattle?

For the first six months, deworming should be done each month, and after that, it should be done every three months.

What is the importance of silage in farming, as mentioned in the script?

Silage is important for conserving fodder, especially during droughts, and ensuring that there is enough feed available when the weather patterns change and fodder becomes scarce.

What are the key steps to make silage according to Dr. Jesse Kagai?

The key steps to make silage include using well-wilted and chopped fodder, adding molasses and water mixture, compressing the fodder, pushing out air, twisting the bag top, and tying it tightly with a strong rope before placing a heavy rock on top.

What is the weather forecast for Kenya in the coming week as per the script?

The weather forecast for Kenya in the coming week predicts no or very little rain across most regions, with the exception of Garissa which is expected to get up to 180 millimeters of rain, and the coastal counties which will receive moderate to high levels of rain.

What advice is given to Joram about banana plantation management?

Joram is advised to keep the banana plants thinned to a mother, daughter, and granddaughter per hole, to ensure constant harvesting. He is also shown how to properly remove excess suckers and male hands to maintain the health and productivity of the plantation.

How does Francis, the experienced farmer, manage his farm as a business?

Francis manages his farm as a business by keeping detailed records of his expenses and income, diversifying his crops based on market demand, and focusing on contract farming to ensure a ready market for his products.