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From Niger

October 2024: Newsletter From Ron

In this first update of a series from Ron Gerwing, donors are welcomed to explore his journey as he prepares to return to Niger. Ron shares his excitement about working in a region where finding the next meal is a daily struggle for many.

He emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions over temporary food aid, stating, “Teach a man to fish, and he will feed himself.” Recent projects have shown promising results, with farmers achieving up to six times their previous yields using organic fertilizers. However, challenges remain, including heavy rains and flooding that have devastated many fields.

Ron is dedicated to engaging directly with farmers, aiming to empower them with knowledge and sustainable practices. 

Donors are encouraged to continue praying and supporting this vital project, and they can look forward to more updates from Ron in the coming weeks. Read the letter here.

‘Drill a Well’ in Niger!

Access to clean water is life-changing. For farmers, it means the difference between struggling to survive and thriving. That’s why we’re launching a special campaign to drill wells and bring sustainable irrigation to communities in need!

Each well will be implemented in three key phases:

  1. Drilling – A 30-meter deep well at a cost of $2,500 CAD, including administrative expenses.
  2. Pump System – A solar-powered pump system at $1,500 CAD.
  3. Irrigation Tubing – Essential tubing and equipment at $2,000 CAD.

This year, our goal is to drill and equip our first well for a local farm to provide year-round water for irrigation. The total cost is $6,000 per well, including drilling, solar-powered pumps, and irrigation tubing.

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With success in this initial phase, we aim to expand and drill up to 10 wells in the following year. By supporting this initiative, you will help farmers access clean water, enabling them to grow crops and improve food security for their communities. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a sustainable future in Maradi.

Join us in making a lasting impact! Donate now to bring water and hope to Niger. 🙏💧

August 2024

We’re thrilled to share the latest report on our ongoing Agriculture Project in Maradi, Niger. Despite the challenges of political instability and economic hardship, the determination of local farmers continues to inspire us. This report highlights the incredible progress made with sustainable farming practices, and the tangible impact your support has had on these communities.

But there’s still more work to be done, and your help is needed now more than ever. 

👉 Read the full report and see how you can make a difference.

Together, we can cultivate hope and grow a brighter future for Niger’s farmers! 

March 2024

Ron has returned to his home in Ontario just in time to embrace winter, though the heat in Maradi, Niger, is sweltering at the moment, making it a challenging time to be there.

Despite encountering some setbacks during his recent tour, Ron is pleased to report that it ended on a positive note. However, one significant hurdle they faced is the lack of funds and the ongoing struggles of the country’s economy, which has left everyone concerned. The current government, in office since last July, seems to lack concrete economic plans, resulting in continued economic decline. Let’s pray for positive political developments to steer the country towards a brighter future.

On a brighter note, they’ve successfully distributed 900 bags of organic fertilizer to around 300 farms that pre-purchased it, and Ron anticipates it will be put to good use in the upcoming season. Initial tests by two farmers on irrigated land have shown fantastic results.

Unfortunately, they haven’t secured financing for the container of humic acid yet, so its arrival may be delayed until next year. However, Ron remains confident that once available, it will significantly boost production by up to 50%.

Given the economic constraints, progress on other fronts has been slow. Many individuals are grappling with daily challenges, such as being unable to recharge their phones or adequately feed their families. Ron has been advocating for the creation of compost, which offers free fertilizer, but uptake remains uncertain. Additionally, he’s stressed the importance of investing in quality seeds, even though affordability remains a concern. Nevertheless, every effort counts, especially as they pray for timely rains to help alleviate the financial strain.

Personally, Ron will be tending to his own field soon and intends to return to Maradi on November 1, 2024, after spending the summer here.

Thank you for your unwavering prayers and support. Ron will continue to share updates throughout the summer as he receives photos of the new crop. Your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

Below, you’ll find photos documenting the progress of a cornfield and cabbage after the application of the new fertilizer. We hope you find them inspiring!

Impact Report 2023

In the arid expanse of Maradi, Niger, where the challenges of cultivating the land are as vast as the horizon, Ron leads a transformative initiative supported by ImpactHope. This project showcases the resilience of the local farmers and the strides made towards sustainable agriculture.

  • A Glimpse of the Challenge: The arid land presents several challenges for the 30,000 farmers during the planting season (June 15 – Sept. 15). The use of altered petrochemical fertilizers has left its mark, burning the soil and limiting yields to an average of 500kg per hectare.
  • Unleashing Potential with ‘Foundations For Farming’: Implementing the ‘Foundations For Farming’ method, formerly known as ‘Farming God’s Way,’ and incorporating humic acid powder from China has yielded promising results. This innovative approach not only improves production by up to 50% but also enables a doubling of planting density, with the anticipation of increasing production from 500kg to 2000kg per hectare in the upcoming season.
  • Tapping Into Abundant Groundwater: Niger is blessed with abundant groundwater within 30 meters of the surface, offering the potential for irrigation and two crops per year. However, the cost of an irrigation well remains a significant barrier. Plans are being developed for solar-driven irrigation wells, offering a lifeline to farmers striving for food security.
  • Empowering the Co-op Agricole de Bassaraoua: Ron handed over a new laptop to the newly founded Co-op Agricole de Bassaraoua. This initiative aims to make the co-op the hub for distributing agricultural products, ensuring that the benefits of the agrarian revolution reach every farm in need.

Let us come together to support sustainable practices, empower local communities, and sow the seeds of food security in Maradi, Niger. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in transforming dreams into reality. Thank you for considering Ron’s call to action.