After spending a number of days working at the project site in Harbu Chulule the USA team had to return home. The remaining team continued with meetings in the Addis Ababa area as well as working back in Harbu Chulule.
First we visited the Genesis farms in Debre Zeit. This is a large farm cooperative now run by Ethiopians that was founded by a Dutch and American group. These farms show the incredible potential of what is possible. They have large production facilities where they grow many types of vegetables, many of which are not normally consumed in Ethiopia. There are also poultry farms, dairy farms, fruit orchards, as well as flowering plant and tree nurseries. The vision of this project has helped us a lot and given us many great ideas for the future.
James checks out some locally grown alfalfa with Zerihun, the director of Hopethiopia in Ethiopia
Matt admires the entrance to Genesis farms in Debre Zeit
Never in too much of a hurry, Matt takes time to smell the flowers
Large vegetable fields growing at Genesis farms
Large fields of vegetables that use a system of efficient drip irrigation methods.
A variety of vegetable seedlings growing in the unique “Win Strip” holders. Here they have been taken out of the greenhouse and are “hardening before being transplanted into the fields.
Ornamental flowers, plants, and trees are being grown at Genesis farms.
Matt learns some masonry techniques at a local children’s care centre. This project will provide care facilities for children 6 months to 5 years of age..
Weinu (Hopethiopia accountant) and his wife celebrate the progress on their children’s home at a traditional coffee ceremony.
Greenhouses at the Selam Children’s Village in Addis Ababa.
Biogas production at Selam Children’s Village, a large orphaned Children’s NGO that just celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Large scale agriculture at the Selam Children’s Village. Vegetables, fruits, plants and trees are grown along with an excellent dairy program.
Ralph tries his hand at making Injira, a local Ethiopia staple food.
Local farmers next to the Hopethiopia project site cultivate their fields using the traditional Ox and plough technique.
A typical rural farm house and fields
