Golomoti Farm

The plan that lead me to Monkey Bay was to visit a Moringa farm in Golomoti, Dedza region. A large government leased farm which has been planted with rows and rows of Moringa and Mango trees. You can also find a large presence of Neem, Wild Basil and Baobab trees. Most of the Moringa was planted in December and January and have already reached heights of approximately 2m and some bare beautiful fruits. 

Omega, the lady in charge, also owner of Doogles Backpackers Lodge in Blantyre, has had a challenging time with red spider mite and now a worm which still needs to be identified. Termites are also very present and Brian the farm manager informs me that they have tried to eliminate the nests but with no success. My suggestion is that they try to bring the land back to a natural balance and incorporate permicuture methods ASAP, but on such a large scale this is going to be challenging. The object of the farm is a quick cash crop so I visualize pesticides as the only short term solution.

Moringa Seed pods hanging on the ground

After visiting another Moringa farm (which you'll read about in my next post) I have learned and suggested that by introducing plants such as lemongrass, citronella, rosemary and Tathonia/Mexican sunflower among the rows should work to harmonize the bug population. I have also learned that the Chitimbe tree/Monkey Bread tree is good for keeping termites at bay. 

Healthy Neem Tree

Tathonia can be a useful hedging and is part of the marigold family but can be invasive if not managed properly. 

Omega and Brian

5 of the approximately 80 young calves, the boss ladies pride and joy

I'm hoping to get back to the farm before I leave to educate the staff and install a compost toileting system. To me, this is vital to the health of not just the staff and their families but to the farm itself. Healthy toilets = healthy humans. The toilet/long drop systems are inadequate and need reviewing but I'm finding, in general, a lot of resistance towards the idea.