NG'ARUA MAARIFA CENTRE

How Maarifa centre’s empower rural communities.

2011-11-08T06:49:00.001-08:00

Mr. Kamau inspecting a newly completed jiko ALIN's mission is to improve the livelihoods of arid lands communities through delivery of practical information using modern technologies. The information is channeled through info-mediaries; comprised of community development workers (CDWs), NGOs and even government officers, who in turn pass it on to communities. Mr. Kamua who works with an NGO

‘‘Swimming for money’’ ended in tragic death of a swimmer.

2011-10-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

A twenty seven year old man drowned yesterday in Ndaragwiti dam in sipili division Laikpia County. This was confirmed by the area chief Mr. Paul Nasky. The incident took place at around 1.00 PM in the afternoon. Three men left Sipili shopping centre and headed for Ndaragwiti Dam. According to Fred ndungu, who was among the three; the reason for going there was to determine who amongst them was ‘

Why I value the Maarifa centre: Charles Ngoro.

2011-09-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

To start rearing rabbits, is as easy as getting a female (doe) and a buck (male), once they start kindling they multiply rapidly. But that could not happen easily to Karanja, first; Rabbits in the community were a preserve of young boys, who kept them as pets for pleasure. ‘‘I started backyard rabbits keeping four yeas ago, without prior knowledge nor interest in the matter

Untapped potential of small stocks.

2011-03-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Francis Kinyanjui holds a mature Rabbit near the Maarifa center Livestock are an important part of livelihood systems for many poor rural populations in developing countries. ‘‘Small stocks’’ decreases the vulnerability to poverty, especially since it’s more accessible to greater numbers of poor households. Francis Kinyanjui a small-scale farmer in Ngarua Division, have demonstrated

BPO OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFING

2011-03-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

By Bett Kipsan'gThe stiff competition experienced by commercial companies coupled with changing economic times have given an edge to the new idea of Business Process Outsourcing (B.P.O). To cut the costs of operation, companies are laying off workers to enable them concentrate on the core businesses, non-core activities are outsourced to other players at relatively low cost. The smart company

Property lost in midnight fire

2011-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

The small scale traders in Sipili trading center in laikipia county, are counting loses incurred, when their hard earned property went up in midnight flames. Property of unknown value was destroyed by the raging fires which gutted through shops made of timber. The cause of the fire has not been known, but residents attributes it to an exploded cooking stove. Trades watched helplessly, since

New cash crop to replace conventional farming.

2011-02-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

With widespread knowledge of agribusiness, farmers in ng’arua are quickly adopting and planting high value and drought tolerant crops. For many years, Peter Muturi Luka, have been planting maize in a three-quarter-acre farm, the maize yield were far from enough for his family needs. The highest he could expect was five to eight thousand shillings in a year; to make matters worse he lives with

Leleshwa Agricultural field day.

2011-02-01T01:55:00.000-08:00

The Ngarua Maarifa Center participated in an agricultural field day held at the farm of Mr. Ndirangu Waruingi of Leleshwa village, Muhotetu division on 19TH Jan 2010. 127 community members attended the field day, (84-M & 43-F). 10 stakeholders also attended from NGOs, CBO, Banks, companies and self help groups. Ngarua Maarifa Center.The Ngarua Maarifa center’s stand was strategically set up at

Kenyan beats ICT world to Sh80m

2011-01-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

A week ago, Mr John Waibochi was having drinks with his peers at a Nairobi hotel discussing his child’s birthday party held the previous weekend.‘Murats’ (as his peers call him), concerned about what the future held for his child, spoke passionately about how he wanted to create opportunities for the millions of unemployed youth in Kenya. And on Wednesday night, the 40-something former St Mary’s

Safer Agro-chemicals: Blending indigenous knowledge with the new technologies.

2010-12-10T00:44:00.000-08:00

Mr William Businei displays dead pests during his field trials where he used homemade agro-chemicals in his backyard garden. Photo By BILLY MUTAI A ten-year study on herbal agro-chemicals could be the next frontier in safer and sustainable small scale farming, that is if William Businei’s initiative will be explored for large-scale production. Busienei of Koko’s herbal

Delivering information to the grassroots communities.

2010-12-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Ngarua Maarifa centre is committed to take the message deep into the grassroots communities by all-means, that includes the use of books, magazines, demonstrations, word of mouth and technological innovations, this photograph shows women from a village called survey, in Olmoran division of Laikipia county. The group of women were thrilled by the ipod.

The youngest I.C.T user.

2010-11-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

For the last several weeks, we have become accustomed to a babyish cry rending the air in morning. It’s from Brian a three years old boy resisting his mothers wish to proceed with journey. He wants to get in a rare affinity to computers. Wherever his mother passes near the Maarifa centre, the mother’s love in Brian is replaced by the love for computers! Unless he is hungry he can sit before

Photo story

2010-11-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

The drip irrigation Kit, exhibited by the ministry of agriculture, in Olmoran Division Bett Kipsang the Ngarua Field officer Addressing a group of women during a Field day in Olmoran, Laikipia. Mr. John Kimaiyo the Assistant chief, Wangwachi sub-location carry tree seedlings, for planting at Sipili primary.

Indigenous crops: Understanding millet.

2010-11-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

Definition: Francis Kiarahu: Farmer harvesting Millet Millet refers to a group of annual grasses mainly found in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Millet belongs to 5 genera: Penissetum, Eleusine, Setaria, Panicum & Paspalum.These grasses produces small seeded grains and are often cultivated as cereals. Millets can be used as grain or forage. When used as grain they

Mursik: Indigenous Milk Preservation Technology among the Kalenjins of Kenya.

2010-11-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

By Bett KipsangKenya is famous for its world conquering athletes who transverse the globe raking in medals and cash prizes. After various competitions the athletes are usually welcomed back home with jubilant singing, dancing and hoisting of the national flag. The Kalenjin community from the Rift Valley is famous for giving returning champions a drink of traditionally fermented milk known as

Is ‘‘Amaranth’’ the grain for the future?

2010-11-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

By Peter Maina Mwaniki.Mwaniki is a small-scale farmer living in the outskirts of Sipili trading centre, Sipili division in Laikipia County. Have been growing Grain Amaranth in small quantities, but he now advises that it is a crop worth growing for its nutritional value. Grain Amaranth is regarded with great importance in many parts of the world. In U.S.A it is referred

An ICT tool Spicing up information sharing.

2010-11-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

A group of women enjoys the music and films form an ipod. In October 2010, we visited a village deep in the rural parts of Olmoran in Laikipia, where we met an old woman, whom we asked her to show us the direction to Dam-Samaki where the field day was held. The jovial old woman showed us the direction, and encouraged us that we were almost getting there. She was also attending the field day. We

Networking and collaboration with Stakeholders

2010-11-02T03:32:00.000-07:00

The following are highlights of an agricultural field day held in collaboration with National Agricultural and Livestock Extension Program, (N.A.L.E.P), at a place called Olmoran approximately 20 km from Sipili town where the Ngarua Maarifa Center is located. Olmoran is a cosmopolitan division, home to different ethnic communities: like the Pokots, Turkana, Kalenjin and Kikuyu. The field day

Laikipia Centre for Knowledge and information LACKIN implementing N.M.K's grant.

2010-11-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Kigano inspecting cassava with Mr. Mwaniki a member of Ngarua facal group The community capacity building initiatives being spearheaded by the Arid land Information Network (ALIN) in Ngarua has come of age. The community groups, which showed keen interest in ALIN’s programs, can now show the results; a typical example is Ngarua focal, which has grown to a Community Based Organization,

The impact of Ngarua Media Encounter.

2010-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

The impact of Ngarua media encounter is impressive; the reports on the Radio and television reached and sensitized many people about the services offered at the Ngarua Maarifa center. On Wednesday 30th/09/ 2010, just a day after the television news went on air, we started receiving phone calls and special visitors who are keenly interested to know what goes on at the Maarifa center. Read more

Farmer to farmer exchange visits.

2010-10-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

The members of Laikipia Center for Knowledge and information (LACKIN), and Ngarua ALIN focal group are unique in the way they share knowledge. Farmer-to-farmer exchange visits organized every month, where participants’ visits each other’s farms to learn new farming techniques, challenges and solutions to problems experienced. Read full story.

Healthiest Foods on Earth

2010-10-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

1. Berries All berries are low in sugar and high in fiber. Blueberries have been shown to increase memory in lab studies, and raspberries and strawberries are loaded with ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that seems to have some anti-cancer properties, according to the American Cancer Society. Read more.

The plight of small-scale Agro-traders.

2010-10-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

Small-scale farmers in Ngarua are trying their best to make ends meet. The farmers struggle with unfavorable climatic conditions, but even when they have managed to produce crops, they are still faced with a bigger challenge of accessing better markets for their commodities. For the last eleven years, Mr Kinyua have relied on small-scale agro-business. He operates a grocery at Sipili trading

Youths finds treasure at Maarifa center.

2010-10-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

The youths learning I.C.T at Ngarua maarifa centre have taken the responsibility to ensure that the latter shines clean before classes commence every morning. As the saying goes, ''cleanliness is next to godliness'' they made a duty roster, as a guided for all the students carry out the noble duty. Read full story.

2010-10-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

Sharing about the services of the Ngarua Maarifa Center with farmers at Olomoran

2010-10-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

''Fish and Frogs Rain'' Strange weather Occurence due to climate change.

2010-10-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

Fish and frogs falling from the sky is an expected phenomenon, resulting from the stinging effects of climate change, Dr Mukabana of the metrological department said fish and frogs are sucked from the water surface by strong winds into the clouds, which eventually rain down all that has been collected.When this happens on land, it is referred to as a tornado but if it occurs on water, it is

Knowledge makes the difference

2010-08-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

The arid and semi-arid areas are generally attributed, to prolonged droughts, famine, poor nutrition and many other negative attributes. Knowledge sharing with communities living in the semi arid zones of Laikipia has reversed the trend. Read full story.

Do you sit on a Gold mine?

2010-08-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Many people in dry lands knows the value of water, to say that ‘water is life’ is more relevant to them than those in higher potential areas. People here have to go an extra mile and excavate the ground in search for the precious commodity. Read full story

Adoption of Green house farming.

2010-08-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Tissue Culture Bananas; Alternative Agribusiness.

2010-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Diffusion of knowledge among small scale farmers is one aspect leading to success in efforts to improve food security and household incomes. Communities in Ng’arua have started banana farming as an alternative agribusiness venture. The ALIN's Maarifa center has also upped the people's tendency and willingness to share whatever knowledge at their disposal. In the two minutes film, Mr.

Rural Women in Agribusiness

2010-08-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Women are the majority of rural dwellers, this is true considering that most men goes to urban areas to look for ''Employment''. Instead of being left without a source of income, Agribusiness has become an occupation of choice for rural women. They need support and access to better markets and they are as good in creating employment through farming. The video is about a woman going against

Information changing the lives of rural farmers.

2010-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

When the Ngarua Focal Group visited ''Good Shepherd's Children Home'' on a charity mission, they learned of many innovations, on arrival they shared with other members back home. When Mwangi got the information from his neighbor who had had just arrived from the trip. He resolved to fuel his vehicle and went back with the neighbor to see for himself. Read full

Juicy Crops of Sipili

2010-08-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

Use of modern technology to boost crop yields and Marketing in Ng'arua

2010-07-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Farmers in the rural parts of ngarua employs all the known techniques to ensure that they improve crops yields...Read more.

UN agency begins procurement scheme to benefit Ethiopian farmers

2010-06-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

UN agency begins procurement scheme to benefit Ethiopian farmers

The value of I.C.T training to the people of Sipili.

2010-06-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

By Bett Kipsang.Introduction. Ngarua Maarifa center stands out in Sipili township as the only place you pop in and access the internet, read books, attend ICT training's and other information services free of charge. The question lingering in the minds of many people is....Read more

Importance of Water to Man.

2010-06-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

By Luciah Muthoni Kaguru Water is used for different purposes at home, for example washing clothes; drinking, bathing, washing utensils and cooking. In farms plants needs water for them to grow well. During dry seasons during water is used to irrigate crops. Livestock needs water for drinking after feeding every day. Some other animals like fish live in water. If they are removed fish from water

Beans

2010-06-23T02:09:00.000-07:00

Beans are belongs to the group of legumes, they are edible and are an important source of protein in Kenya. They are grown in all for their dry seeds and green pods. They can be intercropped with other crops like maize and cassava....Read More

The universal crop.

2010-06-23T01:54:00.000-07:00

Maize in Kenya grows well in an altitude of 2200m above sea level. It prefers medium temperatures, rainfall and attitude....Read More

Importance of crop farming.

2010-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Crop farming is an important economic activity in Countries such as Kenya and Uganda.... Read full story

The sweet potatoes

2010-06-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

The word 'sweet' is used because of their sweet taste. Sweet potatoes vary in type. There is the white, red and the orange varieties...Read full story

Grafting Of mangoes.

2010-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

A mango is an evergreen fruit tree of the cashew family. Mangoes are widely cultivated in the tropics. It bears fleshy yellowish fruits that are either eaten ripe or green.....Read full story

Our Environment

2010-06-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

Means what surrounds us. These comprises of living things like plants, animals, insects, microscopic organisms and non-living things like rocks, soil, water etc. There are many challenges resulting from people's faillure to become accustomed to their environment.....Read full story

How to tame corruption.

2010-06-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

The word Corruption is mentioned virtually everywhere everyday! The most common connotation is that it carries, negative attributes. It is commonly associated with underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment, projects failure etc. People are encouraged to fight corruption, but unless they answer correctly the question ‘‘what is corruption?’’ no meaningful results may be expected...Read full story

Maarifa Center; The Mother of Knowledge.

2010-06-23T00:37:00.001-07:00

The following is a moving poem by a youthful user of the Ngarua Maarifa Center. Sam don't mince his words in describing how the Centre has benefited him and the entire community. The young school leaver could not watch from a distance, he has volunteered to help people access information as he also learn computer packages offered free of charge at the center. Enjoy the poem.You are the mother of

Turkey farming in Ngarua.

2010-06-22T00:25:00.000-07:00

Introduction.Turkey is a large black or white kind of bird that is kept in homes as part of poultry. They are kept as source of income to farmers, as they are very productive if properly managed. One can start turkey farming with only one or two turkeys. A female turkey can be reared alone then taken to a male one for the mating so that it can lay quality eggs for incubation. Read full story.

Students learning computer at Ngarua Maarifa Center.

2010-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Facebook

2010-06-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Facebook

E-marketing by rural communities

2010-06-19T04:01:00.000-07:00

Marketing for Commodities in Ng'arua has gone a notch higher, since the introduction of E-marketing through ''Sokopepe'' system aimed at enabling farmers to access better prices and avoid exploitation by brokers. The video clip explores on farmer's problems, hard work and appeals for interventions.

The Tallest Kales of Ngarua.

2010-06-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

Kale or borecole is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), green or purple, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms...wikipidia’’Sukuma Wiki is a popular Kenyan side dish that can be made out of collards or kale. In Kenya, the plant traditionally used is a tall- growing cabbage variety elsewhere

Tree planting.

2010-05-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

By Naomi Ndichu.A tree is a living thing inform of a plant that grows on land. There are different kinds and species of trees growing in different part of the country. Some trees are indigenous, like pine, cider, Olive Africana Etc. While others are exotic. Exotic trees ere introduced and planted in a given area, for example, Cyprus, Eucalyptus and fruit trees. Read full story

Free I.C.T Training at Ng'arua Maarifa.

2010-05-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

Introduction. Ngarua Maarifa Center is located at sipili trading center, Ngarua Division of Laikipia west District. The center offers computer trainings, and various information to communities free of charge. The need to offer such trainings stemmed from the vision of ''connecting communities with knowledge'', through I.C.Ts....Read full story

A FIELD VISIT TO NGOMONGO FARM.

2010-05-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

Introduction. Ngomongo farm is located in Sipili location of Ngarua division laikipa west district. One morning, the ALIN Field Officer based at Ngarua CKC, accompanied by a community reporter Mr. Samuel Githumbi, visited Mr' Thomas Ngwiri's farm. The farmer is a member of Ngarua ALIN focal group and have benefited allot from information disseminated at the Ngarua Community Knowledge Center (

NGARUA COMMUNITY UPBEAT OVER C.R.P (SOKO PEPE)

2010-03-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

Communities living in Ngarua are mostly agricultural producers and small scale traders. They work really hard to produce food crops for subsistence use and surpluses for trade. ''You mention direct access to commodity markets and you take their attention by a swoop'' said Sam Githumbi, a youthful C.K.C user. This is true since, for many years he has witnessed the community suffer exploitation by

Ngarua CKC an important Resource center.

2010-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ngarua CKC is located at Sipili market in Ngarua division of Laikipia district. The center serves the community of Sipili through provision of information in books, magazines and other online materials. In March 2010, a student from the University of Nairobi visited and identified some books which he said were very resourceful to him in his studies. The student by the name Evan Mathangari

Marketing Taken a Step Higher

2009-07-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Marketing is one of the most profitable niches to anyone who knows how to take advantage of the supply, demand and need of the consumer on any type of product. In Ng'arua, there is a problem with middlemen taking advantage of the poor producers, who have no other option but to operate through the middleman as there is no alternative market. It is for this reason that new marketing systems are

RAIN WATER HARVESTING IN NG'ARUA REGION

2009-07-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Due to the minimal amount of rainfall that the area receives, the residents of this region have adapted a new way to have water for their household use and for watering crops in their farms. This water is harvested from roof tops and from run off water whenever it rains.The water is stored in reservoirs for use when need arises, during the dry spells of the year. This is also helpful because it

NGARUA COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

2009-07-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

Ng'arua community knowledge centre is situated in Rift Valley Province of Kenya and in the newly created Laikipia West District. The centre is approximately 65 Kilometers from Nyahururu Town. The area is mostly dominated by Kikuyus , while the Pokots occupy a very small area. The region is relatively dry with an annual rainfall of 40mm. This is a problem as it limits the agricultural