A Model Farm

This morning the staff were showing me a model farm they have established where they are planning to demonstrate farming techniques which will protect the soil while providing profit and food for a family. One of the steps they have taken is to carefully fence the property to keep animals out. Free-grazing of animals, especially goats is one of the big challenges for tree planting and reforestation projects here. So it was a little surprise (maybe), and some embarrassment when we passed by the same model farm this afternoon to catch a sheep randomly grazing on the property. No one around seemed to know who the owner was, so we transported the offender to the nearest CASEC office, or the equivalent of the mayor for this rural area. Rather than request a fine which we would be legally entitled to, our director has asked that the CASEC give the owner a short lesson on the importance of trees, and the effect grazing animals can have on trees.

Below find some photos of the farm with sheep, and the subsequent "arrest".