In the first farming project, Thauriya met the women framers and discussed the treatment of a pest that had just attacked the crop. Giving advice on the local herb for treatment, she promised to return to see the progress of the treatment process.

In the same crop of okra, a robust crop that is a staple of the Tanzanian diet, the timing of the harvesting was discussed. Picking the harvest before the vegetable was too big is required for the best sales, and therefore, more income for the women. The women were shown examples of the proper size of vegetable to harvest for the best results. Thauriya will follow the progress of the harvesting on her next visit to the area.

The wells scheduled for inspection in the area included the well recently opened by ARF sponsor Dale Davidson. The water is clearing nicely and is expected to be settled in the next two weeks. A new well will produce slightly cloudy water for approximately one month as the surface silt etc. from the well construction is all washed away. Faizah, Thauriya’s daughter was kind enough to draw a sample of the water for us to observe.

The second well to be inspected is running two days behind schedule due to an unusual amount of ground water run off. This problem is being addressed and the well will be opened next week.

The villagers were informed that Thauriya is the wife of the agricultural advisor, Hamid Bharmal, who also farms in the region of the projects and helps with advice to the women.

The village women welcomed Thauriya and her family, thanked her for her advice and invited her to please come again.