Nguruman maarifa centre gets a new look

Nguruman maarifa center received a well fabricated container and another separate structure to be use as the library to enable more community members access free library and internet services among other services offered at the maarifa centre. The structures were also equipped with state of art equipments and this has enabled efficient services and usage by the community members.
This came along as free ICDL training was on progress and community members were very impressed by ALIN's initiatives and enabling equitable access to information for all community members.

"I'm impressed by the move to equip the maarifa centre with modern technology equipments. As much as we may be far from the city and other developed areas we feel that ALIN has really connected us with the outside world..." said Mr mathu, an Agricultural extension officer who uses the centre to send his monthly and quarterly reports. " I'm able to send my reports on time and even earlier than people who are in town" he added.

The centre moved to a new location, i.e. Magadi division Ministry of Agriculture grounds at Entasopia market and this will enable us to reach out to more farmers who are our primary target as a way of improving their livelihoods through delivery of timely information.

The ongoing ICDL training has had a positive impact to the youths who are even empowered to volunteer their services to train other youths who have the passion to be techno survy.. "I feel empowered and I am ready to train others. Its my first time and I'm confident I will make it in life..." said Lourine Maingi, a beneficiary of the training.


The maarifa centre is recording the highest number of users daily since it was established way back in 2005.

Agri-sivilculture in Nguruman

Agri-sivilculture is a system of farming whereby one cultivates fruits trees and integrates with crops. This is usually a better way of maintaining and increasing soil fertility especially in these Arid and semi-arid lands(ASALs'). Mr. Lodaro a farmer in Nguruman said he has to put up nurseries under a tree that provides shade seedlings from withering.

Mr. Lodaro emphasized that he has to plant other trees although he has mango, lemon and orange trees and bananas; he has planted Gravellier Robusta for his own use since he needs trees for timber and other purposes in his day to day life.
Mr. Lodaro said that the information he gets from Maarifa Centre; from the internet and other publication e.g. Joto Africa, has enabled him to understand that different species of trees enhances soil fertility. Explaining, he said that the foliage residues from trees form a basement on topsoil making it retain moisture and adds nutrients to soil; this enables him not to use fertilizers when farming.

Mr. Lodaro said that this diversification has reduced resource costs and labor which has made him maximize his farm profits and create time for other activities.
‘Although I had opted on this as a form of farming for commercial purposes, I later learned of its environmental benefits and I had to increase my acreage.’ Said Mr. Lodaro who has increased his acreage from one acre to three acres.

Enhancing computer literacy in Nguruman

Thanks to the free training at Nguruman Maarifa Center, residents are now able to operate computers with very little or no help at all.
Their sheer determination and iron will to overcome Computer illiteracy drives them on. The old generation are very determined not to be left behind by the young generation. Always keeping time, always willing to learn and ready to apply whatever they have learnt.
Asked what they will like to achieve after the training(where they think the training will come in handy in their lives, this is what they had to say:

"I would like to use the internet to access information, gain more knowledge and learn how to improve my farming livelihood. Am really grateful for the training", says Joseph Mwangi.(photo above)
"There were a lot of things i saw on my laptop that I did not understand, but now am able to understand my laptop fully," Chief Sereu
"After the training i will be using ms excel to keep track of my products financially and record wise. I will be using the internet to advertise my farm products", Francis Mburu (Farmer)

Turnout is positive with more enrolling for training. follow the below link for training pictorial.


https://picasaweb.google.com/ngurumanckcentre/ComputerTraining?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKm0n5OU9ZKyKw&feat=directlink

Oldest computer trainee

For a long time Mr. Stephen Kamau has been a regular maarifa centre user. Now 60 years old, Mr. Kamau has always grown interest to be computer literate but his daily chores never allowed him to. "I have been trying hard to gain computer skills, but it has not been easy for me since I have a lot to do in my farm". His farm located a few kilometers from the maarifa centre has various types of crops including; Maize, beans, tomatoes and fruits like papaws and bananas.

Making the right decision
When Mr. kamau got the information about the computer training, he had to make the right choice, either to be left out or register for the training. "When I saw the advert about free computer training, I decided to register for it and gain the skills I have been yearning to have".


When asked how he feels about the training, this is what he had to say...
"I had never touched a computer in my life time... I can now boot a computer and perform some tasks on my own... Thanks to ALIN for this opportunity".

A message to the youth
when asked his advice to young generation, this is what he said...
"I wish the young people could know the opportunity they have... During our times, such opportunities were history".

He always advises young people to take up such opportunities to develop themselves.
"If this training opportunity could come during our times, we could be far much better than we are... Now that the world is advancing in technology, the youth should be in the front line to embrace this change".
Mr. Kamau likes reading magazines and books and his main interest is poultry farming.
“I would like to use the acquired skills to learn more about poultry farming from online materials and the secret behind the success of the enterprise in other regions”. Said Mr kamau when asked how he will apply the acquired skills.

What Biogas technolology users have to say

Nguruman residents had something to smile at as ALIN rolled down Biogas tubular technology as a way of responding to climate change. Due to notable decrease in vegetation regeneration as a result of climate change and deforestation, community members needed an alternative source of energy for cooking other than firewood. Biogas technology was the option they landed at after reading an article in Baobab magazine featuring tubular biogas technology in Uganda and due to availability of raw materials for running the system which are, organic wastes and in this case, animal waste and water, they thought it was good technology to adopt.

They also put in consideration the benefits of using the technology like smoke free environment, reduced or no respiratory tract and chest complications, clean kitchen environment, saving time for other family chores and also that its a cheap technology to adopt.

The following video highlights what the families feels about the technology.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, the way to go.

The Arid Lands Information Network endeavors to improve livelihoods through access to information targeting to raise communities’ awareness of pertinent issues using ICT.
In pursuant of this noble objective, the network, with funding support from the Climate Development Network, has been implementing a six-month project to sensitize communities on climate change issues. The project aims to enhance community and decision makers’ awareness of effective and practical measures to adapt to climate change in East Africa to facilitate local adaptation strategies and to promote more responsive policymaking on climate change.

A key strategy in achieving the above objectives was to deliver two workshops to selected climate vulnerable areas. The workshops were meant to enhance community skills in handling climate challenges within the context of environmental conservation through best practices. The first workshop was held from Monday 21th – Tuesday 22nd November 2011 in Nguruman, Kajiado North District, Kenya.
The workshop brought together participants from Government, church, provincial administration, community-based organisations, media and facilitators.

Workshop objectives
The workshop set out to achieve the following objectives:
• Promote of understanding of climate change as a global crisis
• To improve the exchange of practical information on agricultural and climate change adaptation practices amongst the rural and agricultural communities
• Empower local governance structures to give input into national policymaking by enhancing local knowledge of adaptation and access to planning processes
• Contribute to participants’ capacity, knowledge and skills in environmental conservation through best practices such as green energy.

The design, structure and delivery of the workshop were greatly appreciated by
participants who now feel comfortable engaging in climate change mitigation
at a personal level. It is expected the training would have ripple effect in
improving environmental management towards food security.

Free computer literacy for Nguruman residents

Nguruman residents begun their new year with smiles on their faces as they actively registered themselves for the long awaited computer training classes. community members showed different reactions regarding response to the call.

"I was surprised to see so many people registering for the training....," said Kelvin Koinet, a training consultant at the Maarifa centre.

"Its so encouraging to see people thirsting for knowledge.." aded Mr. Kasifu,a community member and chairman to the advisory commitee.

Community members from all categories registered for the training including; chiefs, teachers, pupils, farmers and youth especially form four leavers. 84 community members registered for the training and the numbers are expected to go up since the training will be ongoing.


Sofar, more than 60 people have begun the training and all is well according to Mr kennedy, who is the trainer. "I have had no problems with the students. They are all anxious and have shown willingness to learn."


New computers
The center was also equipped with the state of the art equipments, the latest computer model, 'inveneo' courtesy of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 'Access to learning Award', a prestigious and highly competitive award which ALIN was declared the 2011 winner in recognition of the organisation's work in using ICT's to empower arid lands commuities by locating maarifa (knowledge) centres in remote arid lands across East Africa and providing free access to information resources, including the internet and library resources.



The training is offered for Free and to all willing community menbers.