BETTER FARMING FOR THE FUTURE

Africa is an ancient land that has been farmed and tilled since recorded history began, in order to feed its migrant populations over time. As people began to settle, farming became more and more a way of life and that is especially true in Malawi. However after centuries of farming and tilling the land with farming practices that led to much erosion and destruction of prime fertile bottom lands, much of the once great land mass known as Malawi barely produces food in a good year let alone in a drought year as they are facing now. Part of that problem is the burning off of fields and waterways causing even more erosion when the rains come. The need to learn better and more productive farming practices is essential for the future generations of Malawi, if they are to grow enough food to feed the ever expanding population of their nation.

Enter the V-Tractor

The benefit of better farming practices along with the introduction of the V-tractor concept of farming is a beginning point to better educate and train the next generation of farmers in Malawi. By being able to turn the soil and tilling in last year’s organic matter, they will begin to build back the soil. Proper cultivation and plowing will enrich the soil and begin to restore a better layer of top soil that in turn will produce better crops and better harvests. Also the advantage of the V-tractor is that one man can accomplish what it would take dozens of workers to do in the same amount of time. On a shared cooperative effort, this tool will be able to assist dozens of small farmers in preparing their fields, cultivating their crops and building up their soils which in turn will help to feed thousands of people from the efforts of a few.   In years past each family grew enough to feed just their family with little extra if any after a good harvest.   In the future they will not only be able to feed their family, but should have an abundance to help provide for other needs for their families.

We want to say a big thank you to the Malawi Project and those who are partnering with them in helping to make this possible. It will make a difference for generations to come in a country that truly is the “Warm Heart of Africa”.

– RON POTTBERG

Editors note: Shown in the picture is another of the innovative V-Tractors being offloaded from the semi trailer through the use of a “bed of wood pallets”.