Information is vital in that it creates knowledge
that is fundamental in decision making. Sound judgements are always based on
information. Though important it must be from a reliable source, free from
bias, up-to date, delivered at the right time (when it’s needed) and specific
to the problem it’s going to solve or in line with the objectives set.
ALIN, abbreviation for Arid Lands Information
Network, isan International NGO
whose mission is to improve the livelihoods of arid lands communities in East
Africa through delivery of practical information using modern technologies . It mainly ensures
that information is flowing or being exchanged among the communities through
Maarifa(Knowledge) centers that have been put in place . They also ensure that
the community is updated on matters concerning their livelihoods and those
pertaining to their development.
Containerized Maarifa Center located at the M.O.A grounds in Magadi Division
A good example of where this type of information is
offered is at Nguruman Maarifa centre, one of the two centers in Kajiado
County,. It has a well stocked library with books, journals, periodicals and magazines
issuing information on topics that are of concern to this county…this includes
information on climate change, sustainable agriculture, marketing information
and so forth.
Information on the advantages of forming farmer groups is always available, efficiency in
production…achieving maximum production by using least/minimum inputs,
marketing information…how the market is performing based on individual
products, good agriculture practices…and so on.
Children looking at pamphlets during an outreach visit at Olkiramatian Market
Luckily enough they have been boosted by the
availability of internet offered in a separate fabricated container hence
making it is easier to update information.
It’s get much better by the availability of
consultants. We have ICT trainers to assist and enhance computer skills and communication skills. The centre is
strategically located within the
ministry of agriculture offices hence making it easy to collaborate and refer when
technical issues relating to agriculture are brought forth.
th Community
in this area can therefore improve their livelihoods by incorporating the
knowledge obtained in the centre to indigenous
knowledge and sharing it. Most of the
residents here are farmers with some investors practicing the same….keeping
limited livestock numbers and practicing crop production. They have been
improving ever since this centre was established and are still growing, moving
forward towards greater heights of life.
Nguruman has been listed among the most remote areas
in the world. It is now a place that’s getting light to what the outside world
is doing or performing. Very soon it will lighten up and agriculture investors,
sportsmen in hiking, or adventurers will increase interest in this area and
developments especially those on transport and connectivity will be enhanced.
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