Looking for Land in Makamba

We are now 2 months into our Jatropha Test Plantation project in the Cibitoke province. Jean Marie has been searching for an area for expansion. Here is his update:

“From 21-24^th of August, I, my secretary and two children went to Makamba, one of our jatropha targeted provinces. The exact place is into the village called Kinoso, in Kabuye zone, Makamba commune and Makamba province; it is not far from the main city of Makamba . Our aim was to investigate on the possibilities of setting up a jatropha plantation as planned. We found the land and there is a possibility of extending it in case it is less than needed.

Also workers and water for irrigation are available but we will need to build a dam to capture and store that water.

Instead of buying, we decided to rent that land because it is impossible to get the land for free from the government; and we realized that renting would be more appropriate, cheap and benefic for both sides, SHINE and the landlord.”

The land is 26 hectares or about 67 acres. Our goal is to secure the land next year to begin preparing it for planting in July 2010.

Below, Jean Marie (second from right) surveys the land.

In an effort to research techniques that we can use to help this effort in Burundi, I am now searching for a 1 acre plot of land in Orlando where I can plant Jatropha Curcas and process the seed. My daughter Elizabeth will be helping with this project.

There is much work ahead of us, but God continues to give us strength to push forward. Thank you for your prayers regarding this project.

John

 

“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:23-24