Monthly Archives: May 2011

Another kind of field cred

May 28, 2011

Normally, when I think about field cred, it’s about one-upping each other on “exotic” and dangerous situations with fellow expats. It’s not an activity I particularly enjoy, although I must admit I like listening to all the stories. Generally, though, the one-upping just becomes ridiculous; I lose interest quickly when it becomes a bitching-fest. Recently, I realised that “field cred” also works with my field officers. They’re Ugandan and have lived in the rural areas and the capital. They’ve seen […]

A Farmer

May 26, 2011

One of the farm leaders I work with is a big shot. She’s an old, old lady. Short and chubby. The first time I met her, she was wearing a fluffy, pink sweater and a wool hat covering her ears. The outer rims of her eyes are sky blue. Everyone from my company suspects she stole over 1000 to 2000 bags of fertilizer from her group members. And she’s probably still stealing, after being taken to the police and detained. […]

some thoughts

May 23, 2011

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. Here are some thoughts I’ve had recently. I really want to take a soil management for agriculture class. I want to know how to conserve soil, how to know what kind of crops are good to plant where, how to build up the organic matter. A focus on soil quality is the basis of all kinds of sustainable farming practices. No soil, no food. It would also help me a lot in the […]

Analogies: pregnant wives and unpaid loans

May 16, 2011

One of my field staff made a great analogy the other day. Many of the farmers are asking whether they will be able to get a new loan for the next season. Unfortunately, due to the bad start (although it’s getting better), it would not be possible, or desirable, for us to give out new loans until the two current ones are repaid in full. It’s not possible because the Bank is still freaking out about how to recover their […]

The ups and downs of customer service

May 11, 2011

Very good customer service, probably the first time in Uganda/Tanzania. Well, or maybe I should say the very best and very worst customer service from the same company. My internet ran out (I use a mobile internet stick that I just buy a data plan for), so I went to the local Orange Uganda store. I paid for 10 GB per month for 3 months, which totaled to 450,000 Ugandan Shillings (about 180 CAD). Not a lot, but not a […]

Finally, home.

May 10, 2011

I finally started cooking at home again. It’s such a satisfying feeling. On Sunday, I went shopping at the local market with the girl, Lucy, who helps clean my house, wash my clothes, and used to bring me food everyday (I sound like I’m 10 years old now). I bought all kinds of veggies, green bananas (matooke), beans, and corn flour (posho/ugali). I also bought two aluminium pots, although I already have 5 different pots and 3 pans at home […]

May 8, 2011

Here’s a post to remind myself why I pursued work instead of studies: 1. I had a strong need to find out if what I was learning was actually happening on the ground. There were too many questions, too many conflicting messages, and too much certainty about such an uncertain world. 2. I knew I wanted to work in development/alternative economic systems, but I had no idea what I wanted to focus on for my graduate studies. I figured if […]

May 8, 2011

My supervisors came for a brief visit the last few days. I learnt a few lessons: 1. Always be clear of the boundaries of what is our responsibility and what are the responsibilities of others. Be very clear and sign MOUs. 2. We are similar to a consultant that works for the farmers. They are our clients and always will be. We need to ‘manage’ the other stakeholders to make sure the farmers get a fair deal. 3. Never lose […]

May 7, 2011

My supervisors came to the field for two days. It was so nice to be with them. I feel totally recharged and supported. Now I’m ready to take on (*cough* cooperate *cough*) those people again.

Here’s a business idea…

May 5, 2011

My colleague actually runs a side business, of which she is the manager. She and her ex-boyfriend (whom she was going to marry until he cheated on her and physically hit her) started a business in money lending. The business model is that they focus mainly on government employees, who have a stable salary. The clients need to have a bank account and an ATM card. The client comes into the office, hands over their ATM card and PIN and […]

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