Just Natural International
Kenya
The Members of Just Natural
Patrick Wasike (farmer, 53 years, Kitale, president) "I studied organic agriculture for four years in Kenya and in the US. After my studies I taught agriculture at Manor House Agricultural Center for twelf years. Later I worked for a NGO in Uganda. At the moment I can'nt find a job, but I am very engaged in the work with our association. I hope that organic agriculture will develop in our community."
Alphonse Mbai (farmer, 35 years, Kitale, secretary)
"Since two years I am coming to work at the demonstration garden twice a week. I have learned a lot. I am working organically on my small farm also. I want my four children to be healthy."
Florence Muthoni (Producer of fruit juice on the local market, 45 years, Kitale, treasorer)
"When I was young, I obtained a degree in organic agriculture, but I didn't find a job in my speciality. My farm is too small to produce enough for the needs of my family. Life is very hard in Kenya, nobody has any money. I help Just Natural on the little market we have started. I am sure it will work. There is a real need for organic products."
Gerald Mukhwana (Student, 28 years, Kitale volonteer)
"I studied at Manor House Agricultural Center for one year, but I couldn't finish my degree, because I ran out of money. I am now living on the showground and I realize that practical work is different from school. I am more responsible and when there is a problem, a solution has to be found rapidly. I think together we are doing a very good job"
Christopher Wasike (jobless, 24 years, Kitale, volonteer)
"I used to drive a moto-taxi. But the roads here are very dusty and I started to have health problems. I didn't know much about agriculture and even didn't like it much. I am happy to discover all these things about nature and organic gardening. As work goes on, I feel satisfaction to look at all these beautiful vegetables we are growing. I now live on the showground
Modeste Nukurunziza (nurse, 30 years, Kigali, Rwanda, volonteer)
"I have just finished my education as a nurse. During my training, I came across many health problems, due to bad nutrition. I make use of the few months I have to wait for my internship, to help develop Just Natural. I am learning a lot and for sure I will spread the message."
Boniface Walimu (Agricultural teacher, 38 years, volonteer)
"I am a teacher at a school close to the agricultural showground. It is when I visited the annual exposition, that I met the association of Just Natural. Since then, whenever I can, I bring my students to the demonstration garden. I want them to learn that it is possible to grow vegetables without chemicals. Just Natural gave me the courage to start a vegetable garden at our school. Our vegetables contribute to the food of the school."
Britta Arste (retired farmer, 65 years, France, patron)
"I have been a farmer most of my live. When I first came to Africa some years ago, I was horrified to observe how this beautiful continent is being destoyed by the chemical industrie. I decided to use my energy and my experience to help to promote organic agriculture. I come to Kenya each year for some months to sustain and advice Just Natural. There is a real need for information. It is hard to oppose powerful multinational interests."
All members of Just Natural are volonteers