In recent years a palm disease has struck much of coastal East Africa, dammaging a vital food source.

For the Digo of coastal Tanzania, coconut trees are a vital food source. Many women run small businesses selling fried fish, donuts, and other foods cooked in the oil. Coconut milk is used in most main dishes. But in recent years a palm disease has struck much of coastal East Africa, leaving a “telephone pole effect” as the tree tops fall off. Digo farmers have had to burn the diseased trunks and plant seedlings in their place. 
  

An AIM missionary teaches agriculture
In late 2007, an AIM missionary invited the government to send agriculturalists to teach the local population about the disease. Inspired, she founded “Chirozo Nini”—a Digo co-op—and nine members helped plant a nursery of 4000 disease-resistant coconut trees. After five months the seedlings were sold to farmers in six surrounding villages.

With proceeds from the sale and help from a UK-based church, Chirozo Nini has recently expanded, purchasing two cows for plowing, and starting a 2000-tree mango nursery. Members of the co-op will become the first in their area to train plowing cows. And with help from a city-employed gardner, members are also learning how to graft—a vital skill the Digo have traditionally outsourced.

The best part of the co-op has been establishing relationships with other members, creating opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray that the coconut seeds, mango seeds, and seeds of Good News will fall on good soil.

Donations for Chirozo Nini will provide further agricultural training for members of the co-op and six villages in the surrounding community.

Donate online by including the following project description: "Digo Agriculture"