One of the greatest challenges facing our companion congregations in the Iringa Region, Tanzania, is adequate food production.

In 2008, The Tumaini University Institute of Agriculture initiated plans for 11 small agricultural demonstration plots supported by St. Paul Area Synod companion congregations.  In 2009, an additional 10 plots will be initiated.

The objective of establishing demonstration plots is to demonstrate improved farming practices to local Tanzanian farmers so they can use these techniques to increase crop yields and quality of the food produced on their land. It is anticipated that the demonstration plots will provide information to farmers to enable them to produce additional food for their families and community.

Each sponsored Iringa Region companion congregation will implement two    one-half acre plots.  The plots will be prepared and managed by an agricultural specialist and congregation pastor or lay evangelists.

Cost of Demonstration Plot
The cost of sponsoring a demonstration plot will be $6000 for a three year commitment ($2000 per year).  After the third year the plot will become self-supporting with additional plots being initiated based on available funding.

As a sponsoring congregation, these funds will be used specifically for your Iringa Region companion congregation.

The $2000 annual cost will cover soil samples, seed, fertilizer, weed/insect control. Each commitment will also cover the salary and transportation costs for an agricultural specialist to provide oversight for establishment and maintenance of plots for these congregations.

Sponsoring U.S. Congregations and Iringa Sponsoring Congregations are listed in the Sponsorship section