FORMING FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH FOOD PRESERVATION

Cackling women having a blast under a tent in the dusty harmattan of Maiduguri. This was the scene during INTERCEP’s inaugural food preservation workshop from February 11-15, 2008. At first there was a bit of timidity in warming up to the concept on a workshop designed to prevent food spoilage. However, after Ruth Gadzama began sharing the first concept of cooling food underground via a clay pot within a clay pot, these reserved women became rowdy with glee. Every day a new concept was being introduced that could really revolutionize their world if they could make it affordable, practical, simple, and sustainable.

On Day 2, solar dryers were set out under the hot late morning and early afternoon Borno sun demonstrating how to dry tomatoes, pineapples, and peppers. Most of the women attending continued to be amused, laugh, and tease each other about trying this at home to show that it really works. Questions abounded concerning the practicality of this method. It was continually revealed that with due diligence, attention to hygiene, and observation, one could easily dry and experience the same taste with “leathered” foods. Barriers were being broken down as women continued to share ideas, crack jokes, and discuss potential means of carrying this simple method to rural women.

Smoking was the topic of Day 3 and Randall McAdams worked to construct a small smokehouse for these women to envision how they might replicate this in their own homes. This is frequently practiced in the southern part of Borno State but the indigenes of central Borno and northern Borno have yet to see its value. As Randall kept the temperature at 170F, the aroma was so appealing to all onlookers that they preferred gathering around the smokehouse rather than the tent. When the meat was finally placed in the center of the smokehouse, every woman was licking her chops waiting to get a sampling of this deliciously smell. Any skepticism as to the usefulness of this workshop had evaporated, as women from different faiths, languages, and tribes were thoroughly interacting in casual conversation.

Day 4 presented a perspective in canning foods in water, salt, vinegar, and other solutions allowing some vegetables to be preserved for months at a time. Several jars holding the vegetables and preservation solution were placed over an open fire displaying pressure cooking. One jar even shattered under the high temperature allowing us to exhibit the need for proper seals on glass jars. Around mid-day, it was difficult to gather most of the women back under the tent because everyone wanted to make sure that pictures properly captured the memories. All of the ladies knew that the workshop would soon come to an end and wanted to savor the moment.

The last day was a time of celebration as different foods were tasted, certificates were presented, and everyone left with special gifts. On evaluation of this week, many Borno State women left with a tremendous feeling of satisfaction about the work of INTERCEP in northeastern Nigeria. Additionally, we have learned how to downsize the scope of this workshop to focus on a few simple methods of food preservation. Also, we witnessed a transformation of many of the women who were reluctant to mix and mingle with other women from divergent religions, ethnic groups, and languages. The cumulative effect of this positive feedback cannot be measured as the impact of compassionate service to lift up Messiah continues to burn in the memories of nearly 100 Borno women.