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AIMING TO AID THE ALMAJIRAI

The INTERCEP office in Borno State is located near the city center of Maiduguri with a lot of daily traffic. This includes a daily parade of the almajirai (Hausa for “disciples”) stopping in front of our front door. They stand momentarily to view themselves in our sliding glass door that serves as a mirror. They hold their plastic bowls making faces, dancing, and cleaning themselves. Most guests get quite a kick out of observing the behavior of these boys pausing to have a little fun.



Nevertheless, there is really nothing funny about the life of these boys between the ages of 5 and 15. During our first 4 ½ years living in Jos and Maiduguri, we failed to even recognize the plight of these lads by psychologically lumping them in with the “beggars.” It took the February 18, 2006 Maiduguri crisis where people were killed, church structures were burned, and businesses were destroyed to inquire about the cause. As I was beginning my course work at the University of Maiduguri in sociology (criminology), the dilemma of the almajirai was often highlighted. During this time, Jen would casually employ these youngsters in our home to watch with shock as they would “inhale” any food given.

As my master’s thesis professor connected me with the premier research on almajiranci (Hausa for “discipleship”) in northwestern Nigeria, the themes of itinerancy, seasonal migration, and dry-season idleness kept recurring. At the same time, we were struggling to mobilize the INTERCEP drip irrigation farm at Pompomari. This created a passion to reduce the level of migration among these migrant malamai (Hausa for “teachers”) followed by their seasonal almajirai. This concept caused me sleepless nights as I pondered over the agricultural roots of this entire system. Rather than creating a greater burden on the teeming urban centers, it merely appeared logical to relieve this load by encouraging the malamai and almajirai to remain in their villages through dry season farming.

The events rehearsed above led to the recent drip irrigation workshop for Borno youth on February 18-22, 2008. In 2007, the Borno Youth Empowerment Forum (BYEF) invited me to participate in their new NGO coalition further requesting me to be their president. Thus, when the difficult challenge of courting the malamai to bring their almajirai for drip irrigation training, two prominent educators serving with BYEF proved to be our greatest recruiters. The skepticism of the malamai was blatantly obvious on the workshop’s first day but their uncertainty turned to joy as we constructed our first compost. Each malam personally met me to emphasize how grateful they were and how much they hoped for this training to continue in their tsangaya (Hausa for “Quranic schools”).

Nonetheless, the highlight of the week was the participation of 2 almajirai: Abu-Bakr and Muhammadu. These 2 boys worked tirelessly each day, ate heartily during lunch, and listened intently to the Hausa translation to pick up every little bit of insight on drip irrigation. Each of these lads wore the same clothes every day showing up promptly at 8:30AM to receive the day’s instruction. INTERCEP really hopes to visit these 2 youngsters in their tsangaya to monitor their progress in not only drip irrigation but life. As the Messiah intimated, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all---he is the greatest.”

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CAMEL HUMPS AND CRIMINAL THUMPS

As we serve in the northern Nigerian context, we experience “mountaintop” moments, “the valley of the shadow of death”, and everything in between. Traveling within northern Nigeria is always an adventure as Dave Goolsby, Randall McAdams, and I witnessed on Saturday, February 23, 2008. We began our approximately 6 hour journey at 6:30AM from Maiduguri hoping to reach Kano at midday. Nigerian highways are a far cry from Interstate 40 with clearly marked exits, self-service filling stations, and drive-through restaurants. In fact, the Nigerian driver has to always be aware of: 1) uneven road conditions; 2) potholes; 3) slow vehicles traveling less than 30mph; 4) police checkpoints; 5) market days at roadside villages creating long traffic jams.

The long sojourn from Maiduguri to Kano has none of the scenic beauty of the Smokies, Rockies, or the mighty Mississippi. It is purely a redundant scene of sand, cows, scrub-brush, goats, and thatched villages. The only unique tree is the rugged baobab (“Kuka” in Hausa) that legend asserts were demons thrown from heaven landing upside down. As we stop to refuel, we are normally met by a line of vehicles forcing us to wait patiently to fill our tank. Therefore, the eyes of travelers are always gazing through the scrub-brush to find any unique image.

Fortunately, Dave, Randall, and I found such an “eye-popping” portrait in Bulkachuwa, Bauchi State as we witnessed a herd of camels. This caravan was beginning a 7 day journey from northern Nigeria into Niger at their village of origin. These Niger indigenes were extremely friendly communicating with me in Hausa. They even allowed Randall to ride a camel which led to him buying a local ax off of their leader. This was such an exotic experience for a couple of Westerners who have never been able to encounter a camel caravan in the open range.
From this “peak”, we entered Kano in the early afternoon sharing a nice lunch together. What occurred after this was absolutely unpredictable but entirely sensible to one having traveled Nigeria’s urban thoroughfares.

Randall was sitting in the back passenger side of my vehicle with his camera lightly resting on his right knee. As we were waiting at a major intersection, we shockingly heard someone screaming, “WHY DO YOU WANT TO SNAP ME?” From then, a crippled young man on a rectangular skateboard pulled himself through Randall’s window to swipe the camera. In the process, not only did he smash the camera but whacked Randall’s elbow and face. Thankfully, Randall understood how to handle himself in a third-world context and refused to be baited into a retaliatory scene. As the street hawkers gathered around the paraplegic, they attempted to calm him but he successfully dented my vehicle with one last swipe as we drove away.


In the second chapter of the second letter to Corinth, our Master reminds us to be aware of our adversary’s schemes. We are grateful to the Most Merciful for preparing Randall to handle himself with such grace in this ugly scene. This event merely reminds us of the darkness that prevails over northern Nigeria’s largest city (7 million). Our prayer is that the Holy One will prime us for attacks from the evil one that are yet to come. The light of the Most Compassionate shines brightest in the darkest corners.

WAY UP OVER MY HEAD

I remember as a kid traveling from Arkansas into Texas and seeing water towers dot the landscape. Every little Texas town had its own water tower with the local high school mascot emblazoned. This was a symbol of honor to every small Texas community even after the tower was no longer used for water. In Americana, the tallest structure is always a symbol of identity to that locale whether it’s the Sears Tower, Empire State Building, or former World Trade Center. Therefore, every tiny Texas municipality prided itself on these emblematic overhead reservoirs.

During the food preservation workshop for Borno women from February 11-15, 2008, the INTERCEP overhead water tank was constructed. After several consultations with our architect, solar engineer, and farm manager, we agreed on a height of 7 meters. On two occasions, inferior iron bars were brought to the Pompomari farm site for construction. Thankfully, Ebenezer Udofia was there to immediately reject these substandard materials. Poverty stricken contexts are known for using low-grade equipment which cannot withstand the test of time.

As Dave Goolsby and Randall McAdams observed the welder bonding the galvanized steel pipes together, his work demonstrated quality craftsmanship. As the pipe structure was set upright, everyone began to be in awe of the welder’s handiwork. Eventually, the pipe framework was positioned into 6 deep holes and carefully cemented to insure its durability. As the wooden planks were laid on top of the pipe rectangle, it was difficult to keep the workshop trainee’s attention. Then, the 6,000 liter plastic tanks were carefully lifted on to the wooden planks which could be seen from a kilometer away.

Now that the drilling of our INTERCEP farm borehole is nearly completed, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our solar accessories in mid-March from the United Kingdom. Once the solar equipment is installed, we are excited about the steady flow of water that will supply these overhead tanks for our drip irrigation farm. Additionally, we are enthusiastic about converting our current ground reservoir into a fishery. The nutrients from this fish pond will equally supplement the Borno sandy soil with needed trace elements. Yet possibly the greatest effect from these water tanks will be the thirsty Pompomari citizenry who will gather to fetch their “cup of cold water.”

The Almighty discusses how an illuminated city set on a hill cannot be hidden. This is the sheer visual impact of these plastic overhead tanks on the Pompomari community. Not only does it tell the neighborhood that we care about their need for water but that we hope to share the Water of Life. One of our Wulari shepherds recently suggested that both the Arewa Aid and Healing Hand’s logos should appear on these overhead tanks. Our ultimate hope is that as the local indigenes look overhead that they will look to the One from whom our help comes.

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.

DRIP IRRIGATION DEEPENS INFLUENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

INTERCEP’s 2nd drip irrigation workshop from February 18-22, 2008 in Maiduguri, Borno State targeted the indigenous people at the grassroots level. Our hope was to train the “almajirai” (disciples) who often beg the streets scavenging for food. However, to access the “almajirai”, one has to first seek the approval of the “malamai” (teachers) in their “tsangaya” (Quranic school). Therefore, we equally invited a number of “malamai” along with their “almajirai” to insure that everyone was comfortable with the training arrangement. One graduate professor at the University of Maiduguri in sociology also encouraged me to invite some of the parents of these “almajirai” from distant villages which we did.

To additionally encourage the participation of the “almajirai”, we requested for the assistance of the Borno Youth Empowerment Forum (BYEF) in recruiting these “malamai”. BYEF is a coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) in Borno State committed to launching self-help services that will decrease the rate of unemployment among Borno youth. 2 of the members are close friends of mine: 1) Bulama Abiso, who is a principal of government primary school; 2) Ahmad Shehu, who is a lecturer in the College of Agriculture in Maiduguri. Bulama and Shehu were absolutely instrumental in securing the permission of these “malamai” not only to allow their “almajirai” to attend but to insurance their participation along with parental involvement. Other groups invited to attend were 10 members of BYEF, 6 proclaimers of Messiah from southern Borno, and 3 members of the Wulari youth group.

On the first day of the workshop, the caution, reservation, and timidity could be witnessed throughout the tent. However, everyone sat up to take notice as the Hausa translation kicked in to the key elements of successful farming: 1) sun (rana); 2) water (ruwa); 3) air (iska); 4) soil (kasa); 5) animals (dabobi). Finally at the end of the first day as we entered the field to gathering composting materials, every person felt a measure of accomplishment. On the 2nd day as we began constructing our compost heaps, all eyes were gathered around the manure, kitchen scraps, and green vegetation. As we raised our first plant beds by the end of the 2nd day, all participations could easily harmonize the interaction between composting and the new beds.

On the third day, the “malamai” began approaching me concerning extending INTERCEP’s drip irrigation training into their “tsangaya”. The drip irrigation kits began to be constructed on the newly raised beds and the joy of all trainees was uncontainable. Discussions broke out everywhere concerning forming a “Cooperative Society for Drip Irrigation.” On the fourth day, tender care was taken to carefully transplant our seedlings into the newly raised beds to the excitement of all participants. Later that evening, I was approached by a group of proclaimers from southern Borno State concerning the integration of drip irrigation and curriculum development in their school.

Nevertheless, the greatest highlight of the week was the graduate ceremony at 11:00AM on Friday when we called out the “almajirai.” There were 2 special “almajirai” of note who couldn’t have been more than 10 years old, without their parents, but worked tirelessly throughout the week. As I uttered the name of 1 little “almajiri” boy, “Muhammadu”, the entire tent was almost blown off the stakes with the volume of applause, jubilation, and shouting. “Muhammadu” represented what INTERCEP’s 2nd drip irrigation workshop was all about: empowerment of “the least of these.” We will never forget the seed planted in little “Muhammadu” and “Muhammadu” will never forget the seed of faith planted in him.

(Muhammadu is pictured above)

BIG HOPE OVER BORE HOLE

The thirst for water can never be overemphasized in the semi-arid climate of Borno State. As I was traveling back from Kano to Maiduguri on Sunday, I noticed a bore hole and overhead tank in one village. Dozens of young men pushing carts with plastic cans line up to wait their turn to fill their receptacles with this precious liquid. As I continued driving from at least 1 to 3 kilometers, I kept seeing one cart after another being pushed to and from this village bore hole. If this much water is being pushed around in February from this distant bore hole, how much more will be consumed during the excruciating heat of March, April, and May!

On February 21, 2008, Zarma Water Services began drilling at the INTERCEP Pompomari farm site in Maiduguri. This caused quite a commotion during Day 4 of our food security workshop for Borno youth. However, Dave Goolsby used the background noise of the initial drilling to inspire hope in the trainees concerning the success of drip irrigation farming. The drillers from Zarma Water Services worked late that night to meet their goal of hitting the first artesian aquifer. To our surprise, on Friday after the workshop’s conclusion, they hit the first aquifer at 30 meters!

Nevertheless, as I traveled to Kano with Dave Goolsby and Randall McAdams on Saturday, Ebenezer Udofia reported that the Zarma drillers hit the second artesian aquifer at 42 meters! By the time that I arrived back in Maiduguri on Sunday, the drillers had hit the third aquifer at 62 meters! Then on Monday morning, they hit the fourth aquifer at 70 meters guaranteeing a steady supply of water for many years! They are now installing the 5” casing and screen into the bored hole to create a chamber for the PVC pipe. All along, one of our trainees at the August 2007 workshop, Ibrahim Ngamdu, was present to insure the quality of the project.

This is so thrilling to our farm manager, Ebenezer, that he is anxious to start supplementing the drip irrigation project with livestock after his marriage in early April. Our first target is to convert the existing water reservoir into a fishery with 200 fingerlings. Ebenezer testifies that the lucrative nature of Nigerian fisheries cannot be underestimated. Our farm assistants, Ephraim and Justina Tsesar, are equally thrilled to have a continuous water source to supply the drip buckets for vegetable production. Finally, our days of thrice weekly purchases of tankers to deliver water to the farm are nearing an end.

Also, we are looking forward to connecting a pipe from the newly completed overhead tanks to the outside of the wall. This will enable Pompomari residents to access clean drinking water during daylight hours. The hottest months of the year are just around the corner as we enter March, April, and May. This means that nomadic Fulani herders of cattle, goats, and sheep will be making regular pilgrimages through Pompomari in western Maiduguri to find greener grass in southern Borno state. This external pipe supplying water to the world outside our farm will be a witness to the amazing grace of the Almighty!