We are seeking to compile a collection of personal stories and narratives from around N2Africa.

Through one set of stories, we’ll profile those who work hard behind the scenes to ensure that N2Africa is a success, by inviting particular N2Africa staff to share their experiences. In this issue, we include one such update, from Speciose Kantengwa who works in Rwanda as a Farm Liaison Officer.

On Friday the 18th of May, N2Africa Zimbabwe organized a half-day meeting in Harare, facilitating a comprehensive exchange of N2Africa research experiences within Zimbabwe. Research within N2Africa is intrinsically linked to the D&D efforts and vice versa. Nevertheless it was felt that it would be beneficial to have a focussed research meeting first, before re-engaging with D&D.

Livestock keeping is a traditional practice of Banya-Rwanda (the people of Rwanda) as it provides families with income especially from sale of milk, meat and offspring. It also provides for manure, which is utilised as a cost-effective fertiliser to revitalise soil quality. Undeniably on the "eyes" of many Banya-Rwandas, having livestock is also a sign of wealth. Following civil strife in 1994, many farmers lost their animals and the livestock population in Rwanda decreased considerable.

West Kenya enjoys two growing seasons per year and we are presently engaged in the 2012 long rains. Twenty-five dissemination partners have installed 50 demonstrations, distributed BNF technology kits to 8000 new households and are preparing for 25 farmer field days to be held between 18 June and 15 July. In addition, we have over 6500 Progressing Farmers that are growing soybeans on at least 0.2 ha. Several mechanisms for input supply are being explored including credit for purchasing BIOFIX inoculant and Sympal fertilizer from MEA Fertilizer Ltd.

Introduction