Good morning, friends! At least it's morning here in Abuja, a beautiful new day, sunny and warm! I'm about to head to the airport to meet Vickie Reynen, ICCM Area Coordinator, who is coming for a few days' work in this corner of the world. Tomorrow I'll be meeting with Federal Ministry of Agriculture team leader for grazing reserves, Bello, to discuss the way forward in the three reserves we've been given to handle. This is the plan we will follow:
The way forward in three reserves – Step Two – SETTING UP THE RESERVES. (Step One was the two-week training of 60 pastoralists and agric extension workers held in November/December 2016.)

A. Items 1 and 2 – Two week visit to three reserves.
1. Grazing and water assessments
a. Follow-up with Usiel Kandjii, on paddock divisions in each reserve community, physically ascertain herdsmen are doing combined grazing. How is it going? Challenges? Changes? Solutions.
b. Water assessment in each community, with Kandjii and a hydrologist, (by God’s grace.) Where are the cows being watered now? How is that working? What changes must be made? What are the best watering plans for each community?
c. Locate the best underground water sources
d. Plan for drilling, storage tanks and drinking tanks.
2. Plans for reseeding bare areas
a. Homemade harrows pulled by cattle
b. Order/purchase seed. Quantity?? Bello will know.

B. Items 3 and 4 – A second, two week visit to three reserves.
3. Assess location and condition of primary schools in each community, if any.
a. Meet with Director of NCNE and make concrete plans to begin this work.
b. This week, in Emiworo, interview and hire teachers for Ero Mountain, and START SCHOOL.
4. Assess location and condition of clinics in each community, if any.
a. Meet with WHO for planning on reaching women and children with regular healthcare.
b. Meet with Minister of Health to plan for village health care clinics in each area.

Thanks to all of you for your interest and support!

Phyllis