[Scpg] Permaculture in Lesotho

[Santa Barbara Permaculture Network]

Permaculture in Lesotho


by Chief Maama Masopha

>
> Working with nature is my hobby,
>
> Working with nature is part of my life.
>
> Permaculture, where were you
>
> When we lost the vegetation we had?
>
> Permaculture where have you been?
>
> Now that we are starving,
>
> Why did you delay to be known,
>
> While we have many specialists?
>
> My country is now bare.
>
> Who can we blame?
>
>
>
> Herbs are diminishing,
>
> Drought has taken advantage.
>
> Where shall we get the herbs?
>
> What will the herbalists do?
>
> Importation is becoming our motto.
>
> Our soils are very poor,
>
> Their good structures are gone,
>
> Their textures are destroyed,
>
> Yet you are present and silent.
>
>
>
> Why did you hesitate so long to be applied in Lesotho,
>
> Yet you are known by the world?
>
> Chemicals have spoiled our soils,
>
> The ecosystem is disconnected,
>
> People and animals are suffocated,
>
> Chemicals are very expensive,
>
> Farmers cannot afford.
>
> Permaculture, do you know where you originate?
>
>
>
> You are a citizen of Australia,
>
> Your fathers gave you a good name.
>
> We highly appreciate their thoughts,
>
> Because you involve everything.
>
> Living things are in need of you,
>
> Besides you, there is no living.
>
> New Zealand visited your home,
>
> They saw your preciousness,
>
> They wanted to elope with you.
>
> This, your fathers appreciated,
>
> Because you are a child of nations.
>
> Your wonders reached Nepal and Zimbabwe.
>
> The idea was put into practice, you proved to be creative.
>
> Botswana did not hesitate,
>
> Possibly Kalahari Desert will improve.
>
> U.S. accepted your challenge,
>
> They made trials on small scales,
>
> Less expenses with high yields,
>
> With natural resources surrounding you.
>
> England became aware of your tricks,
>
> They allowed you to rule their hearts.
>
> Thailand heard of this new technique,
>
> They wanted a positive change
>
> And you did not betray them.
>
> Permaculture, become our living,
>
> Your ideas are perfect,
>
> Your principles are marvelous.
>
> Your fruits are known by the world.
>
> Your absence caused migration,
>
> Ignorance of you caused erosion.
>
> Look at the mountains in Lesotho;
>
> Big dongas are countless,
>
> One district is almost a desert,
>
> Maize does not reach the height of a man.
>
> Who to care about this situation?
>
> Our top soils are enriching another country,
>
> Tonnes of soil are deposited every year,
>
> As if not enough,
>
> Our water is irrigating another country.
>
> Permaculture, we are in need of you.
>
> Unity is our motto and our song.
>
> Are we doing it practically?
>
> Berea, Maseru, Quithing Agriculture Groups, what are your views?
>
> How many schools are members? If they are few, why?
>
> How can we solve this problem?
>
> For how long do we ask for funds
>
> From countries which have the same problems?
>
> Why can't we change?
>
> Not only the attitudes of people,
>
> But do.
>

(published in Permaculture issue of Hopedance magazine several years ago,
go to
www.sbpermaculture.org, related articles, click on Hopedance icon)


>
>  
>
> Santa Barbara Permaculture Network
> (805) 962-2571
> P.O. Box 92156, Santa Barbara, CA 93190
> margie at sbpermaculture.com
> www.sbpermaculture.org
>
> "We are like trees, we must create new leaves, in new directions, in
order to
> grow." - Anonymous
>
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