Since retiring from active grain farming in Alberta, Canada and before that Switzerland, my husband Robert and I spent about three months of each year in Zambia. We helped African small scale farmers improve their farming technology to gain food security and provide for their families while sustaining the land. We believe and taught that Conservation Farming methods are one of the best ways to achieve this, especially as taught by Foundations of Farming. (www.foundationsforfarming.org) I have a special interest in herbal medicine for Africans, as good medical care is often far away and expensive.
It is a well known fact in Development circles that women are the most likely to profit from help given. I experience this myself and so I take a special interest in working with women to educate and empower them to grow as women, mothers, and members of the community. Out of this interest the book was born “Laughter in the Shadows – eleven stories of courage of Zambian Women”. The book is now published both as a paperback and as an e-book, under my own press name, marerobster publishing.
I am a freelance writer for several large farm newspapers in Canada, Switzerland and Zambia. Feature articles about agriculture in the countries I visit, portraits of farm families and women, and news of interest are part of my repertoire.
My first book, Greetings from Zambia – letters home from an overseas volunteer, printed in Fall 2010 is now out of print. More about “Greetings from Zambia”.
My husband Robert and I are currently living in Switzerland. Besides writing and travelling, there is no better way to spend a day than with two twin boys who call me ‘Grandma’, and with the rest of the family of course!
Congratulations on your spiffy website. Keep up the good work in Zambia and may the Lord bless your efforts.
I am not a farmer but I would like to use your ideas and broaden the horizon and create a project for teaching agriculture in more African countries. Is that possible that I could have a phone chat with you?
I am in the process of forming a non profit organization and the mission is to relief hunger. I am sure we can all do it. Just a positive attitude and good team work.
Thank you for your good work, you are so blessed, may God make every single second of your life a precious gift to others.
Massi
Our family is involved in some mission work in a christian school in Zambia. As we look towards the education of these orphans we keep coming back to the idea that they must learn to grow their own food. We live on a farm and have experience in both growing vegetables and raising chickens, cows for beef and milk, pigs, goats, turkeys, and ducks. We have some knowledge in sustainable farming and are currently practicing it. We also have knowledge in preserving food and saving seeds. We can’t help but think we could help these people. We would be willing to pack up and move to Zambia, we are just not sure how we would be able to provide for our family while there. Do you have any wisdom to give in this area? Thank you.
Liebe Marianne
Ich habe dich überall gesucht und in Canada und der Schweiz gefunden, aber keine email-Adresse. Gerne möchte ich dir ein paar Infos schicken. Wir hatten gestern ein interessantes Gespräch.
Herzliche Grüsse
Heidi