Holy Spirit Mid-West Deanery Embarks on Coffee Plantation
Holy Spirit Mid-West Deanery Embarks on Coffee Plantation
By Baraka John
To strengthen economic independence, the Holy Spirit Mid-West Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) has embarked on a significant coffee plantation initiative. This pioneering effort stems from the first diocesan synod's directive urging greater self-sufficiency through agricultural ventures in the diocese.
Led by the Episcopal Vicar for the Holy Spirit Mid-West Deanery, Rev. Fr. Gamboripai William Abass, the initiative aims to harness the economic potential of coffee cultivation. Fr. Abass highlighted the profitability of coffee as a cash crop, emphasizing its capacity to provide a stable income stream when properly nurtured.
"I understand that coffee is a lucrative crop that can provide a steady income stream with proper care and maintenance. I encourage everyone to commence planting this July to coincide with the rainy season.”
According to a communication from the Episcopal Vicar, centers, chapels, and parishes under the deanery's jurisdiction have been tasked with cultivating coffee across approximately one acre of land each. This translates to about 625 coffee seedlings per acre.
The initiative spans numerous locations including Regina Mundi Catholic Parish in Ezo, St. Cecilia Catholic Parish in Bagidi, and Bethlehem Parish in Nambia.
The directive has mobilized parish priests, pastoral committees, catechists, and local development groups to ensure the success of this collective effort. To equip participants with the necessary skills, the project commenced with comprehensive training sessions conducted by the Diocesan Director of Agriculture, Rev. Fr. Bie Emmanuel Gbafu.
Participants expressed gratitude to the Bishop of the CDTY for approving the training and initiating the coffee plantation project. They voiced confidence that the newfound skills will help to make the project successful.
Mr. Paul Luka the chairperson for the coffee project in Mid–West deanery noted, “We are grateful to the bishop and our facilitator for imparting valuable insights of coffee plantation”.
Catechist Arketa Nando Paisayo at Baragu Center stressed that participants conveyed confidence in their newfound abilities to cultivate coffee sustainably, which would contribute to local economic growth and self-sufficiency of the deanery.
