Foto's,  teksten en gegevens van deze en onderliggende pagina's mogen vrij gebruikt worden mits voorzien van bronvermelding.   Uitspraken van boeren die werken met Diligent: “Planting jatropha on my farm in the hills west of Mt Meru has protected my maize and bean plots from soil erosion during the rainy season” said Neema Israel, a female farmer  from Likamba district, outside Arusha. An established jatropha farmer, Mathayo Kiseto, farming in the Tanzanite hills south of Arusha explained that  “since 2005 I have been selling jatropha seeds to Diligent Tanzania. This has provided extra income to allow me to pay school fees for my youngest children”. Sindiyo Mekuretu explained the environmental benefits of planting jatropha before the coming short rains. “Using the free seeds and 2 month-old seedlings given by Diligent Tanzania I have started to plant along the contours of my land. This will conserve soil on parts of my farm where I have been unable to grow crops before.” He recognized how himself and neighbouring farmers in Likamba district, northern Tanzania, could use jatropha to protect scarce land resources in the area. “I have seen how other farmers have used jatropha fencing to protect maize from being eaten by goats. Planting a strong fence using seedlings from Diligent Tanzania will help secure crops on my farm” highlighted smallholder Paulo Laiza. Jatropha requires limited maintenance, watering and can withstand long-periods of drought. Further practical benefits are that “jatropha seeds can be harvested after farmers have finished collecting maize”, explained Diligent field-officer Eliah John based in Singida, central Tanzania. This allows farmers to gain income from unused parts of their land, with limited work. Local community leaders also welcomed the potential market.  "Tanzanian farmers can earn extra income selling jatropha seeds to Diligent. We have long used jatropha to fence food crops, but only now can the plant be harvested to provide a profit for villagers." highlighted Joseph Saiboko, farmer and village chief   for pictures please look here: www.diligent.nl/press-pictures   Pictures created by Diligent may be reprinted with acknowledgement of the source. Please include: Reprinted, with permission, from www.diligent.nl (copyright 2004- 2010 diligent Energy Systems BV).