We have Neem POACHERS!

Call out the hounds.  Bring in the army.  Alert the U.N.  We have Neem poachers in Kibaale District.

Poachers in progress.  Not Uganda

In other environments, poachers have decimated animal populations or fields of poppies.  I confess I once copped a few ferns out of my neighbor's yard when I was much younger.  Actually, my favorite shovel is called a "poacher's spade."   However, we have just discovered women from a village near Kayanja where we have an acre of Neem trees growing to maturity, sneaking over in the early morning hours to strip off leaves for their own personal use.

We believed that the benefits of Neem were somewhat known in the area but we never expected people to realize that if they have an ailment, they know Neem is the remedy, and go trooping through the Buffalo Grass to find a plant. This is one of those good-news, bad-news stories.  I am elated that people know of the curative benefits of Neem.  But, as we plant more - and more than 2,000 of our 12,000 seedlings have been transplanted to date... we may experience more filching of the foliage.

This is not a development that requires fencing or dogs or police.  It is, in fact, a very wonderful development because our overall goal is to help people in the villages be healthier and resist disease.  The more Neem is put to work, the more enthusiastic will be the acceptance once we begin offering trees to villagers.

The project is on track.  We could use some funds to plant more seeds.  We continue to seek partners for our planned Neem Study.  Click HERE to contribute if you wish.

Welcome to the Neemiverse

The world of Neem stretches way beyond the Kibaale District of Uganda.  Nearly a dozen countries in Africa have active Neem development programs and the stories of the tree's miracles continue to flow in.

Neem Trees in Niger

I had breakfast this morning with Bishop Joseph from South Sudan where people are struggling mightily to build a new country almost from scratch.  There is land, he says, for people to raise crops and graze cattle but they are afraid they will be raided by soldiers from the north.  The forests have all been cut down for firewood and the soil is suffering.  "What about Neem?" I asked. He had never heard of the tree or its benefits.  However, by the end of the conversation, he was excited to consider growing neem forests to hold the soil, give people enterprise and also to produce things that could be sold at market.

"Trees are good indicators of personal production and the progress of a region," I said.  "People can see trees grow

Neem Seedlings in Uganda

from one month or one year to the next and realize they too are growing.  Some people are reminded that they are growing old and had better hurry up if they are to provide for their families."  He agreed.

I'd like to add South Sudan to the Neemiverse even as we consider growing trees beyond our malaria study to include with the Green Belt Project and other anti-dessertification efforts.  There is huge need for this tree and the methodology behind its cultivation.  The people being trained up in Kibaale District will be great ambassadors, consultants and partners to take The Neem Initiative throughout Africa.

Wouldn't you like to be part of a project with so much upside potential?  You can, you know.  Donate today or send me an email to find out how you can be involved:  neemjournalist@gmail.com.

Neem Becomes Big Business in India

Following the Neem Foundation, we discover that Neem has become big business in India.  Go to their website and you'll find this interesting list of uses for Neem - which is extensive.  Neem is so powerful and popular in India, Monsanto Corporation, which runs several production facilities there tried to trademark the name Neem which would have put most of the home remedy businesses out of business.  Thankfully, that did not happen.

Large Neem trees ready for transplanting

For those of us working with Neem in Africa, it is instructive to follow the India Model:  stimulate local growth, maximize the collection of bark, leaves and seeds, and then market worldwide. Gather and publicize the stories of Neem at work.   Even with all the activity in India, the market for Neem has barely been touched.  Even if all of India and all of Africa were actively producing raw materials, demand would still remain very high.  Why?  Because the actual applications of Neem so far have just scratched the surface.  There is potential for every pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturer in the world to have a line of Neem-based or Neem-ingredient products.   A surprising side-benefit is that by planting trees, people also reap the benefits of greening the planet

In Uganda, The Neem Initiative is starting small, developing quality people and processes in order to scale up quickly in approximately two years.  We are hoping our methodology will be a model that can be replicated throughout Africa.  We invite you to step into the Neemiverse and watch with wonder or, better yet, become a Neemist and help promote our work.  Email me at neemjournalist@gmail.com with questions.

I Am a Witness - Natural Cures Work

Some people are skeptical that things directly from nature - oils, leaves, seeds - really do any good - or that they can be used on a large scale.  Yet that is what we are proposing for The Neem Initiative.

But I have to tell you, I had an experience in Uganda earlier this year that taught me a great lesson about natural remedies.  I had been in country for nearly two weeks when I developed a deep bronchial cough.  It was agonizing and painful - and loud - and disruptive.  I had taken every cold,

Dr. Obadiah and his magic cough elixir

cough and decongestant pill in my extensive self-medication inventory, but nothing worked.  Then, one day, while walking through a bit of jungle looking for chimpanzees, I notice my son Obadiah gathering things from trees and digging in the ground. 

About ten minutes after we returned to our guest house, he presented me with a Fanta bottle with some orange liquid in it.  "What is this?" I asked?  "It will cure your cough," he said. "Drink half now and half in the morning.  Drink it all."  I tasted it and made a face at the bitterness.  "I will add more honey," Ob said.  "How did you know how to make this?" I asked.  Ob, who has been to veterinary school said, "I am a large animal expert.  And you are a large animal."  Of course.  I drank half the goo.  It didn't taste too bad.  The best part was, about two hours later, the cough was gone and I was able to sleep through the night.  I drank the rest in the morning and the cough never returned.

 "Ob, what was in that magic elixir?" I asked.  He replied: "Orange leaf, lemon leaf, ginger root, honey and some other stuff."  I didn't ask about the prep area.

I was impressed with the home remedy.  But the thing that sealed it was later, in Kayanja Village, the men were showing me their agriculture experiments when we came upon a small tree.  "The bark from that tree cures prostate cancer," one fellow said.  "WHOA! I said.  Are you sure?"  Yes, he said, "They grow it abundantly near here.  The French grind the bark and make a product called Tadenan.  You can buy it on-line.
So... if Neem prevents and cures malaria and Tadenan prevents prostate cancer and Ob can keep me from coughing, I'm set for life.  What about you?

The People are Dying for a Solution to Malaria

In January of 2013 Dr. Obadiah, Rev. Apuuli and I went throughout the Kibaale Distict to ask about malaria. In a half dozen villages, to audiences ranging in size from 20 to 200, we asked three questions.  Here are their replies:
1. If you have ever had malaria, raise your hand:  All hands went up.
2. If you know of someone who has died of malaria, raise your hand:  All hands went up.
3. If there were a way to stop the scourge of malaria,  would you support?  All hands went up.

After each session, farmers lined up to find out how they could become growers, transplanters and distributors.  Natually, they were looking for a new way to make a buck, but more importantly, they were looking for a way to protect themselves, their families and people in the villages.  Since that time, more than 12,000 seedlings have been grown and are being transplanted.  Interestingly, in our maturing forest, we are experiencing a bit of poaching - people taking leaves from our trees.  Clearly, they are motivated to use this plant for personal purposes.

Rev. Apuuli Brown Patrick and Dr. Obadiah on TNI Motorcycle

In the one year The Neem Initiative has been active, just word of mouth has attracted the attention

Land Lease for 5 Acres of Forest

and support of the King of the Bunyoro/Kitara, all of his chiefs and also the Uganda Ministry of Health.  Obadiah and Rev. Apuuli are putting serious mileage on the new TNI motorcycle, making sure the seedlings are growing and encouraging people throughout the district.

To keep the momentum going, we will require funding.  I request that you visit our fundraiser on Crowdrise.com to donate any amount.  We must keep going.  Lives are at stake.  And economic prosperity is in sight.  Come on, Neemists.  Help pull this wagon. The people are depending on you.

Day of Peace Includes Hopes for Neem

On September 21, Uganda participated in celebrating the UN-directed International Day of Peace.  Celebrations were held throughout the country, each locally oriented, to give hope to everyone that the future is secure and that God loves us all.

Rev. Apuuli Brown Patrick leads Officials in Kagadi

While unveiling the day’s program in Kampala on Thursday, Disaster Preparedness Minister Eng Hilary Onek said that the theme was perfectly in line with government’s objectives and the Directive Principle of State Policy in the National Constitution, which provides for equal opportunities for every Ugandan, to attain high standards of education, national peace and stability.

“All along this government’s historical mission has been to build a peaceful united, democratic, industrial transformed and prosperous Uganda, within a strong integrated East Africa,” he said.

“Indeed today, Uganda has managed to secure all its boundaries and its people are enjoying a very peaceful environment and programs tailored towards transforming people’s lives.”

- See more at: http://chimpreports.com/index.php/people/health/12950-uganda-to-commemorate-world-peace-day.html#sthash.yIgHcz52.dpuf

While unveiling the day’s program in Kampala on Thursday, Disaster Preparedness Minister Eng Hilary Onek said that the theme was perfectly in line with government’s objectives and the Directive Principle of State Policy in the National Constitution, which provides for equal opportunities for every Ugandan, to attain high standards of education, national peace and stability.

“All along this government’s historical mission has been to build a peaceful united, democratic, industrial transformed and prosperous Uganda, within a strong integrated East Africa,” he said.

“Indeed today, Uganda has managed to secure all its boundaries and its people are enjoying a very peaceful environment and programs tailored towards transforming people’s lives.”

- See more at: http://chimpreports.com/index.php/people/health/12950-uganda-to-commemorate-world-peace-day.html#sthash.yIgHcz52.dpuf

Uganda's Disaster Preparedness Minister Hilary Onek said, "All along this government's historical mission has been to build a peaceful, united, democratic, industrial transformed and prosperous Uganda, within a strong, integrated East Africa."

He also pointed out a number of steps the government has taken to promote peace, which include the disarmament process in the Karamoja area and the peace recovery/development plan under the Prime Minister's office.

Minister Kiiza Plants a Neem Tree

"We also have the National Focal Point for Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Internal Affairs Ministry that is in charge of controlling the proliferation of small arms which are responsible for fueling conflict and loss of life."

Our Neem Forest Grows

In Kibaale District, much of the day was devoted to the Neem Initiative.  Rev. Apuuli Brown Patrick led local officials including Matie Karija, the State Minister for Finance and Planning, Arnest Kiiza, the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs, the Deputy District Regional Commissioner and others through various project sites.  Minister Kiiza planted a Neem tree at the Model Primary School in the town of Kagadi.

The message we and the leadership of Uganda are sending is Neem = Peace.  Nice.

The Villain: Mr. Anopheles

Anopheles, which sounds a lot like the evil Mephistopheles, is the genus of mosquito that brings malaria.  The creature does not carry the disease itself but is transportation for a parasite called plasmodium malariae that accompanies the carrier wherever it goes.  Like a Sky Marshal without the personality.  Interestingly enough, there can be plenty of anopheles around, biting people without consequences... if plasmodium is not aboard.

Anopheles likes to work at night.  Beginning at dusk, the mosquitos start to appear and feed on whatever warm mammal they can find all night long.  Like little vampires, they huddle out of the sunlight at which time they are vulnerable to insecticide spraying and habitat destruction.

Neem is used to combat anopheles on multiple levels.
1. When leaves are steeped in water overnight, the resultant solution is an effective, organic, natural insectide for spraying mosquito habitat.  It kills mosquitos while they are resting.
2. Ground dried Neem leaf sprinkled on standing water kills anopheles larvae
3. The trees, as we have learned anecdotally are said to repel mosquitos in a radius of 100 meters in all directions.  SEE VIDEO HERE.
4. Rubbing Neem oil on the skin will repel mosquitos.
5. If one comes down with malaria, a decoction of Neem leaf as a tea virtually eliminates symptoms overnight.  For children, the strength of the tea must be intentional - very weak for children under a year old and progressively stronger at older age levels.

Anopheles and Plasmodium are the enemies.  We know how to kill them.  Let us come out from behind our nets or our "Oh, well." atttitude and aggressively kill these critters where they live.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ANOPHELES.  Thanks to the CDC for info and to Nat Geo for the photo.

Legal Standing of The Neem Initiative

Often when people hear about projects in Africa, they think only of Nigerian scams.  The West has heard so many negative stories coming out of Africa, everything seems suspicious.  So, just to be clear, I want to present the legal standing of The Neem Initiative (TNI) in Uganda and how it is organized.

Rev. Dr. Tumuheirwe

TNI is a New Development Initiative for Juna Amagara Ministries which is a registered NGO in the Republic of Uganda and is recognized in the U.S. as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.  Juna Amagara means "Saving Life" in the local language and, since 2004, has taken care of nearly 1,000  of the neediest AIDS orphans in Southwest Uganda.  The ministry runs schools, health clinics, and children's homes in four locations.  The ABIDE young people's leadership training program operates nationwide.  JAM is a Ugandan-run organization under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Ben Tumuheirwe who holds a PhD from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL.

Every year, as part of the government's scrutiny of NGOs, reviewers look for enthusiasm and vision to grow beyond existing levels... they ask "How can you do more?"   That's where TNI comes in.   Building on the Juna Amagara passion for

TNI Managing Director Obadiah Monday

saving life and especially for children, an effort to stop the scourge of malaria fits perfectly with the ministry's charter.  The organizations share resources and personnel.  For example: TNI Managing Director Obadiah Monday works to build Neem infrastructure but he also manages the child sponsorship program in Kayanja Village.  TNI and JAM operate as autonomous organizations, each with its own operating constitution but all finances are overseen by a qualified Internal Auditor and are reported annually to the government.

Juna Amagara Ministries is a Christian organization in a Christian country but the services provided touch people of all faiths.  There are no restrictions for services or employment based on religion, tribal affiliation, gender or age.  There is no effort to "convert" non-Christians away from their faith.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health and the King of the Bunyoro/Kitara have expressed enormous confidence in TNI based on the accomplishments, reputation and commitment of Juna Amagara.  One observer recently said..."TNI and JAM... it's a marriage made in heaven."  Amen.

Neem Growers in Uganda Ready to Transplant 12,000 Seedlings

Our first crop of Neem trees is being transplanted in the Kibaale District of Uganda.  This is quite an achievement as there was virtually no program  year ago.  Dr. Obadiah Monday and Rev. Apuuli Brown Patrick have spent much time talking to villagers, organizing farmers and managing workers to clear fields and make seed beds.  And now, as promised, TNI has paid the farmers for their labor on a per-seedling basis, and the tiny trees are ready to become forests.

Meanwhile, more than 400 trees from our original test batch of Neem seeds are growing fast and strong.  These will be our test trees in 2015 when we undertake our landmark study to determine how well Neem trees actually repel anopheles mosquitos.  If we develop conclusive evidence that the trees do have significant repellant capability, we will have the Uganda Ministry of Health, the UN, WHO, CDC and God knows who else clamoring for trees to plant in high-risk villages.  That is our goal.

As we have explained in our Prospectus, by the time the study is complete, the trees being transplanted today will be ready for distribution.  Approximately 2/3 will be distributed while 1/3 will remain in permanent Neem forests.... and tens of thousands of new seedlings will be ready to reinforce the effort after that.

This project is a testimony to the intense vision and work ethic of the Ugandan people.  Lacking automated equipment - plows, drills, diggers... they do it all by hand.  And the work is magnificent.  The hardest part, the getting started, is now done.  Our Ugandan partners know what to do.  I am proud of them all.

Other Uses for Insecticide-Treated Nets

In our prospectus, we make the case that Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITN's) - which are the major malaria weapon the UN, WHO and CDC recommend, are only a partial solution.  Statistics have shown that the 145 million nets handed out have reduced the incidence of malaria over the last 10 years.  But people continue to get sick and die.  Why?  There isn't enough infrastructure in the world to get nets into the hands of all needy people.  

Keeping chickens is easier with UN-provided bed nets

Even for those who do receive nets, the devices are often used for other purposes.  We know of cases where nets are used to catch fish in Lake Victoria.  Nets are used as hammocks to hold vegetables or dry beans.  They are used to screen windows... which at least may prevent some contact with mosquitos.  In this photo, received here yesterday, a man uses his net as a way to corral his chickens... and this while two of his children are suffering with malaria.

What gives?  Why aren't people walking miles to beg for ITN's?  The answer is complicated but can be summarized by three facts.  First, nets are foreign objects to subsistence farmers.  Motivating these people to work the temporary devices into their way of life that hasn't changed for centuries is not easy.  Second, "poor Africa" has learned that a gift from the West comes with strings attached, such as: we will give you aid if you strike down your laws against homosexuality.  This has been going on for decades.  The receiving nations and their people just do not see an acceptable quid pro quo with nets.  And third, these are people who have been living with the reality of malaria forever.  It is regarded a lot like the flu - it happens - most people will survive.

So nets are a weapon in the fight against malaria.  So is spraying.  And so is Neem.  As one Minister of Health said, "We will use anything... I don't care if it's moon dust... to rid ourselves of this scourge."  Neem trees offer the best and greatest hope for the future.  You will read more about that in future posts.  Thx for reading.  Pls feel free to comment on this post or e-mail me with questions:  neemjournalist@gmail.com
  

Join My Crowdrise Fundraiser for TNI

Front page of Crowdrise Fundraiser

We are in fundraising mode for The Neem Initiative and so I invite you to join my fundraiser at Crowdrise.com.  CLICK HERE to go there where you will get an executive overview of the endeavor and will also see some photos of our progress.

PLEASE DONATE - We need your participation and we are grateful for any and all amounts.  As Crowdrise says: "If you don't give back, no one will like you." 
Besides, if you've ever wanted to save the world, here's your chance:  consider joining my team.  You'll see it's easy and is a way to multiply the number of people we are reaching with our message.  Pass this along to your Facebook friends.  Post it on Linked-In.  Tweet away!  Please send comments about how we can raise funds faster and bigger.  And thanks for your interest in The Neem Initiative.  Whether you donate or not, you are now a Neemist.  Welcome aboard.  

Huge Market for Neem Oil, Leaves, Bark

Neem products from The Vitamin Shoppe or Amazon

I know you want to hear about Neem as a preventative for malaria, but it is also important to know that, by growing Neem trees, we are not only improving the health of people throughout Uganda but are also providing an economic benefit.  Some of the trees we grow will be planted near houses; others will be planted in forests for product harvesting.  But even those trees next to houses will yield by-products that people can use or sell.

As an example of the variety of products using Neem, check out this page from The Vitamin Shoppe.  There are hundreds of products offered for sale here.  Personally, I'm taking the Neem leaf tabs three times a day because research has shown that Neem fights infections of all types - also headaches and muscle aches.  So far it's working beautifully.  I'm thinking on my next trip to Uganda, I'll skip the malaria meds and just keep taking my Neem.

Come join the Neemists.  Your body will be glad you did... and so will the people in the new Neem Industry in Uganda.  Email me with questions:  neemjournalist@gmail.com.

The Neem Initiative - A Bold, Crazy Idea

The Neem Initiative Prospectus

Welcome to the first post for Neem News Today.  This is the place you want to be to keep track of the amazing progress being made by The Neem Initiative in Uganda, E. Africa and benefits of Neem being felt around the world.

Malaria kills a million people a year, mostly in Africa.  The UN, WHO, CDC and most of the Ministers of Health in African nations are using the insecticide-treated bed net as the solution.  Nets help but they will not solve the problem and, in some cases, cause more problems than they solve... like cancer and emphysema.

But there is a tree called Neem that will repel malaria-carrying mosquitos.  Plant one next to your house and you are safe for 100 meters in all directions.  It is a miracle.  It is a phenomenon.  And it's been around for more than 4,000 years.  There are many more malaria-fighting benefits... and many more medical benefits of Neem.  You can read all about them in the prospectus we have created.  Click HERE to download.

The Neem Initiative is a wacky, crazy, out-of-the-blue idea that started with a non-Ugandan, non-scientist, non-public-health-expert who simply asked "what if?"  Yet The Ugandans in one district are working mightily making the project happen.  You will read more about their courage and their energy here.  I hope you visit often and SUBSCRIBE.  All comments are welcome.  Let us know what you think.