Why are they burning the mountainside? Because it is believed, and partially true, that burning any vegetation present will encourage a fresh growth of grass to sprout and feed their livestock. However, in the middle of the dry season a slight breeze will char huge sections, beyond their intended area. This scorched ground promotes drought as all moisture is depleted and no transpiration through photosynthesis takes place. In addition, wildlife lose their habitat, having no cover to protect themselves. The loss of vegetation also adds to the already horrendous erosion problem this country suffers. When the rains come, much of that exposed soil washes away.
One day several weeks ago classes were cancelled for grades 5-12 so the student body and teachers could go into the mountains and encourage farmers to stop burning. I was really excited that the school (teachers) cared enough to allow time from their schoolwork to spread this important message.
I tagged along with one of the 10 groups that was dispersed throughout the mountainside. As we walked, the students chanted their message in a call and response. As they passed farmers, several spokespeople would approach them and share their mission. Everyone seemed to listen respectfully, but I wondered what they were really thinking.
The hike wasn't easy; in some sections there was no established path and we would have to grab any vegetation available to pull ourselves up the steep slopes. I had no grounds to complain though - I wasn't wearing a skirt or tread-less plastic shoes, as most of the female students were.
After about 4 hours of hiking deep into the mountain ravine, we began the trek back to the school. As we got to a clearing directly across from where we started, we looked up to see smoke rising in the exact place where we had climbed just 3 hours earlier! Within minutes, the wind had fueled the fire to engulf a huge section of the hillside. You'll be able to see the progression in the photos…this occurred in about 3 minutes! We saw the red flames and could hear the brush crackling. It was surreal to realize that we had just been in that very place. I had been witnessing these fires on the mountain from the safety and security of Project Mercy for the past 2 months. Now it really hit home to truly experience the devastation of fire. Thankfully, there were no homes or lives in immediate danger, but I'm afraid it's only a matter of time.
Afterwards, I talked to some of the teachers about the responses they received from the local farmers. Most everyone understood and agreed that burning can instigate a drought and many felt that a drought was eminent. They believed that those who burned should be punished, but there is no enforcement. Apparently the regional supervisor himself was burning!
Most people in this community are not naïve to the consequences of what they're doing. However, their lives depend on those hillsides and they can't think about the long-term effects of their actions when they're hungry today. And if burning can give them immediate benefits, as they believe it does, that's what they'll do. God instructs us in Genesis 2:15 to take care of what He's made. As annoyed and frustrated as I may be at the devastation they're bringing to their land, I've never been in a situation where I wasn't sure if there would be food tomorrow. This is a mindset that will take a long time to change. However, it's extremely encouraging to see this generation of students take a stand. Many students were visiting their own families and probably didn't have the courage to speak up to their parents on their own. Pray that these people can learn to have hope in a future and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
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