Colonization and Migration
I found the stronger political focus of Mazingira’s work refreshing. Indeed, in a broader context, the political activism
around food issues in Kenya appears to be much more engaged than what I see across Canada. In 2010, a new Constitution was passed in the country, including an extensive Bill of Rights section, which legitimizes rights to things like food, water, sanitation, and housing. There is also a greater focus on civic and political engagement in all of the seven organizations that I have met with here. And certainly, in conversations with friends, store owners, and drivers, I sense a more vibrant understanding and mobilization around social issues. I know not to see any scenario through rose coloured
glasses though; certainly, three weeks is not enough to understand issues as great as these. It’s also clear that the challenges faced within these more self-sufficient models are still vast. While talking with the Mazingira staff about the impact of their programs, they name serious challenges faced by many of their participants. Land distribution is a huge issue, hence NEFSALF’s focus on discussing ways to access land (including land on school, church and community grounds) and their partnership with groups like NACHU, Kenya’s National Cooperative Housing Union, where participants have the potential to access cooperatively owned lands. Similarly, accessing start-up grants and financial capital for new farm businesses can be challenging, especially for women who often don’t have the necessary land deeds in their names to qualify for government grant programs. I leave my meeting with Mazingira with a new set of questions: Are my perceptions of greater advocacy and civic engagement correct? If so, how and why is this the case? How will this play out with the governmental commitments laid out in the new Constitution? And what are the mechanisms to overcome the challenges they outlined, especially for female agricultural entrepreneurs? I also leave filled with inspiration. What makes
organizations like Mazingira and The Stop unique is the way they operate. Both have a commitment to dignity and human rights; each embodies a comprehensive approach to these issues; and, both operate from a place of community interest. As I get ready to head back to Kenya in 2013, I look forward to connecting more with Mazingira, learning more about their model, and engaging in the many in-depth discussions I know will come.
// Elizabeth Fraser spent the last three years working with
both The Stop Community Food Centre and Community Food Centres Canada, in Toronto, Ontario. She would like to thank Rooftops Canada for their influential role in creating connections with the Mazingira Institute and other food- related NGOs in Kenya.
VEGAN
HEMP SEED BEAN SALAD
With Canadian Red Cross & Chef Doug McNish
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil • 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice • 2 tbsp (30 mL) dried parsley flakes • 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each: chili powder, garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) paprika • Salt + pepper to taste • 14-oz (398-mL) can beans, preferably organic (such as butter beans, cannellini beans, small red beans), drained, rinsed • 1/2 cup (125 mL) shelled hemp seeds
In mixing bowl, whisk oil, lemon, parsley, cumin, chili, garlic and paprika. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add beans and hemp seeds. Toss well. Adjust seasoning as desired. If preferred, refrigerate until ready to serve to let flavours blend. Makes 2 main or 4 side servings.
// Vegan Chef Doug McNish is an award-winning author of the book, Eat Raw, Eat Well. For more information and this recipe and others, visit the Red Cross Talks Blog.
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