Day 20: Dairy Data

Hi guys!

After my hardy breakfast of toast with jam, strawberries, and banana muffin I was ready for the day! Mikhel and Dr. Kefana came to pick up Hannah and I around 9:15 this morning. Dr. Kefana told us that we would first stop at the National Dairy Database before heading to Debre Zeit to meet one his enumerators (data collector).

So, we travelled to Akaki which was right in between Addis and Debre Zeit. We stopped at another research institute (I didn't see the official name) and went to the building that housed the National Dairy Database. No one from the database was around but the leader of the National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC) was able to meet us. NAIC has been working closely with the African Dairy Genetic Gains project since the beginning. He was able to sit down with us and go over exactly what the codes and the data meant. He also copied all the Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) dairy data and email it to me so I could access the farmer's data that I will be working with. He was very kind and said that I could ask any questions or get more data if need be.

Next, we went on our way to Debre Zeit. Debre Zeit was actually called Bishoftu. Debre Zeit was actually referring to the agriculture research facility but now Bishoftu is very commonly referred to Debre Zeit because of the popularity of the research center. We stopped at a cafe and met the Debre Zeit enumerator. Because there is not internet out in fields, he was using the cafe's internet to upload the data collected to the server for the National Dairy Database. The enumerator's name is Muhammed and seemed very kind and eager to have someone with him to collect data. We exchanged numbers and shared our work plan. So far, we plan to go to Debre Zeit on Monday and Tuesday, and then visit other farms on Wednesday.

When we returned, it was already passed our normal lunch times so Hannah and I went to the Zebu Club to get a piece of cake and cappuccino. While we were chatting, a scientist by the name of Dr. Azage came and sat down with us. He is the head director of the LIVES project here at ILRI as well as working administratively with Boni, the lady we met the other day. He was pleased to meet us and shared some tips with us. He encouraged us to go out and just talk with everyone and not be shy. He wants us to stay connected with everyone here at ILRI and just really have fun while doing our work. He was the one that recommended that we visit the 'bush' or the countryside with him on Wednesdays.

I am so glad to be getting to know so many people. They are all so welcoming to us and they are glad we are here. I cannot wait to visit farms and meet the farmers. Dr. Azage said they get excited when foreigners come and want to share what they have no matter how little. I think that is definitely something as Americans, we can learn from. No matter what these people have, they want to share and make sure everyone is welcome.

Cultural Knowledge
On our way to Debre Zeit, Dr. Kefana shared some cultural knowledge with us. He asked what we noticed. Right away; old cars, poor people, and poor roads. The reason why few people own new cars is due to the 300% tax. He said the cars are cheaper in Kenya but it is illegal to bring them in because security will catch you. He didn't say too much about the pot-holes every 5ish feet but he simply said that they had poor roads and he wished they were better. As for the people, jobs are not quite readily available and this lifestyle is all that these people know. He also mentioned that Ethiopia has one of the best securities. If there is a terrorist, they will be caught on the spot because they are quite good.

                                                                                             (Yes, that is plastic bottles...)

Guys, I just can't even describe Ethiopia. The pictures don't do it justice enough of its beauty and its turmoil. There are so many things I have seen throughout the city and the country and its not even comparable to the U.S. 

Please reach out to me if there are any questions. I have been here for almost 3 weeks now and I really want to share my experiences and the culture but some of it is hard to put into blog format. Do not be afraid to ask! Thanks so much!