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Radio Scripts

Radio Scripts

Package 50, Script 6
November 1998

Growing Coffee with Shade Trees: A Conversation

Characters

Anna : farmer
Maria : farmer
Simon : Anna's son

PART I

SCENE: Bus stop

Maria is waiting at the bus stop. She sees her old friend, Anna.

Maria: Anna, how nice to see you! It's been such a long time.

Anna : Yes, it has. It's good to see you, too. How is your family?

Maria : Very well. And your family, Anna?

Anna : Oh, not so good, I'm afraid. My oldest son, Simon, is sick today. We think he is sick from the pesticides he used to spray the coffee. He doesn't like to wear his protective clothing in the hot weather.

Maria: I'm very sorry to hear that. Do you use a lot of pesticides on your coffee plants?

Anna: Yes. We must. We have made some changes on our farm since I saw you last. An extension worker advised us to clear the land and plant high?yielding varieties of coffee in full sun. We grow only coffee now. We use chemical fertilizers, and apply pesticides regularly to manage pests. It's a lot of work, but we have larger yields than many of our neighbours who use shade trees. But now, we have different problems. You remember John, my brother?

Maria : Yes.

Anna: He got sick last year from the pesticides. And, three years ago, we did not make any money because of the drought . But we have survived. However, you must know about these problems. You grow coffee, too, don't you?

Maria : Yes, but we still grow coffee the way our parents taught us, under shade trees.

Anna : But you could make so much more money if you didn't use shade trees.

Maria : We thought about changing our method a few years ago. But we decided not to. I think we made the right choice. Growing coffee the traditional way has many advantages. For example, the drought that you spoke of did not affect us very much. Our shade trees help to keep moisture in the soil.

Anna : But are you growing only coffee now?

Maria : No, we plant a variety of crops in layers. Coffee is the bottom layer. The next layer is fruit trees. We grow banana, citrus and avocado trees. The top layer is hardwood trees. Much of the top two layers of trees have been there for many years. These layers protect the coffee plants from getting too much sun. This is especially important in dry periods. And the trees reduce soil erosion during heavy rains. When the leaves fall they form a natural mulch. This adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. We plant yams and other vegetables on the ground surrounding the coffee. So, even during the drought when there was less coffee, we harvested firewood, fruits and vegetables.

Anna : But what about pests? We used to have terrible pest problems. We have hardly any pests on our coffee after spraying our crops with pesticides.

Maria : Yes, but look at the new problems you have with spraying! Your family is getting sick. I have heard of people who have died from pesticide poisoning.

Anna: So, do you just ignore the pests?

Maria : No. The trees that we use attract a lot of good insects such as beetles, wasps and spiders. These good insects eat the harmful pests. Birds in the trees also eat pests. Maybe we have to weed more, but it is not too hard. At least we are not getting sick from pesticides!

Anna: You know, I miss the variety of crops we used to have on our farm. And I miss the birds chatting above my head. We haven't seen many birds on our land since we cleared it for planting coffee.

Maria: That might be because you don't have enough trees. Birds live in the forest . But, I think you have a more urgent problem right now. I hope you will take Simon to the health clinic to make sure he doesn't have pesticide poisoning.

Anna : That's a good idea. I'll go right away.

Maria : Would you like me to meet you there?

Anna : That would be wonderful, if you have the time.

PART II

SCENE: Health clinic waiting room

Maria and Anna sit together waiting for Simon. He comes out of the clinic.

Anna: How do you feel Simon?

Simon: [groaning] Oh, a little better. The doctor said my sickness was definitely caused by the pesticides. He gave me some medicine to help me feel better. I will be sure to wear all my protective clothing the next time I spray pesticide on the coffee. I don't want to feel like this again!

Anna : Well, I'm glad. We should thank my old friend Maria here. She suggested I take you to the clinic.

Maria : Don't thank me. I'm just glad Simon is all right.

Simon : Thank you.

Anna: Maria has been telling me about their farm where they grow coffee the way we used to, under shade trees. We won't have to use pesticides if we return to this method of growing coffee. It is a better environment for all, I believe.

Simon: Well, we should go home and discuss it.

Anna : Yes. Maria, thank you so much for your company and conversation. Please give my regards to your husband and children. You have really made me think about growing coffee the traditional way.

Maria: I am happy to help. Say a warm hello to your family. Simon, I hope you have a fast recovery.

Simon: Thank you. I hope so too.

Anna: Bye.

Maria : Take care.

Acknowledgements

This script was written by Belinda Bruce, Assistant Editor, Developing Countries Farm Radio Network, Toronto, Canada. It was researched with the help of Anna Palarmachuk, Toronto, Canada. It was reviewed by Joseph Lindsay, Soil Scientist, Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute, University of West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.

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