At Christmas, 2017, a tractor was presented to the village of Mloka, in fulfilment of a promise made by Baker & Sons Safari Company to the farmers of the area. Rufiji District officials were on hand to accept the tractor, as were the media to record the day. The whole village was invited to a cow and spiced-rice feast. From the least to the greatest, a feast was shared in common, politician and farmer alike in keeping with the occasion.
Mloka, the last outpost before the Selous Game Reserve, consists mainly of farmers who tend to the rich soil of the Rufiji River floodplains during the dry season and farm higher ground on the wet season. They farm corn, rice, watermelon, cashews, and okra to name some. Without modern equipment and techniques, these farmers generally yield a low harvest. Add to that the reality of contending against raiding troops of baboons, foraging bush pigs, and the nocturnal elephant, and life as a farmer in rural wild East Africa is both intriguing and challenging.
Along with the tractor presentation, Baker & Sons through friends of East Africa River Mission opened The Rufiji Lighthouse, a place where visiting volunteer teachers could meet eager students from the village, tourists with locals, to serve and be served.
