Fencing - dealing with wind and animals.

There is no farm with a proper fence in Bope. There may be paucity of resources to build a 'dead' fence, but the villagers could certainly grow a 'live' fence with just a little effort. Neither they have any inclination to do it, nor do they consider the acknowledged fact that a fence would provide them protection against strong winds and the animals. It seems they don't need one... I don't know why... Perhaps they have no program for the animal pasture or sheds... They have enough manpower to watch the fields...It will ever remain a mistry to me. I have asked this question to a few villagers. They wear a typical look that can be interpreted any which way. 'Kashala Paije? (Why do I need it?)

I venture to explain... See the animals eat up your crops. You will have to make extra efforts to guard the crops. Strong winds too can damage crops...

They seem to be thinking deeply, perhaps agreeing with my views. Suddenly, they spit, and then nod with a smiling face, as if knowingly... BUT that's about all. No further question or expression. As if I had raised a 'non' issue... perhaps they think I will get tired of building a fence on the 4 km periphery.... They don't discourage me though... They're looking forward to some employment perhaps.

With this background I have proceeded with growing my fence. With the evident lethargy amongst villagers, I have hired contract labour through a 'taut' who claims to have completed many such 'projects'. As I have now come to know, he has sub contracted the job involving making 1'x1' channel on the periphery, filling it up with the silt from nearby river bank, and plant the Agave and other plants.

The channel took about 15 days. It is a fairly good job. The five workers have worked from sun rise to sun set without rest save the lunch. Quite surprisingly, the tout's subcontractors turned out to be an experienced lot.