TIGRAY DAY 3
I spent most of today with Mered at the St Michael watershed projects. I learnt and saw far too much for a blog to do justice to.
In a nutshell the project is about motivating the 1750 people in the area to change they way they live in order to improve their environment, income and living conditions. This is being done by helping them with expertise, training and investment.
So before their only access to water was an unreliable open stream (that vanished in times of drought). Now they have built a system of channels and dams that enable more water to be captured, with a separate distribution system for drinking water through pipes leading to taps which are no more than 30 minutes walk from each home.
They now have an irrigation system allowing for crop diversification, giving wider income opportunities. Tomatoes, peppers, chillies, onions and sesame oil are just some of the new output.
There is now a local school for 7 to 9 year olds, built by the community, funded by the Government (but with REST providing rainwater harvesting capability - South East England take note!)
There is much, much more - and I am seeing 2 more watersheds tomorrow. Only 8% of the Wereda region in Tigray are currently benefiting from this approach, so although some areas do not have the topography for similar projects there is still a lot more to be done. The community has responded tremendously to the change - so much so that they are the envy of their neighbours.
My other thought to day is that most Tigrains have no concept of our lives. Even Mered has never left Ethiopia. Most will see little or no TV. However for some reason I've yet to discover they are mad about Arsenal! If a game is on a TV somewhere there is a mad rush to get a view! So if anyone has any connection with Arsenal please let them know that they have a wonderful opportunity to nurture many thousands of fans!!
Mike
I spent most of today with Mered at the St Michael watershed projects. I learnt and saw far too much for a blog to do justice to.
In a nutshell the project is about motivating the 1750 people in the area to change they way they live in order to improve their environment, income and living conditions. This is being done by helping them with expertise, training and investment.
So before their only access to water was an unreliable open stream (that vanished in times of drought). Now they have built a system of channels and dams that enable more water to be captured, with a separate distribution system for drinking water through pipes leading to taps which are no more than 30 minutes walk from each home.
They now have an irrigation system allowing for crop diversification, giving wider income opportunities. Tomatoes, peppers, chillies, onions and sesame oil are just some of the new output.
There is now a local school for 7 to 9 year olds, built by the community, funded by the Government (but with REST providing rainwater harvesting capability - South East England take note!)
There is much, much more - and I am seeing 2 more watersheds tomorrow. Only 8% of the Wereda region in Tigray are currently benefiting from this approach, so although some areas do not have the topography for similar projects there is still a lot more to be done. The community has responded tremendously to the change - so much so that they are the envy of their neighbours.
My other thought to day is that most Tigrains have no concept of our lives. Even Mered has never left Ethiopia. Most will see little or no TV. However for some reason I've yet to discover they are mad about Arsenal! If a game is on a TV somewhere there is a mad rush to get a view! So if anyone has any connection with Arsenal please let them know that they have a wonderful opportunity to nurture many thousands of fans!!
Mike
posted by Mike Coote @ 6:07 PM
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