Windmill Video

Domestic Well

Last week on Friday we installed a water pump into a domestic well. This is the second pump we have installed for domestic use, and the first that will be shared and used by a village community. (The other domestic pump is used by an individual in a village setting).

Almost 3 weeks ago, the chief at Mziza approached the AWP coordinator in his village asking if the it is possible to use the pump to draw water from their domestic well. We knew it was possible, and had plans to install one in some village at some time. What better time than now, when we have been invited to do so by the chief?

We had a crowd around as we began the installation. The usual suspects where there: club chairman, club members, village chiefs, and a whole bunch of interested kids. There was little need to do in-depth training, since some of these guys have installed their own pumps before. The club members have agreed to help the community get used to the new pump and keep an eye on any maintenance issues.
The pump will help keep the well clean. But the responsibility still falls to the community to make sure that their drinking water is safe. It doesn't matter how hard you try, if cows are drinking this close to the well, it will be contaminated.

Training Day II

Continuing the farmers' training, we held classroom sessions at Chibanzi village last week. The topics again focused on leadership, advanced planning, setting goals, and teamwork.
Club members were asked to brainstorm goals for their farming activities, and make plans that they thought would achieve their goals. The club as a whole was able to set its rules and responsibilities for members.The trainings we have conducted are showing results in the field. Many farmers who were showing reservations about the project became motivated to invest their time in their gardens. Farmers have responded by mulching their crops, visiting other gardens, working as a team on nursery demonstrations, and sharing their goals and plans with the group. They seem to be convinced that the new technology is a great opportunity for them to develop their irrigated gardens.