We planned our next drip irrigation project today. We measured the land above, deciding on tomatoes and onions as the most beneficial crop, as they sell well at local markets.
We also sat down with villagers in Putti to discuss their needs for long term sustainability. With so much work already done in their community, we want to ensure their continued success through self-sufficiency.
They all agreed that they would like to look into electric sewing and carpentry machines. Both wood and clothing sell at high prices in their district. Producing both will allow them to cut costs for their community, while generating profit at local markets. Our contractor is researching the energy needs for such machines, and we hope to provide them with enough electricity to support this source of sustainable income.
Next, we visited all our projects in the area including Putti Primary School and all the individual homes that we have powered with solar energy. As usual, there was singing and dancing. The team has already picked up some Ugandan moves--can’t wait to bring them back to our NY staff.
Six days in and we’re a bit exhausted. Every day has meant hours of interviews, filming, traveling and hiking through the mud of Uganda’s rainy season. But tomorrow there is another installation to complete. We’ll be up and out early, back in the car on the road to Nawampiti.