Our volunteer recently visited the project. The construction of surface water harvesting structure is going on as schedule. It will be filled with water in the coming rainy season. A 30 cubic meter structure is dug, stones are collected, and cements are bought for the structure. We hope to bring a picture of the pond filled with water at the end of the rainy season and lead to sustainable water supply. Our apples that are being watered with buried clay pots one year and 11 months. The fruit trees will be pruned very soon and additional training given to our partners. Our volunteer recently sent us one of the trees starting to give fruit at this young age. This achieved because of the support of volunteers alike. Thank you for your continued support.
Dear supporters and friends,
I visited the pilot project on January 21, 2012. January is the heart of the dry season in northern Ethiopia. Our roof water harvesting systems are getting low and our volunteers are worried. They think that unless we buy water even the efficient clay pot irrigation system might give way. The completion of the underground water harvesting system before the beginning of the rainy season in June will guarantee water for next year.
Despite the drought and increased temperature the efficiency of the clay pot irrigation system is visible. We have captured pictures of apples with flowers and small fruits. They also green in a dry and brown area. People in the village are chatting as to why the plants are not dry. That made the people very optimistic that the system works. Recently I was contacted by the county agricultural extension bureau and told me of their support for this kinds of initiatives. I plant to talk to them and share the information in my next report. Look at the attached pictures for more information.
Thank you for supporting the initiative
Tsegay from Ethiopia.
Our volunteer, A Gebru, visited the victory gardens pilot project and stated that the the rainy season was over two months ago, in September, however, the young apple trees are doing very well. The two water collection tankers were refilled due to one heavy rainfall at the beginning of November. The clay pot irrigaiton system are also saving water as expected. Our on going activity during these dry season is to complete the ground surface water harvesting system that we started in August. Now that the the pond under construction is dry, we plan continue with construction by building inside walls and water proofing it.The pond will be sealed with concrete and cement. It will also be fenced for safety. Once th eunderground water harvesting system is completed the water need of the demosntration site will be saved. We appreciate your continued support to successfully complete our goal of training the students in victory gardens. It is reported that our activities have coincided with the Ethiopian government’s aggressive support to farmers to create a household based water bank to deal with the hazard of climate change in the country.
Thank you for your continued support.
