Grow Clean Food & Harvest Water in Rural Oaxaca

As part of our methodology of valuing felt needs as opposed to mere charity, we have undertaken an extensive participatory diagnosis of the local community surrounding the Tonantzin Tlalli Insitute in Ejutla, Oaxaca. The purpose of this action is to evaluate the needs, living conditions, capacities, and natural resources existing within the households of 10 local families. These families live in poor to extremely poor conditions, yet because of their closeness to the ITT and the personal relationships we share with many of them, we consider this step as an essential approach to sustainable community development. The participatory diagnosis revealed the main concerns of the local community: access to clean water, equipment for cultivating their "milpas" (three sisters maize cropping design), water pumps, areas for planting fruit trees and edible plants, and livestock management. Highest on the list of needs was the lack or insufficient availability of electrical energy. In response to this concern, we are taking actions to promote solar energy appropriate technologies such as solar cookers, dehydrators, solar water heaters and bicycle energy. We have an upcoming workshop on building wind turbines that can combine with solar energy to provide electricity in the area. This workshop will be in facilitated in conjunction with engineers from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and will unite small farmers, students, engineers, and local community members in a one of a kind hands on workshop to strengthen the communities selfsufficiency in energy needs. This workshop requires much preparation and gathering of materials. We have received a grant to cover most costs, however we are looking for addition funds to offer scholarships. Donations are a direct way of providing an opportunity for a small farmer to participate in this workshop, and ultimately, that is our goal - to create living and learning opportunities for the most underpriviledged communities to gain selfsufficiency, not only in energy neds, but also in water, food, and shelter. We would be happy to connect you with the individual who receives your donation to participate in the workshop. GRACIAS for your continued support of our programs that regenerate the Oaxacan landscape and restore dignity to small farming communities.

Indigenous and small farming communities in Ejutla, Oaxaca, face daily challenges of satisfying their most basic needs of access to clean water, healthy food and sustainable energy sources. Although Oaxaca has the highest biodiversity of any state in Mexico, the extreme poverty rates are among the highest in the nation. Thus, the challenge GRUPEDSAC faces is teaching communities how to become self-sufficient while showing earth stewardship with long term sustainability in mind.

Sustainable community development initiatives at the Instituto Tonantzin Tlalli have benefited 10 families in Ejutla through hands-on workshops to install rainwater catchment systems, biointensive gardens, and fuel efficient stoves in their homes. Each family is required to have at least 5 family members participate in the hands-on training, with the understanding that they in turn will train other community members.

The improvements in quality of life have been enormous – women burn 50% less wood and get 75% better fuel efficiency with their new stoves, 6 of the 10 families will now have a secure water source for the 8 dry months of the year (the glory of rainwater!), and the organic cultivation of local, highly nutritious crops will improve the diets of women and children suffering from malnutrition.

We greatly appreciate your feedback and look forward to sharing your enthusiasm with the communities directly benefited from your generosity and belief in the power of sustainable solutions. Gracias!