This project has been completed under the technical direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jolene Valdez. To read about the beginning of this project, CLICK HERE.
The project called for the purchase and installation a generator-powered water pump and piping, to be used for irrigation of the growing crops of the village.
Two Ethiopians, former members of the community, matched the funds from Appropriate Projects to help pay for the pump and hoses. With the help of Jolene, they proceeded to deliver the materials train locally-elected men to use the pump, and support the group through planting the seedlings.
Jolene reports:
The 25 families who live in this rural village worked together in order to prepare and implement the vision they shared. The goal of developing a sustainable community vegetable garden that would also serve as an income-generating project came to life.
The women worked on the land by first cleaning up, pulling up large roots and turning the land. The men dug out irrigation trenches and helped carry in their new supplies (seedlings, water pump, and hoses) across the Awash River via raft.
She further reports:
I returned for one last visit where I was shown the plots of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, onions, beans, lettuce and corn. The farmers have been trained in methods to use to prevent soil erosion and to rotate vegetables and beans to enrich the soil.
On behalf of Jolene and the community, we wish to again thank Basil Englis for his generous donation that led to this successful project.
