Conservation and renewable energy: helping remote villages join the development of the nation

Vigorous participation in development requires a special state of mind.  People must keep their present practice going as it is feeding their children and providing for their basic needs. Yet they are exposed to a wider world and know their standard of living, the health of their families, and their prospects for a more abundant future can be better.

We have to respect the tension in the people’s experience.  They need to be supported as they ask themselves “how can we preserve what gives us security and identity, and yet be open to the life improvements that we are coming to know through our contact with the rest of the world?”  

The ICSEE helps solve the issues that arise at the intersection of security in tradition and improved life and health through progress. We form partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations and the people they connect with in remote areas.   Our projects have a dual character. First, we and the people in the villages find actions that protect the environment and improve health.  Then, in recognition of the villages efforts, we provide a breakthrough in technology that is a quantum jump in quality of life and standard of living.

Solar energy for lighting homes in remote villages and the reduction of health-damaging indoor air pollution.

Case Study: The Maasai

Building on our ‘Village Projects International’ implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Eritrea, and Zanzibar, the ICSEE is now engaged with four Maasai villages in the Monduli Mountains, Tanzania.  

Fuel efficient stoves with flues are first built in the village and purchased by households for about US$8.00. These stoves save labor, conserve the environment, and dramatically cut the dangers of respiratory health problems in the homes which are very smokey.

In recognition of this effort for conservation and carbon emission reduction, the village earns household-scale solar energy systems consisting of a photovoltaic panel, two bulbs, cell phone charger, battery and charge controller. This means light in the day and night, children reading, family care going on without kerosene and open fires for light.   Four stoves earn the village one solar system. Local stove building and solar installation and maintenance teams are trained and equipped. School teachers and children are provided with new science and technology for their study.

By February, 2010, 1,000 stoves will be built and 250 solar systems installed.

There are many villages where this project has been implemented, but the ICSEE is particularly committed to this work with the Maasai, as there are immediate health implications. This particular modernisation is occurring in an environment where many Maasai cultural practices including pre and post natal care of mothers and children, and circumcision are opening up for discussion. Our project introduces a non-controversial improvement, strengthening the environment for consideration of these more contentious matters.

Case study:  Jongowe Village on Tumbatu Island

Tumbatu Island is a mile from the main island of Zanzibar.  The people of Jongowe village have built hundreds of wood-saving stoves, and in recognition of this have installed over 100 solar lighting systems in their homes.  
 
Recently the government brought standard 240 volt AC electricity into Jongowe but few citizens can afford the cost of installing the service in their homes. With the village, we are inventing a new electrical system that integrates the benefits of the grid electricity with the low cost low voltage direct current service.  Refrigerated buildings are being built near power poles to house and charge 12 volt batteries that can power efficient DC household lighting systems.

Case study: Ghana

In Ghana the ICSEE works with the Institute of Industrial Research and Plan Ghana to measure the environmental, poverty reduction, and health benefits of improved stoves in villages in Northern Ghana.

Based on this research, we are developing a plan in which Ghanaian NGOs can expand the pilot project of 750 improved stoves to 300,000 households. The plan includes funding mechanisms that include governmental and non-governmental participation.

Possibilities for collaborations

The ICSEE is ready to expand this work with governments and organisations throughout the Commonwealth and looks forward to communications to explore possibilities.

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