Because of our contacts and networks in Tanzania we were approached by two companies who had a concept design for what was originally to be a disaster relief project for off-grid communities.  However, knowing Louise's close connections in Arusha and Tanzania they asked if we would be interested in trialling this in situ in Tanzania, near Lengijave.

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The concept builds on technologies that have been tried and tested but utilising them in a different way.  It will enable pods to be placed in the area with aeroponic planting systems in a controlled environment so that the community will have food regardless of drought, flash flood or disease in crops.  Solar power will be utilised as well as, long term, waste from the crops or animals producing bio-fuel and power.  The plant can also purify water so the communities will be able to access clean water and excess power will also be fed into the community.  If six of these pods are put together it would produce a mini-power station for the community.  The land between the pods will be cultivated as usual however we would plant other plants between to reclaim the soil and to enrich it, as there is a lot of soil erosion in the area due to wind and evaporation so planting techniques will be worked through.

Louise has already made contact with and visited the two universities in Arusha and has visited Grimsby Institute where initial research was carried out with the companies involved.  Louise went to the Agri-tech event with representatives from the businesses and Grimsby Institute to pitch for funding for this poject and it is the intention that the consortium will submit for funding streams to get this out to Tanzania.

It is the intention that most of the equipment and materials will be sourced in Tanzania leading to input into their economy and workforce, as employment is extremely low.  We also hope to encourage schools to get involved as an additional resource for them for their curriculum but to also engage the students in the technology to be able to expand and develop the system over time.  Also, it would be good to get communication between the university in Arusha and the secondary schools especially to build up links to help with education.

This project has the potential to de-salinate water should sea water be utilised if the system expanded across Tanzania and it has the ability to increase the yield for farmers and communities thereby allowing extra to be sold on.  There is facility for a chiller/freezer pod to be attached to the pod system to keep food fresh.  The actual equipment will be de-indusrialised to make it easy for communities to maintain and replace equipment and we have just secured another meeting with DfID to discuss this project.  We have Memorandi of understanding already in place with all partners so can start the project just as soon as funds are secured.  Any companies that may wish to contribute, please do get in touch.

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