Akuafo Go Solar

So far Akuafo Go Solar has had a great start in its first plot.

As we continue to develop the model for the solar drip irrigation station, we are also using the rainy season to grow corn and to work towards a row-planting system that will work well with irrigation. We have learned a lot, as always, about the implementation of a new technology in a setting that can so benefit from it. Firstly, we found that tilling is sometimes not possible as the tiller is shared between many communities and carries a fairly steep expense. Without tilling and clearing completely, it is difficult to plant in rows, which is critical for irrigation with drip line. 

As we think through the challenges, we have planted and are growing corn and soy beans during the rainy season to help raise money for the project and to establish a well worked field for the purposes of the irrigation model.

Other tasks in our process include developing partnerships with the local tribal and government authorities as well as growers and local workers (like the welders for the tank stands), who will all advocate for this project as it grows.

We thank you for your support so far and look forward to getting the drip line down once the rainy season is over.

The Akuafo Go Solar Project was just an idea based on good research and practice until our first visit to the land where the initial model will be installed. We can now see the vision starting to take shape. The primary leader on the project, Cameron Tucker, connected with his counterpart Yaw, on the ground at the site and documented the area of the land, reviewed the current ground level water, observed the plantings and walked the perimeter of the land area.

Cameron and Yaw were able to sit and discuss the value of the project to the community and to review conditions for the project. While the scope of the project is focused on irrigation, it also became clear that access to a tractor and tiller would be a great boon to the area. Farmers in this area must get in line to rent a tractor that comes from about an hour away, and so can only till the land every other season, if at all. 

Cameron and Yaw have since gone into research mode to investigate the best surveyor for water levels, drip irrigation and solar suppliers, best initial crops to plant, and more. They will come back together to lay test certain aspects of the model.

Culturally, it is very important to connect with the local chief to request permission to begin a project and to outline the scope of the work so that all community members can know what is happening. Once we complete some simple testing, we will prepare for that meeting, which will be our next step in the process. We hope and expect a favorable response to our proposal and look forward to giving more structure to the vision.

For now, we certainly have verified, based on the initial land survey, and discussion with our top counterpart, that the need for accessible and sustainable irrigation systems is great. We are thrilled to begin the cultural connections and do the on the ground research required to lay the foundation of the model. We so appreciate your support. If you have more expertise in farming, we hope you will connect with us to share your gifts, particularly in the acquisition of. tractor and tiller. We also appreciate your financial and moral support and ask you share this project with those you know. Thanks again!