Benin Project Finds Solar Energy May Ease Hunger During Dry Seasons

Benin Project Finds Solar Energy May Ease Hunger During Dry Seasons

By Uma Ramiah
Dakar
21 May 2008

Ramiah report - Download (MP3) audio clip
http://www.voanews.com/mediaassets/english/2008_05/Audio/Mp3/LCR%20Ramiah%20Benin%20Solar%20Energy%2021May08.Mp3">Ramiah report - Listen (MP3) audio clip

A year-old project in Benin has shown that harnessing the power of sunlight could provide long-term solutions to hunger in underdeveloped nations. A six-month dry season in the Kalale District of Benin used to wreak havoc on farming villages. Now, with solar technology, according to those working on the project, it brings flourishing crops. Uma Ramiah has more from our West Africa bureau in Dakar.

Moumouni Chabi Sika is happy to explain that today, in Kalale, people have vegetables all year round. Soon, he says, they will also have electricity for their schools and medical clinics.

Sika is a member of a local development group called by its French acronym ADESCKA. He says that before, people in the Kalale district were struggling to feed themselves during a long and hard dry season.

But now, they are talking about how their produce can help feed Benin, and eventually, even be exported to other West African countries.

In August of 2007, water pumps and drip irrigation systems were installed in two villages in the Kalale district of Benin. Powered by energy harnessed from the sun, the systems provide running water and irrigation for farming.

...